How to Make String Art

What Is String Art?

String art (also nail art or thread art) is a technique where a continuous thread is wound between nails arranged in a regular pattern on a board. Where the thread overlaps more densely, the surface looks darker — from a distance the contrast forms a recognizable image. The hard part is the order of the threads; the generator solves that from your photo.

Materials

• Wooden board: plywood or MDF, min. 12 mm thick, in your chosen size
• Nails: wire pins, approx. 20 mm long, 1.4 mm head diameter
• Hammer (small, easy to control)
• Embroidery thread or winding wire: approx. 80–150 m for a basic piece
• Printer for the 1:1 nail template (included in Standard/Premium)

The Standard and Premium plans include a shopping list with direct links to every material.

Step by Step

1. 1
   Motif & template

   Pick a high-contrast photo and generate the nail sequence plus 1:1 template. Print at 100% scale and verify the control line with a ruler.
2. 2
   Prepare the board

   Clean the board and, if you like, prime it with acrylic paint (white, black or a color). Let it dry at least 4 hours.
3. 3
   Place the nails

   Tape the template to the board and hammer the nails through the paper so they stand about 1 cm proud, then tear the paper away.
4. 4
   Wind the thread

   Start at nail 1, knot the thread and follow the numbered sequence step by step — always around the next nail. Keep it evenly taut.
5. 5
   Color change (optional)

   For multi-color pieces, knot off cleanly and tie the next color to the starting nail of the next section. The sequence lists each color separately.
6. 6
   Finish

   After the last nail, knot off and secure with a drop of superglue. Blow off dust — your string art is done.

String Art Portrait From a Photo

For a portrait from a photo the same steps apply — use a high-contrast, well-lit image with a simple background and at least 250–300 nails for recognizable facial detail.

FAQ