In order to become an expert balloon twister, there are a few basic methods or steps to follow:
Purchase Balloons and Practice
You can’t twist if you don’t have a balloon!
- Purchase a Pump – There are a number of types of pumps available. Some balloon artists use manual pumps or inflate by mouth, others prefer electric pumps. Here are a couple that I prefer to keep in my bag:
- Basic Pump – A small hand pump for inflating twisting balloons.
- Electric Pump – A professional electric pump for inflating twisting balloons
- Please note: Balloon pumps designed for inflating round balloons typically will NOT work for inflating twisting balloons!
- Purchase Balloons – There are a number of types of balloons in all shapes and sizes . To get started, you will only need the most common twisting balloon size: 260Q
- Sizes: Look at the balloon sizing chart below. The first number corosponds to the diameter of the balloon, the second number corosponds to the length.
Balloon Size (Q) Diameter (inches) Length (inches) 160 Q 1″ 60″ 260 Q 2″ 60″ 350 Q 3″ 50″ 646 Q 6″ 46″ You may want to also purchase round balloons to use in your designs!
- Colors: Balloons come in a variety of colors. Here are some of my favorite bundles:
- Traditional Balloon Colors – Balloons come in a large variety of colors. Beginners should purchase a mixed-bag of colors to get started. Some professional balloon artists may order balloons by colors individually.
- Shiny Balloons – Shiny Balloons are fun, but are typically more difficult to inflate and tie, and are not as forgiving as traditional ballons. Save these for after you’ve had some practive.
- Sizes: Look at the balloon sizing chart below. The first number corosponds to the diameter of the balloon, the second number corosponds to the length.
- Practice – Once you have purchased your gear, its time to practice!
Study Balloon Twisting Techniques
When it comes to balloon twisting, there are some basic twists and concepts you need to know: Inflating, tying, and different types of twists.
- Inflating – Each balloon design requires a precise amount of air. If you over or under-inflate your ballon, you may not be able to complete your design. Figuring out how much to inflate (from a little to all the way) will depend on your design.
Pro tip: Measure the balloon against your arm to keep the length of your balloon designs consistent. - Tying – Once your balloon is inflated it will need to be tied with a single knot. Sometimes knots will tear if you pull them too tight. When tying your knot its a good idea to pull a good amount through in order to have extra length if needed. Some balloon designs, such as a heart, involve tying the two ends together.
- Twisting – When twisting your balloon, do it with purpose and always in the same direction. Make sure you twist the balloon 3-4 times to secure your twists from unwraveling. This may take some practice and don’t get frusterated. The main techniques involves pinching and twisting. You can practice twisting different size bubbles in your balloon and then twisting them together.
- Advanced Techniques – Once you have the basics you can learn some advanced techniques such as how to pinch and twist small bubbles together using the inflated knot, as well as how to twist multiple balloons together without popping. Another advanced technique involves stretching your finger inside the balloon to create an apple-type twist. Sometimes more advanced balloon designs involve pinching and applying gentle pressure to get everything right. Be prepared for a lot of trial and error and don’t be startled by the POPs!
The Big Book of Balloon Art contains more than 100 balloon sculpture designs and is a great way to get started on the concepts of balloon twisting.
Watch YouTube Videos
Once you have your supplies and concepts, its time to put everything into action! Get out your balloons and fire up your favorite YouTube streaming method. Here are some of my favorite channels to get you started:
