How to Make a Simple Beginner Hula Hoop

Video transcript

Let's talk about making a simple beginner hoop. This video covers the steps to turn any bare hoop into a taped beginner hoop that is push-button collapsible. We'll be using one color of decorative tape and one color of gaffer tape, both 1-inch width. If you're using a PE hoop with a barbed connector, you'll need to install the connector permanently before taping. If you're using a regular insert with hardware, wait to install the hardware until after you've finished taping the hoop.

Starting with your blank PE hoop, begin with the decorative tape at the connection and find the desired angle for your spiral. This may take a few attempts to get the alignment correct — see our decorative tape video for an in-depth taping tutorial. For this hoop, the goal is to space the spiral slightly less than one inch apart, leaving a blank space between each pass to allow for the gaffer tape. Apply the spiral of decorative tape all the way around the hoop, keeping it consistently spaced at just under one inch. You may need to reposition the tape as you go, and it helps to cut the decorative tape into shorter five- to ten-foot lengths, which are easier to work with at first. Tape all the way around until you reach the start, overlapping about 1.5 inches.

Next, take the 1-inch gaffer tape and apply it the same way: an evenly spaced spiral that covers the bare gaps. The gaffer tape should overlap the edges of the decorative tape, securing it to the hoop while adding weight and grip. Work all the way around to the connection, matching up the ends so they line up evenly, then overlap the ends about 1/2 inch.

Once the taping is done, you're ready to install the hardware. To make the hoop collapsible, find the connection point and gently cut around the seam with a box cutter so the hoop can pull apart. The hardware installation is essentially the same method you'd use for a bare hoop, with a few tricks for taped hoops. Install the rivet on one end as usual. The push-button side is slightly different: drill the hole directly through the tape before installing the push-button, then clean up the drilled hole with a box cutter, trimming any tape that frays. Once the hole is clean, install the push-button. We hope this helps you create beautiful beginner hoops of your own — happy taping!