Step-by-step instructions on how to make a ball of yarn and PVA glue with your own hands
Many are interested in making balls from common PVA glue and wire winding. But it can go a long way from idea to implementation, filled with solutions, trial and error. We study together a master class on decorating to create handmade masterpieces from reclaimed materials. It's no shame to hang such at home and present it for a vacation.
What you need to work
This is the case when a minimum of things and objects are needed to implement the plan. Most likely, you already have them at home. It remains to select the required amount according to the list, and it's time to get down to business - start making balls.
Yarn or yarn
It is the main element of the decor. The choice of color affects the appearance of the finished ball, whether it is bright scarlet or the shade of a ripe orange. Both acrylic and cotton yarns are suitable.Yarn will also do. The main thing is that there is enough thread.
Glue
Polyvinyl acetate glue, used for appliqués and paperwork, is used to securely attach the structure. In other words, without PVA, the ball will collapse. It is advisable to take a modification for furniture, PVA-M.
Balloons
The inflatable rubber ball is the temporary skeleton of the model. It is reusable, so 3-4 balls are enough, if urgent online production is not planned. As a last resort, at the end of the process, the rubber ball is pierced. It is much more convenient to deflate it and reuse it.
Polyethylene film
The cling film is necessary to protect the "frame", the rubber ball, from the action of the glue. When everything is dry, the hardened thread cocoon can be easily removed from the film.
Container for dipping the wire in the glue
It is more convenient to use a bowl or a small basin, a wide and low container for dipping the finished ball.
Scissors
A cutting tool in household craftsmanship is a conscious need. It is convenient to cut the excess material with scissors and pierce the rubber ball with a sharp point.
Needle
Let it be just in case. Although it is recommended to use the rubber frame repeatedly without drilling it.
stationery blade
For some, it is more convenient to work with a clerical knife than with scissors. It's just a quesiton of habit.
A bowl
A wide bowl or plate will be needed for dipping in the glue. It is advisable to choose those that you do not mind throwing away (or for household use). This method is good because in a few moments the winding is impregnated with glue, and you can proceed to the manufacture of the next product.
How to do it step by step with your own hands
For ease of understanding, the whole process is broken down into steps. These include:
- Preparation of the threads, inflation of the balloon.
- Winding impregnated with glue.
- Drying.
- Removing the rubber base.
Preparing the wires
All the preparation comes down to choosing a color and a ball of the right size (so that it is enough for DIY). An original device is also offered, consisting of a simple plastic bottle (this is where the needle comes in handy).
Two holes are drilled, in the bottom and the lid, so that the thread is tight. Then the thread is pulled into a bottle, PVA is poured into it and you can start working. The essence of the device is that the thread soaked in glue, passing through the holes, is slightly pressed and is immediately ready for winding.
bale packing
A pre-inflated rubber ball (it is better to take a round one, then the product turns out to have the right shape) is attached so that air does not escape from it. Then the frame is covered with a layer of film, one turn is enough. It is also attached to the ball. It is convenient to work together: one person wets the wire, the second winds it on the frame. The winding should not be thick, so the sense of decor is lost.
Drying
When the winding is complete, the end of the wire is secured and the ball is left to dry. On average, it takes 6-12 hours (faster in summer).
remove the ball
Professionals advise using rubber balls with a special stopper, so that they are easier to deflate.
The frame and film are removed through the nearest appropriately sized gap in the finished product.
What can you use a yarn ball for
There is an interesting application for ready-made openwork yarn products:
- snowman;
- Christmas decoration;
- surprise;
- wedding decorations;
- ball in a ball;
- topiary.
And this is not a complete list. For fantasy, multiplied by hard work, there are no restrictions.
snowman
The principle of creation is simple: three balls of white yarn of different sizes are tied together. It remains to decorate the snowman with a carrot, draw (glue) his eyes and mouth.
Christmas' balls
Decor of different colors and sizes will transform a room, an office and a party hall for the New Year. And small balls picked up on a thread will replace the Christmas tree garland. The main advantage of such jewelry is that they are not afraid of blows and falls. How many bitter tears were shed in childhood when a beautiful Christmas ball fell to the ground and broke. And these balls are bright, durable and lightweight. You can also make them at home with your child, inventing new combinations to decorate your interior.
surprise balloon
A playful wish, a key ring, a trinket is balled up with a secret, in order to then present it to the contest winner or the birthday boy.
At the wedding
An unusual wedding decoration is easy to make from medium-sized yarn balls hanging from the ceiling. Even a lamp will become such a product if you attach an LED strip to it.
ball in ball
You will have to work hard to do this job. Perhaps the first time it will not work to push one object into another, but after intensive training you can achieve what you want.
Topiary
An original "plant" made of threads with a fancy crown or reminiscent of an evergreen cactus will decorate an office table, become a unique and unique gift for friends and family. It is convenient to use a bamboo thread or skewer as a trunk, attaching balls to it.
flowers
Folk craftsmen make flower buds from everything: paper, cardboard, old postcards, plastic. Now it's the turn of the yarn. What kind of crafts to give preference to - rose, chamomile, dandelion - the designer decides for himself. Rave reviews from fans are guaranteed.
birds and beasts
You can (and should) make compositions from yarn, including bird and animal figurines. First you need to make a sketch, divide the finished silhouette into separate fragments. And then, gradually creating balls, collect a figure from them.
The advantage of this method is that it requires a minimum of investment: threads, PVA glue and rubber balls are always in a store or office drawer. And the realm of the realization of your ideas, creativity is not limited by anything.
Additional tips and tricks
There is a difference between doing it right and doing it one way or another. Therefore, it is important to know the intricacies of the process of making yarn balls in order to avoid typical errors and mistakes.
Round rubber balls are preferred over others because they get results the first time. Using a cork stopper reduces the time it takes to deflate the rubber boot and saves it for reuse.
The "correct" glue impregnates the thread well, does not leave noticeable traces on its surface after drying.
In order for the finished product to lag behind the film, it is recommended to lightly lubricate it.In summer, on the balcony, in the open air, the products will dry faster than indoors.