Somewhere Over the Rainbow: Step-by-Step DIY Yarn Project -

Happy Thursday! Last week I was scrolling through social media when I saw a lovely rainbow wall hanging that caught my eye. It was fun and happy, with pastel colors versus the traditional ROYGBIV (do you remember that acronym?!). I decided to give it a try and, with a little patience, you can create something uniquely you. The rainbow’s shape, size, and colors are customizable to your preferences. See below for step-by-step instructions.

Supplies

For this project, you need the following:

Wire (This is the wire I used)
Wire Cutters
Yarn (This is the yarn I used, it also comes in stripe and ombre)
Scissors
Rope (This is the rope I used)
Hot Glue Gun
(LOTS OF) Glue Sticks
Tape Measure or Ruler
Masking Tape

I had several of these materials already, but I chose to purchase new yarn so it would be the same texture and density throughout. I suspect that any yarn will work!

Step One

The first step is to cut two pieces of rope for each color of your rainbow (two pieces make a set). Each set of rope will be two inches longer than the previous set. These are the lengths I used for my rope sets, but you can adjust the sizing if you want something smaller or larger. You could also decrease or increase the number of colors in your rainbow.

Two 24”
Two 26”
Two 28”
Two 30”
Two 32”
Two 34”
Two 36”
Two 38″

Step Two

The second step is to cut one wire piece for each set of rope. Again, these are the lengths I used for my wire, but they can be adjusted in length and number if you adjusted the length or number of your rope sets. For example, if you want your first set of ropes to be 22″ instead of 24″, your shortest wire would be 14″ instead of 16″. The wire is shorter than the rope because of the decorative rainbow ends. I labeled each wire with a piece of masking tape.

One 16”
One 18”
One 20”
One 22”
One 24”
One 26”
One 28”
One 30”

Step Three

The third step is to lay the two pieces of rope from each set together in the shape of an arch. Next, tape the pieces together on each end where you want to start and stop wrapping your yarn. Make sure the arches fit snugly together.

Step Four

The fourth step is to glue each corresponding wire on the ridge between the rope pieces in each set. For example, with my measurements I taped the two 24” ropes together at their ends and then glued the 16” wire in the ridge between the pieces, which also glues them together. You can lay the wire on first and then glue it. You can also put the glue on first and place the wire on from one side to the other or start in the middle and lay each side of the wire down.

Step Five

Once each set of rope is glued together with wire in the middle, wrap each arch from tape to tape with yarn in your chosen color. Use glue at the beginning and end, and also periodically throughout to make sure the yarn stays in place.

Step Six

Once all your arches are wrapped with yarn, remove the tape from each end of all the arches.

Step Seven

Assemble your rainbow face down on your workspace.

Step Eight

Glue the arches together using a generous amount of glue between the pieces. Make sure to hold the arches together tightly so that glue does not seep through to the front of your rainbow. I suggest doing a little bit at a time.

Step Nine

Unravel the ends of your rainbow and trim them to your desired length.

At this point you could glue a loop on the back of the assembled rainbow to use as a hanger. It is also sturdy enough to lean against a wall or bookcase. It would also be neat to glue it to a canvas and hang it on the wall.

This rainbow is the perfect craft to work on while relaxing at home during evenings and weekends. You can easily divide the steps up over several days, especially wrapping each individual color. It would be beautiful in a bedroom or office, a wonderful gift for the LGBTQ+ folks in your life, a lovely way to commemorate a pet who crossed the rainbow bridge, and a perfect addition for a nursery, especially for a rainbow baby.

How and where would you display your rainbow?

Katie G.