Are you looking for the best nails for string art? It comes to no surprise that the once-widely popular craft in the 70s is now making a comeback.
Trends come and go, and arts and crafts are no exception. String art, as you can imagine, is how it sounds like—art that is made out of string (or thread or yarn).
Best Nails to Use for String Art
Aside from the string, one of the most important components of this art is the nail. Using the wrong kind can make or break your work, a vision that won’t materialize. What are the best nails for string art then? Well, it all depends on what you are looking to create, but you can check out 2 of the best options below:
Assorted Nails for String Art
The size of your nails will be crucial in making your artwork. For starters, don’t use nails that are too short to the point wherein no string will be able to go around it anymore. If you use thicker yarns, best to get taller or rather longer nails.
The good thing about Mr. Pen Assorted Nails is you get 4 different nail sizes. This way, you’ll be able to create various projects. What’s more, the nails are straight and sturdy (this is very important in nail art) and won’t bend easily. To keep your nails neat, this pack comes with a clear organizer.
Linwood Gold Nails for String Art
You don’t need to get stuck with the regular, silver nails. You are doing art after all! Check out the cool Linwood gold nails. The very best nails for string art are those that can improve your work’s look or aesthetic. Opt for gold nails or even multicolored nails if you wish.
It’s best to get nails that are already colored as opposed to DIYing painting them. Painting nails can prolong your project and might even cause a bit of a mess if the paint grabs onto your strings.
Other Tools and Supplies for String Art
You won’t be able to create your masterpiece on just nails alone. You will also need other tools and supplies to be able to complete string art. Below are some of the most important things you’ll need for this craft:
Base
A wood board is the most common base for string art. Of course, you can always experiment with other bases, depending on the nails that you have. If your nails are quite long, then it might be best to choose wood boards that are thicker.
With the Bright Creations Wood Canvas Boards, you’ll be getting a total of 8 boards in 4 sizes. It’s perfect because once you are done, you can easily hang your work on the wall. Even better, you can paint over the board if you are looking to get a different background for your string art.
If you want to give your base a bit of color, check out the 13 best paint for wood crafts
Hammer
Control is required when you handle a hammer. Remember, you don’t want to drive the nail completely flat on your wood base. You need the nails to be protruding, ideally, all of the nails have to be the same height. To help you out, opt for hammers with smaller heads and not heavy-duty ones.
If you are worried about the head of the nails getting dented or discolored, you may put a sock over the hammer’s head. As for keeping nails straight and your own fingernails safe, get a clothes clip. This will hold the nails instead of your fingers when you hammer away.
Best Yarn and Thread for String Art
There are dozens of strings that you can find in the market. One of the most important things that you need to consider is quality. You don’t want cheap threads that are too thin as they can compromise your work. Tension is important in string art and there shouldn’t be any thread or yarn that will break off.
Solid Color Yarn
You will need a lot of yarn, especially if you have a larger vision to create. Opt for Red Heart’s Super Saver Jumbo, made out of acrylic fiber. Solid color yarns are ideal for projects that are monochromatic.
Multicolored Yarn
If you don’t want to stick to one color, you can always opt for multicolored yarn. Lion Brand Yarns are made from acrylic and have a rather satiny feel. Opting for yarn that is a bit rough can cause a bit of burn on your fingers when you weave for too long. The nice thing about a multicolored yarn is you get fantastic colors with only one roll.
Thread
Now, if you want something a little more delicate, choose sewing thread. You don’t always have to pick thick yarns for string art. Just make sure to get sewing threads that are of high-quality such as that from Coats and Clark.
This pack contains 50 different colors of thread. What’s more, each spool has 125 yards of thread! You’ll be getting an assortment of solid and multi-colored threads with the Coats and Clark pack.
Loom Pen Tool
With string art, some artists prefer using their fingers. However, if you have a bit of trouble with tension or simply grasping the string (especially sewing thread), then this is the tool for you. Boye’s Loom Pen Tool is perfect for smoothly going over nails (and pegs).
This is especially helpful if your nails are standing close to one another and your fingers don’t fit in between. This tool can also help in reducing your yarn forming those annoying knots as you make twists and turns on nails.
Scissors
Don’t forget that you also need scissors. Why not a knife or a box cutter? It’s because you will need something sharp and precise so as not to fray the string. Also, get scissors that aren’t too big as you will be working with other materials that are on the small side.
Check out Maped’s 5-inch Ultimate Precision Scissors. It has a pointed tip and comes with stainless steel blades. Additionally, it was designed for both left-handed and right-handed users.
Conclusion
When it comes to string art, be sure to plan ahead so you can pick out the best nails for the project. Although the size may change, the best nails are those that are sturdy and straight.
Aside from the nails, to have a successful piece of nail art, you’ll also need other tools for the craft. Don’t skimp out on other materials, such as the board and string.
Finally, with string art, you will need a lot of patience. Starting from lining up nails together and making sure they are tapped into the base just right. And then followed by using the correct string, handling them with the right tension, and making sure they go through the right path.
Enjoyed this post on the best art desks? If so, please check out our other articles, such as the best art scanner or the best pens for line art! Thank you for reading!