Modern, Minimal DIY Fibre Wall Art

Lately, I’ve been really inspired by rainbow motifs in arts and crafts. From pottery to prints to baby’s room decor, I’ve seen so many fun variations and wanted to try making something – anything – with a rainbow theme in mind. But instead of making a traditionally colourful rainbow, I thought I’d try my hand at creating something that was more in keeping with my neutral decor and love of fibre arts. Today, I’ll be sharing the result of this creative endeavor:  this DIY fibre wall art piece.

If this is something that you, too, would like to try, then read on for my full, beginner-level tutorial.

Let’s get started!

 

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DIY Fibre Wall Art – MATERIALS NEEDED

• 5 mm macrame cord (I already had this one, but any cotton rope cord)
• Floral/craft wire (approx 22 gauge)
• Yarn of your choice
• Scissors
• Bent tip tapestry needle (or large eye needle with a blunt end)
• Stitching needle & thread
• Comb (a wire comb or pet comb is ideal, but not necessary)

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DIY Fibre Wall Art – THE STEPS

Step 1:  Cut 5 Bundles of 5 Cords

Cut 5 bundles of 5 macrame/cotton cords (or rope cord of your choice). Each bundle will create one ‘stripe’ in your ‘rainbow’ piece.

Make them as long as you wish.  Create your shape and be sure that the outer bundles are a bit longer so that the tips line up, more or less.

Step 2:  Wrap Wire Around Each Bundle

To create stiff, but pliable bundles, you’ll need to wrap each with a floral/craft wire.

Taking the inner bundle first, begin wrapping the floral wire around the bundle. Be sure to leave off enough at the bottom where the fringe will be – this will not be wrapped.

Tip: Hold the bundle with both hands as you wrap the wire (see photo below), twisting it around the cords with your fingers as you make your way to the end. (Experiment, and see what works best for you).

Once you reach the end of the bundle (making sure to leave off some fringe), tuck the tip of the wire away so it doesn’t poke out.

Now that you’ve wrapped your first bundle, shape it using your fingers. The wire will loosely hold the bundle in shape. Start in the middle, creating an arc and work your way along both sides until you’re happy with the final look.

This first bundle will form the inner piece. 

Continue wrapping each bundle until all 5 are wrapped & shaped.

Step 3:  Wrap Each Bundle With Yarn

Taking the inner bundle, begin wrapping yarn around it. Start at one end (where the wire begins).

First, tuck the tail inward.

Then, wrap around the tail. This will secure it as you continue wrapping the bundle.

When you get to the other end, take your tapestry needle (or large-eye needle) and tuck the tail end back into the bundle & cut the excess.

The first piece should look something like this.

Continue onto the next bundles. Use the same yarn or alternate colours to suit your style and taste.

Step 4:  Attaching Your Bundles

For this next part, you will be hand sewing the bundles together.

Taking a stitching/sewing needle, thread your needle and double knot the end.

NEXT: Flip your piece over so that you are now working on the BACK SIDE.

Starting at the mid-point where your arcs meet, begin sewing your bundles together.

Start from the bottom, pushing your needle through one bundle at a time until you reach the top, then reverse your needle, pushing down (see photo below).

Repeat this process, sewing the arcs together a couple of times until you feel the mid-section is relatively secure.

Tip: If your bundles are exceptionally thick, you may need pliers to pull the needle through.

Attach the remaining parts of your piece by sewing along the back in a zig-zag formation, angling your needle in one direction…

…and then back up again.

Make sure to catch some of the interior macrame cording as you attach your pieces this way.

Since my needle was a small one, I found it easier to attach three bundles at a time.

First….the outer three were hand-sewn using the zig-zag pattern (as drawn below).

Then, the inner two were attached to the middle piece in a similar zig -zig formation.

Step 5:  Cut and Comb Fringe

Cut any loops along the bottom of the fringe, shape it as you like, and comb it out.

Step 6: Attach Loop To Hang Your Piece

Using a sturdy cotton yarn or cord, attach to the back of your piece, making sure to catch a bit of the macrame cord.

Tie an overhand knot at the top.

Finished & Ready!

Your DIY fibre wall art is now ready to be displayed 🙂

Mine is hanging in our foyer.

I hope this DIY fibre wall art tutorial has you inspired to try incorporating the rainbow trend. And the best part? You can personalize it to suit your style and taste.  

Happy crafting 🙂

 

 

 

If you liked this post, check out these other beginner-level, modern fibre art tutorials: