Invisible Thread or Magic Loops?

What is Invisible Thread?

Invisible thread is an incredibly thin, undetectable piece of thread used by magicians to levitate or animate small, lightweight objects. Famous magic tricks using invisible thread include the Floating Bill, the Haunted Deck, Rising Card, Dancing Silk and others.

While many early magicians used hair for invisible thread, modern versions are often constructed with nylon, silk or kevlar that has been separated into individual strands. Invisible thread can be purchased either stripped or not stripped. Unstripped invisible thread comes as a cluster of invisible threads that must be separated (or stripped) prior to being used for a magic trick. Unstripped invisible thread is often easier to store and transfer.

What are Invisible Thread Loops?

Invisible thread loops are a length of invisible thread that has been tied in a loop for use in magic tricks and psychic/mentalism demonstrations. These loops were believed to be first described in the February 1907 issue of Conjurers’ Monthly Magazine according to Conjuring Credits. However, as they were featured in a column titled “Some Old Tricks for New Beginners”, many magic historians believe the use of invisible thread loops may date back to the 19th century.

What are Magic Loops?

Although invisible thread loops were used by many magicians throughout the 20th century, they didn’t gain mainstream popularity until 1985 when magician Finn Jon introduced looped invisible elastic thread. Originally titled “Revolutionary Thread”, this incredible product was eventually perfected and popularized by Yigal Mesika as Loops.

Considered by many magicians to be one of the most powerful and versatile inventions in magic history, Loops are easily the most recognizable and popular choice for magic tricks involving invisible thread or loops. Famous magicians like David Blaine, Dynamo and Criss Angel have all used them on their television specials. Loops are incredibly easy to use and can be carried with you anywhere. They snap around your wrist like an invisible bracelet, allowing you to perform iconic magic effects like Haunted Deck, Invisible Touch and Floating Bill. As elastic thread is more flexible and durable than standard invisible thread, you can also levitate or move heavier objects for magic routines like Animated Fork or Haunted Sunglasses. In fact, Loops offer so many possibilities, an entire Loops - Deluxe 2 DVD Set was created to discuss all the potential magic tricks you can perform with these magic loops.

Should I Use Invisible Thread or Magic Loops?

Both invisible thread and magic loops have their own unique applications. Many magicians believe that invisible thread offers greater flexibility, especially when paired with an invisible thread real (ITR). This is seen in magic tricks like The Hummer Card or Teller of Penn & Teller’s famous Red Ball routine.

Yet, Yigal Mesika’s Loops are still considered by many to be the easiest and most practical way to perform magic tricks with invisible elastic thread. Loops come ready to go and allow you to perform truly impromptu miracles. There is no need to strip your own invisible thread or tie your own magic loops (an unsurprisingly difficult task). Just put them around your wrist and you’re ready to go.

Loops come with a special envelope called The Loops Saver designed to protect and store your magic elastic loops. Many famous magicians like Cyril and Justin Willman also use The Innercircle, a slim, credit-card size carrying case that was specially designed to protect and carry your Loops and allow you to quickly access them at any time.