This week’s tutorial comes directly from a day of experimentation. It was a kind of ‘play day’ for me that gave me an opportunity to have a bit of fun with DIY 3D Fibre Art.
If experimenting with yarn art appeals to you, then follow along below as I give you an introduction to creating a three-dimensional yarn sculpture that you can adapt for your own creations.
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SUPPLIES
➔ WOVEN BASKET: I used a thrifted basket as my base (there are lots of vintage options on Etsy), but as you’ll see, you can use ANY kind of frame for your 3D Fibre Art (e.g., a grapevine wreath base, metal hoop, embroidery hoop, thin picture frame with the glass removed).
➔ YARN – any size you like, but for beginners thicker varieties work best. Michaels, Amazon, and Etsy have lots of bulkier yarn at reasonable prices.
➔ COTTON WARP STRING (a string typically used for weaving), OR any sturdy cotton yarn about 1mm thick like this butcher’s twine for example.
➔ (Optional): TWINE or 3M Command Picture Hanging Strips
➔ BENT TIP NEEDLE (or any tapestry needle with a dull tip)
➔ SCISSORS
STEPS TO MAKE A DIY 3D FIBRE ART PIECE
Step 1: Attach Warp String to Woven Basket
Since the basket will form the frame of this piece, you will attach the warp string to the INTERIOR portion of the basket.
I will be using this open weave portion along the middle to attach my warp string.
Start by threading your needle and feeding it under one of the woven portions on the interior side of the basket.
TIP: A bent tip needle allows you to get under the woven portions a bit easier, but if you don’t have one, use a blunt tip needle.
Pull through and tie a double knot to secure it to the basket.
Pull out a long length of string and snip off of the cone.
Taking the end, thread your needle and feed it under another woven portion of the interior, as before.
Pull until the string is taut.
TIP: If your woven basket is delicate (as mine was along this portion of the interior), then be sure not to pull too tightly as it might snap or break off the woven pieces of the basket.
You’ll want some space between the string and the basket. Here is a side view.
Continue doing this all the way around.
Step 2: Create A Zig Zag Pattern
Once you’ve completed a circle around the base, attach the warp string to the opposite end of the basket and then back again, and repeat.
Continue creating a zig zag pattern until you have covered the base. You may need to cut a couple of lengths of your warp string before finishing up.
My zig zags are random and with LOTS of strings on which I’ll be attaching my yarn, in Step 3.
When you are done, simply tie the end of your final string to one of the other warp strings.
Step 3: Attach Yarn to Zig Zag Base
At the last minute, I decided to use this super bulky thick yarn as my 3D Fibre Art base.
(It’s an old skein that I’ve had for a while, purchased at Michaels, but I don’t have a link, unfortunately. You can always find bulky yarn like this one at Michaels or any other craft store.)
But any yarn will do for a project like this. It all comes down to personal taste. Just remember: the bulkier, the faster it will go!
Begin by tying one end to one of the strings.
Pull out a long length of that yarn and snip it off the skein.
Taking the loose end, feed it under a string and pull back up, leaving a “loop” along the top.
Repeat a couple of more times using any nearby strings to create additional loops.
The pattern will appear somewhat random and organic.
OPTIONAL: To create a ‘popcorn’ appearance, occasionally feed your yarn through a loop before creating your next loop.
TIP: If you are using yarn that doesn’t stand upright (like mine, below), do not worry. As you create more and more loops, one right against the other, they will hold each other up as you move along, until you reach the basket frame.
Continue creating loops until you have covered the entire surface of your zig zag base.
Tie the end of the yarn to one of the strings and tuck it below.
Step 4 (Optional): Add Contrasting Colour(s)
You can always add one, two or more contrasting colours at this point.
If you do, simply tie a piece of yarn to one of the strings below.
Then feed the yarn through the loops, randomly going around until you feel happy with the look.
When you are done, tie the end to a string below and tuck the tail beneath.
Step 5 (Optional): Attach a Hanger
You can choose to display this on a wall, on a table, or as part of a leaning art display.
If you choose to hang on your wall, here are some suggestions:
1. Hang Directly on A Nail: If you have a ridge along the bottom of your basket, you won’t need to attach a hanger. You can simply hang it on a nail and you are good to go.
2. 3M Command Strips: Another option is to use picture hanging strips to attach to a wall directly.
3. Twine: If all else fails, attach a twine hanger to the bottom of the basket. Make sure your twine is taut against the bottom of the basket. (Otherwise, your 3D fibre art will not sit flush against your wall).
Display & Enjoy!
Here are a couple of creative ways to display your DIY 3D Fibre Art piece.
I hope you enjoyed this introduction to creating your own 3D fibre art at home. Once you get the hang of this, you’ll be able to experiment with other frames and fibres to make something unique and personal for your home.
Check out these other beginner-friendly fibrer art tutorials and online classes:
Learn the art of tapestry weaving in this ‘WEAVING BASICS’ VIDEO COURSE for absolute beginners in my Etsy Shop.
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