String Art on Cardboard Design Project

Sturdy cardboard (double-layered is best)

Colored string, yarn, or embroidery floss

Large plastic needle (or tape the string end stiff)

Pushpin or sharp pencil for poking holes

Pencil and ruler for drawing shapes

Draw a simple shape on sturdy cardboard with pencil. A star, heart, circle, or geometric shape all work well. Make it at least 6 inches across.

Use a pushpin or sharp pencil to poke holes evenly spaced around the outline. Space them about half an inch apart. An adult should supervise or do this step.

Thread a long piece of colored string through a large plastic needle. If you do not have a needle, wrap tape tightly around the string end to make it stiff.

From the back of the cardboard, push the needle through the first hole to the front. Tape the starting end to the back.

Cross the string diagonally to a hole on the opposite side of the shape. Push through to the back, then come up through another hole.

Continue lacing, connecting opposite holes. The crossing strings create an intricate web pattern inside the shape.

When you have connected all the holes or run out of string, tie it off on the back. Add a second color for even more complexity.

The pattern emerges as you lace. The more crossings, the more intricate the design becomes. This is genuinely mathematical — the angles and intersections follow geometric principles.

Even spacing of the holes matters. Use a ruler to mark the hole positions before poking.

Try a circle with holes evenly spaced around the perimeter. When you connect every third or fourth hole, a beautiful curved pattern appears inside the circle.

This is a kid-friendly version of string art, which traditionally uses nails and a wooden board. The cardboard version is safer and just as beautiful.

Use contrasting string colors against the cardboard for the most visual impact. Bright yarn on dark cardboard looks fantastic.