How to Make Your Own Hula Hoops

Hula hoops are not that hard to make once you have the right materials. You'll need poly tubing which is generally used for irritation and can be found at hardware or home improvement stores. Plan on making more than one hula hoop since the tubing is normally sold by 100-foot coils which will make about 8 hula hoops.

The perfect hula hoop is usually made from 160 psi, 3/4" diameter but can also be made from 100 psi, 1" diameter. For kids use the 100 psi, 3/4" tube. The 100 psi, 3/4" is the one, though, if you want a lightweight hoop. Other supplies you will need are ratchet PVC cutter, insert connectors (1" tubing, or 3/4", depending upon which hoop you'll make, colored electrical tape, and a blow dryer.

Cut a length of tubing for the size hoop you are making. Hoops are usually about 12" in circumference but can be slightly larger or smaller. Use the rachet PVC cutter, or a sharp hacksaw to make the cut in the tubing. The connectors, found where you purchase the tubing, should be 1" for the 1" diameter tubing or 3/4" for the 3/4" tubing. The connector will hold the two ends of the tubing together on the hoop.

Before inserting the connector place sand, beans, dry peas or other noisemakers in the hoop. This step is optional if you don't want the hoop to make noise. Some things, like sand, can add weight to the hoop that you may not want so use dry beans or rice instead.

To make it easier to attach the connector heat the tube ends with a blow dryer. The tubing becomes more pliable with heat and will give you less trouble when it comes to adding the connector. If you have no dryer you can also use hot water to soak the tubing ends. Wear gloves to hold the hot tubing while applying the connector.

After the ends are heated take a connector and put it on one tubing end then the other. Push the ends together over the connector until you can no longer see the connector. When the connector is correctly positioned and inserted, it is covered completely by the tubes. If you have trouble getting the tubes and connector all together try reheating the tube ends.