1. Get tubing from a hardware store. I use one that’s 3/4” wide and has 100 PSI (PSI measures the pressure a tube can handle). The bigger the PSI, the heavier the hoop will be. 100 PSI is nice and light.
3. Cut the tubing in the spot you measured. Kitchen knife works well, I have also used a saw before with harder tubing. Try to cut straight. Watch your fingers (duh). You might want to use sandpaper to smooth out the edges where you cut.
4. Get a 3/4” plastic connector to match the width of your tubing. They are sold in hardware stores as well for about one dollar.
5. Heat and soften a few inches of the tip of the tubing. With this particular tubing, 15 seconds was enough. I rolled the tubing around the fire so that it would melt evenly on all sides. In the process the other end of the tubing went all around the kitchen and knocked down my camera from the table, banging onto the stone-tiled floor. So be careful. Don’t let it melt too much either. If you smell something funny, quit heating it.
6. Quickly push the connector half way inside the tubing. Then put it immediately under cold water so the tubing won’t continue to melt and deform too much on the connector.
7. Heat the other end of the tubing and push it on the remaining half of the connector. Push the tubing as close to the other end of the tubing as possible. Again, give it a quick cold shower. The skeleton is done!
8. Now dress your precious. You can use (colorful) electrical tape which is sold in all hardware stores. I got some fancy holographic and gaffer tapes, from DIY Hoop Supply on Etsy. Fancy-Tapes is a popular source for European hoopers.
For maximum hoopyness, extend the joy and make a hula hoop or two for your friends too! I made these for Citra and Deva. You should see Deva hoop, it's the cutest thing ever!
If you have any further tips or questions for successful hoop making, please leave them in the comments!