What are the Different Types of Balloon Twists used for Balloon Modeling?
Types of Balloon Twists
Just from the simple name, Balloon Twisting, you can already imaging that there are many different types of balloon twists to learn and practice if you are to become a professonal balloon twister. While it is almost impossible to learn these twisting techniques without a video or live teacher, I will make an attempt to break them down and explain them to you as best as I can.
The most basic fundamental types of balloon twists is the Pinch and Twist. When engaging in this type of balloon twist, you are to pinch off the balloon and then twist it through a few rotations, usually 3 to 4 for simple models, to form an isolate bubble. You want to always begin at the end of the balloon nozzle so that the non inflated area is always available to the pinched bubble. This will prevent any pressure buildup inside the balloon bubble and avoid popping.
Next we have the Locking Twist. This type of balloon twist is formed when you create 3 pinch and twists first. This equals to four bubbles with the last bubble being the remainder of the balloon. In order to perform the 'lock' you will have to take the first and third twist and bring them together into another twist. This will caused two bubbles to meet at the ends while the other two bubbles remain free. If you are already into making balloon animals you will recognize the locking twist as the typical dog's head twist. If so then you are probably already aware of the 'security lock' that you can create by passing one of the two free bubbles in between the joined bubbles.
The third most common types of balloon twists is the Fold Twist. This twist goes by many names such as the pinch twist, bean twist or more popularly known as the ear twist because they are used to create an ear looking model. What you do is fold the center section gradually rather than sharply hinging it at a twist. This type of twist is just like the locking twist except it consists of only 3 bubbles.
Now things start becoming trickier and it's when watching a good balloon twisting video comes in handy. The Three Bubble Roll Thru aka the bird body is made by starting out with a locking twist using very long bubbles. Take that bubble and create a pinch and twist to produce another bubble. This extra bubble is rolled thru the opening between the other two joined bubbles which produces a locking twist at opposite end.
Next up we have the Hook Twist. This twist is done by inserting the balloon nozzle end inside the inflated balloon. This is achieved by turning inside out a short section of the balloon itself. The knot ends up being trapped in a pinch and twist, hence leaving a torus shaped looking bubble.
Tension is caused from the inverted section of the balloon and will hold long bubbles because of this. The hook twist will also use the knot to lock the twist instead of a bubble. Basically, the hook twist is performed by pulling down the knot alongside the balloon where it is locked into place by a pinch twist to the balloon's remaining length. For those with a little balloon twisting experience, you would recognize this twist when creating a parrot's head.
If you want to create extra ends for your balloons inorder to create arms and legs for your balloon animals, then you will use the Pop Twist. Keep in mind this twist is very tricky and does not hold very long. Therefore it is not recommended to hand a child a balloon animal with these kinds of twists. Instead use them to impress the crowd with your amazing and creative balloon models sold for a higher price or simply for your portfolio.
The pop twist works like this. After the neck bubble, you will want to twist one longer bubble such as an arm, three 1/2 inch bubbles for the hands and a spare bubble which will be popped later, and finally another longer bubble for the second arm. The second arm bubble is twisted to the first arm, hence creating a 5 bubble ring. Go ahead now and ear twist the 1st and 3rd of the small bubbles for about 4 or 5 rotations each. Then hold all 5 bubbles firmly with one hand, and using your other hand and a pin, pop the small center bubble. Release the two arms very carefully to reveal two separate amrs and hands.
There are many more types of balloon twists to learn but they are just impossible to explain in writing. To learn more about these types of balloon twists and some of the more advanced techniques of balloon twisting, check out this
balloon twisting video website.