What You'll Need
This is a project for when you want something colorful on your wall but don't want to buy anything. You make it yourself. It takes some time — the wrapping part especially — but it's satisfying.
I'm using half-inch cotton rope for the rainbow arcs and wrapping them in yarn. The trick is keeping everything tight and even.
- Yarn (any colors you want for your rainbow)
- 1/2-inch cotton rope
- Masking tape
- Floral wire and wire cutters
- Hot glue gun
- Scissors
- Yarn needle
- Curved upholstery needle
- Pliers
- Jute cord (for hanging)
Step-by-Step Guide
Cut Your Rope Pieces
First, cut your pieces of rope. Each one needs to be shorter than the last to form the rainbow shape. Wrap masking tape around the rope where you plan to cut — this keeps the ends from unraveling everywhere.
Line up each piece, mark the next one, and cut. You'll end up with a set of progressively shorter lengths.
Mark the Fringe
Decide where you want the fringe to start on both ends of each rope piece. Mark those spots.
Add the Wire
Cut a piece of floral wire as long as the space between your fringe marks. Thread the wire through some of the rope fibers in the middle to anchor it, then secure it with blobs of hot glue. Hold the wire in place while the glue cools.
This wire is what keeps the rainbow arcs rigid instead of floppy.
Wrap with Yarn
Hold the end of your yarn down along the wire and start wrapping over it to secure it. Wrap tight — no gaps. This part takes a while. I just put on music and zone out.
When you finish wrapping one rope, tie a knot in the yarn and feed the tail down through the wrapped part using a large-eye needle. Trim the excess wire even with the yarn.
Sew the Sections Together
Thread your curved upholstery needle. Start with the smallest rope and the next smallest. Sew them together in a zig-zag pattern. Make sure you're sewing into the rope itself, not just the yarn wrapping.
If the needle won't go through easily, use pliers to help it. Continue sewing all the way around, then tie a secure knot. Move on to the next rope and repeat until all your rainbow arcs are connected.
For extra security, put some craft glue on any knots while sewing.
Add the Hanger
Cut a piece of jute cord, double it over, and tie an overhand knot. Place it in the middle of the rainbow and sew it down to secure. I add a little glue too, just in case.
Finish the Fringe
Cut off the masking tape from the ends of the rope. Separate all the loose strands and fluff them up. This is the fringe.
Hang It Up
You're done. Hang it on the wall and enjoy.
