Q&A for How to Do String Art

String art involves stringing a design around nails that have been hammered into a piece of wood. Macrame involves weaving or braiding the yarn or string itself. They're both decorative, but macrame can also be used to create things like plant hangers and keychains.

It is best to use a string based on the type of pin you are using. If you are using pins similar to that in the video, then you might want to stick with a thinner/finer string, since it would be easier to weave. If you are using something thicker, then you may want to go for a thicker yarn, twine, etc.

Yes. It will hold the string or wool in place at the top of the pin, and make it a bit harder to slide down. That's the only real difference between the types of pins.

Yes. You can if that is the look you are going for. You can also use pins or try safety pins instead of nails.

Any thickness will do, as long as the nails or pins aren't sticking out on the other side.

Use canvas or wood for better results.

It won't really work, because the foam will break. It is best to use pins on a foam board.

Tie a knot like you did at the start, then cut off the extra string.

Yes, it would be best to use pins instead of nails, though. This would prevent the off chance of breaking the board.

If I'm understanding you correctly, you could just make your initial shape and then your second shape around the outside of the first. Then put string between the two shapes.

Just go get some pins. They are not expensive.

It will not be very stable, and the nails will end up being different heights. It will also be quite dangerous to turn around with the nails exposed.

Yes, but make sure the paper is not flat, so you can see the bottom, or just make sure it goes through.

It might break very easily, but yes you can use Styrofoam for string art. Don't use nails, use pins.

No, because the pattern is wrapped around the pins. If you take out the pins, you're also taking out the pattern.

You could, but it would be better to put nails on a wooden board, just because the nails may be exposed on the back of the canvas.

Use wood or canvas for a better result, they hold nails better than Thermacol.

Any drill will work, either a power or hand drill. The bigger issue will be getting the correct bit size for your nail. Just make sure to use a small enough bit; it will go in easily.

No, the cardboard would be too flimsy for it to work properly, and you definitely wouldn't be able to hang it up.

Yes, you could use pins, thumbtacks and nails. They all work well. Just make sure the surface matches the colors and style of pushpins you've chosen.

Use all six. That way it's sturdier and you don't have to make as many passes throughout the process. Unless you're making a very detailed design, definitely don't use fewer than three.

It will definitely teach you to have patience if you stick with it! It's helped me with my attention to detail, eye-hand coordination, spatial ability, and most of all patience with myself and the material I'm working with.

Yes, you can. Thick yarn works better with bold pieces and embroidery thread works well with fragile and delicate pieces.

No. If you take the string off of the pins, the tension that is holding the piece together will fail and the string will fall apart.

Absolutely! That is actually a good thing to do if your planning on taking it somewhere that might expose the art to moisture.