Unconventional Yarn Art: Crochet a Wall Hanging
Turn leftover yarn into a textured wall hanging in about two hours.
You can make a piece of wall art with nothing but yarn and a crochet hook.
Most crochet patterns lead to scarves, blankets, or sweaters. But yarn can become art that hangs on your wall, and you don't need a loom or a frame. A simple crochet rectangle with fringe and a wooden dowel turns into a modern wall hanging.
This project uses basic stitches and chunky yarn, so it works for beginners. You'll need about two hours and a few supplies. The finished piece measures roughly 12 by 20 inches, and you can adjust it to any size.
Unconventional yarn art means using crochet techniques to make decorative items like wall hangings, not just wearables. You'll learn to crochet a simple textured wall hanging that adds warmth to any room, and you can finish it in an evening.
What you need
Chunky yarn
About 100 to 150 yards. Choose a smooth yarn so stitches show clearly.
Crochet hook
Size L (8.0 mm) for chunky yarn, or size M (9.0 mm) for super bulky. Check your yarn label for the recommended hook size.
Wooden dowel
12 to 18 inches long. A straight branch or a metal rod works too.
Scissors
Sharp scissors make cutting fringe easier.
Tapestry needle
For weaving in ends and sewing the top edge to the dowel.
What You Need
The supply list is short. You need chunky or bulky weight yarn, a crochet hook in a size that matches your yarn, a wooden dowel or stick, and scissors. A tapestry needle helps weave in ends.
Choose a yarn that feels good in your hand. Cotton or wool blends hold their shape well. Acrylic works too and is easy to wash. For a first project, pick a light color so you can see your stitches clearly.
- Yarn: chunky weight (bulky, #5) or super bulky (#6) – about 100 to 150 yards
- Hook: size L (8.0 mm) for chunky, or size M (9.0 mm) for super bulky
- Dowel: 12 to 18 inches long, or a straight tree branch
- Scissors and a tapestry needle
If you use a branch, let it dry completely before hanging to avoid warping.
How to Crochet the Base
Start with a foundation chain. The number of chains determines the width of your hanging. For a 12-inch wide piece, chain about 20 stitches with chunky yarn and an 8.0 mm hook.
Work rows of single crochet or half double crochet. Single crochet gives a dense, tight fabric; half double crochet works up faster and has a nice texture. Keep the same stitch throughout for an even look.
Continue until the piece is about 20 inches long. That's roughly 25 to 30 rows, depending on your tension. Check the length by holding it up to your wall – you can always add more rows.
Count your stitches every few rows. Losing a stitch makes the edge curve inward, and that's hard to fix later.
Adding Texture with Fringe
Fringe turns a plain rectangle into a boho art piece. Cut pieces of yarn about 12 inches long. Fold each piece in half and pull the loop through the bottom edge with your hook, then pull the ends through the loop. Repeat every half inch or so.
For a fuller fringe, use two strands per knot. For a shorter fringe, cut the yarn to 8 inches. You can also add fringe to the sides for a more dramatic look.
After you tie all the fringe, trim the ends even. A sharp pair of scissors makes this easier.
To make fringe faster, wrap yarn around a book that is 12 inches wide, then cut along one edge. You get many pieces the same length at once.
Hanging Your Art
Fold the top edge of the crochet piece over the dowel. You can sew it in place with a tapestry needle and yarn, or you can use small stitches with a matching thread. Make sure the fabric is centered on the dowel.
Tie a piece of yarn or twine to both ends of the dowel to make a hanger. A simple knot works, or you can wrap the yarn around the ends a few times for a cleaner look.
Hang it on a nail or hook. Check that it hangs straight and that the dowel is level.
If the dowel is longer than the fabric, the fringe at the sides can hang over the ends. That looks intentional and adds a nice frame.
Common Mistakes and Fixes
A common mistake is crocheting too tightly, which makes the fabric stiff and narrow. If your piece is narrower than you planned, you're probably pulling the yarn too tight. Loosen your grip and try again.
Another issue is losing count. If you drop a stitch, the edge will start to slant. To fix a dropped stitch, you can add a chain at the end of the row to make up the count, or simply unravel back to the mistake.
If the fringe is uneven, trim it after tying. You can also use a comb to fluff the yarn ends for a softer look.
Blocking the piece can even out stitches. Mist it with water, pin it to a towel in the shape you want, and let it dry.
Step
Make a foundation chain
Chain 20 (or any even number) with chunky yarn and an 8.0 mm hook. This sets the width of your hanging.
Work rows of single crochet
Single crochet in each chain across, chain 1 and turn. Repeat until the piece is about 20 inches long. Keep the same number of stitches in each row.
Finish the yarn
Cut the yarn leaving a 6-inch tail. Pull the tail through the last loop and weave it in with a tapestry needle.
Add fringe to the bottom
Cut 12-inch pieces of yarn. Attach them to the bottom edge using a lark's head knot. Place them every half inch.
Trim the fringe
Trim all the fringe ends so they are even. You can use a comb to fluff them.
Attach the dowel
Fold the top edge over the dowel. Sew it in place with a tapestry needle and yarn, making small stitches along the edge.
Hang it up
Tie a piece of yarn to each end of the dowel to create a hanger. Knot it securely and hang on a nail.
Ways to change it
Different size
Change the number of chains and rows. For a wider piece, chain more; for a longer piece, work more rows.
Color palette
Use a gradient yarn or multiple colors in stripes. Ombre effects work well with this simple stitch.
Add beads
Thread beads onto the fringe before tying. This adds weight and a boho feel.
Use a different stitch
Try half double crochet or a shell stitch for a different texture. Half double crochet works up faster.
Change the hanging method
Instead of a dowel, use a metal ring or a branch. You can also sew a sleeve and slide a rod through.
The short version
- You can make wall art with just yarn and a crochet hook.
- Chunky yarn and a large hook make the project quick and beginner-friendly.
- A simple rectangle with fringe becomes a modern boho wall hanging.
- Fringe is easy to add and can be customized in length and fullness.
- Hanging with a dowel is simple and allows you to change the art easily.
- Common mistakes include tight tension and losing stitches, but both are fixable.
- The finished piece is lightweight and can be made in about two hours.
Questions people ask
What is unconventional yarn art?
It means using crochet or knitting to make decorative items like wall hangings, sculptures, or home decor, instead of just clothing or blankets.
Do I need to know how to crochet to make this?
You need to know basic crochet stitches like chain and single crochet. If you're a beginner, practice those first, then start this project.
How much yarn do I need?
For a 12 by 20 inch wall hanging, you'll need about 100 to 150 yards of chunky yarn. More if you add thick fringe.
Can I use any yarn?
Yes, but chunky or bulky yarn works best because it gives a nice texture and works up quickly. Thinner yarn will take longer and look different.
How do I hang it?
Attach a wooden dowel to the top edge, then tie a piece of yarn to each end of the dowel to create a loop for hanging.
Try this simple wall hanging project this weekend
You now have a quick, affordable way to add art to your walls. Grab some yarn and a hook, and you'll have a finished piece in about two hours. Keep it quick and cute!
