Yarn art is the perfect art project for groups at summer camp or sleepovers. You can make a picture of a landscape, like we did, or create a simpler, abstract design. Either way, it’s so much fun to make this unique fiber art!
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Helpful Tips:
Is this craft messy?
Since we’re spreading quite a bit of glue over the canvasses, this art project can get a little messy if you aren’t careful. We recommend making your art on a foil lined baking sheet so that any drips of glue are contained. You may also want to keep a container of water nearby for your paintbrush and a damp cloth to wipe up any glue from your fingers.
How long does it take to make yarn art?
This will depend on how complicated your design is and how thick your yarn is. Our designs took between 30 and 45 minutes each. Designs with thin yarn take longer, whereas designs with thick yarn go quicker.
Where is yarn art from?
Yarn painting originated with the Huichol people of Mexico. This yarn art was made by pressing yarn onto boards coated with beeswax. The paintings often represented nature, or were used to pass on stories of religious or cultural significance. Huichol yarn painting has folk art beginnings, but the detailed yarn paintings are now often viewed as fine art. It’s so fun to learn about the history of this fiber art and then make your own!
What can I create my yarn painting on?
We used 8 x 10 canvasses from the dollar store, which gives the yarn art a nice, sturdy backdrop that doesn’t bend or warp under the glue. You could also make your yarn painting on a styrofoam tray or a piece of cardboard. Cereal box cardboard would probably work, but thicker cardboard, cut from a shipping box, is an even better option.
What type of glue is used to make yarn art?
We used Elmer’s Glue-All, which is very similar to regular school glue. Both of these options work well, but you could also use tacky glue. Tacky glue won’t spread as easily across the canvas, but it will do a great job holding the yarn in place. If you’re working with younger kids, you can even use a piece of contact paper, sticky side up, instead of gluing on a canvas. This will allow them to place the yarn without messing around with glue.
Use this bold and colourful yarn art as decorative home decor, or give your creation as a homemade gift. It can take a while to put these yarn paintings together, but making them is such a relaxing, mindful process!
Here’s even more yarn craft ideas:
Halloween String Art Cards
String Painting
Handprint String Art
Our book Low-Mess Crafts for Kids is loaded with 72 fun and simple craft ideas for kids! The projects are fun, easy and most importantly low-mess, so the clean up is simple!
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