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Do you ever see something you want to create for yourself, but it just seems completely crazy to even try?
For weeks, I kept coming across an ad on my Instagram feed from Crate & Barrel, showcasing some new spring decor pieces — yes, it’s taken me four months to write about this DIY — that I instantly feel in love with. One item that caught my eye in particular was this cool textured thread art. It was beautifully made but way out of my budget, so I figured I’d give DIY-ing it a shot!
The materials for this project were pretty inexpensive. Between the wood and the macrame I used, which ended up being less than one roll, I kept the cost under $45. Not bad, right?
To tackle this project, the biggest cost will be your time. Plan to break this DIY up over several days, as it took me about three days to complete, working several hours each day. Remember, though, this will vary based on the size of your overall design.
With a little bit of weaving and a lot of patience you, too, can create this beautiful thread art for your home!
THE INSPIRATION
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
WOOD | WOODS SCREWS | DRILL + BIT | COTTON THREAD | WIRE PET BRUSH | SCISSORS | TAPE | HOT GLUE GUN | PAINT + BRUSH | BOBBY PINS | CLAMP
HOW TO
- To create the same size thread art as mine, with an overall dimension of 25.5in x 48in, you will need two 48in boards and two 24in boards.
Stop by your local hardware store and pick up three 1in x 2in x 4ft boards. If you don’t have a saw at home, make sure to ask someone at the store to cut one of the 4ft boards in half before you leave. This is the only cut you will need to make. - Now you can build the frame, sanding first if needed. Use wood screws and don’t forget to pre-drill pilot holes so you don’t split your boards!
- Optional step: I wanted to add a little bit of color to the frame, so I mixed some brown acrylic paint with water and brushed it over the wood. This created a quick and simple stain without having to break out the real stuff.
- Before you start the actual weaving process, you will need to do two things.
First, brush out a strand of the macrame or cotton cord you are using. You need to figure out how wide the flattened strand is. I used a 5mm macrame cord, which when brushed out and flattened was about 1in wide.
With this information, you can then measure out and mark directly on the frame (see second photo) where each strand will need to be placed. I could place 25 strands on the longer sides and 13 strands on the shorter ones with 1in spaces in-between each strand.
Making these measurements now will save so much time later on and help ensure your strands are straight and evenly spaced.
- Now you can start working with the macrame.
Choose one direction to begin with. I did all of my vertical strands first since there were more of these to do, though you can start with whichever you think will be easier.
To create the vertical threading, cut (25) 32in strands of macrame cord. - Brush one strand out at a time, wrap it around the wood frame and then attach it to the back with tape. The tape is only temporary, allowing you to place several strands before hot gluing.
When you go back to secure the ends, make sure to pull each one taut to prevent any sagging. Trim any excess threads.
- Once you finish all of the vertical lines, cut (13) 54in strands. Since the horizontal strands are so long, I used bobby pins to help keep the cord flat and prevent any rolling.
- Time to start weaving!
For this step, I just did a basic over and under pattern, alternating with each row. The bobby pins will probably get caught, so move slow and don’t pull too hard.
*Tip: use a small clamp to hold one end of the cord while you weave the rest.
These strands may look a little messy, especially when you take the bobby pins off, but don’t worry too much because once you pull the ends taut for gluing, the threads should all move back into place. - Hot glue the ends on the back to secure and trim any excess threads.
- You should now have one large woven piece of art! You can stop here or keep adding in more strands for a fuller look.
I wanted to create the same layering that the Crate & Barrel version had, so I added more thread both horizontally and vertically using the same process as before.
This time though, I divided each strand of macrame in half, making it about 1/2in wide. I also changed the pattern to two rows over and two rows under to add that extra layer to the weaving.
Since you are now working with smaller spaces to weave your macrame through, throw on a good show and take your time! - Once everything is finished, use your finger to gently run over each strand. This will help smooth the strands and spread out any bunching threads.
After hours of hard work, you finally have a beautiful, threaded piece of art for your home!! Share your project with me over on instagram @ruffandrenew!
