4 Ways to Make a Cobweb

2024 Author: Jason Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 10:50

Cobwebs are a great decoration for Halloween. There are various ways to make a spider web based on the materials needed and the level of difficulty required.

Step

Method 1 of 4: Using Yarn

Step 1. Prepare the ingredients

Determine and measure where to place the cobweb so you know the size of the thread to cut. Remember, the wider the spacing, the bigger the net. Any color can be used but white or silver are the more common colors.

Step 2. Cut the thread and fasten the mesh frame

Cut two strands of yarn to form a vertically threaded thread and a horizontally threaded thread that will meet in the middle to form the web frame. The length of each thread will depend on where you hang it, so measure the thread based on that location.

For example, if you want to hang a net from one tree to another, the area between the trees will determine the length of the mesh frame. Alternatively, if the net is to be hung in front of the door, the width of the door will be the limit.
You can apply plaster or nail to the wall to secure the frame.

Step 3. Add yarn for the web frame

Tie the thread from one corner of the frame to the center of the loop. Complete for each corner, then the net has eight radii (skeleton thread).

Eight spokes is enough but you can always add more if you need to

Step 4. Weave the netting

Start at the center (where the vertical and horizontal threads cross) and weave the thread in a spiral. Each time you reach the support thread, tie the thread into a single knot to secure the shape of the net.

Leave plenty of space between each layer of prey trap yarn to give the effect of space as you would see in a real net.
If the yarn gets short, tie it, connect the new yarn, and continue weaving.
Make sure the thread is tied tightly so it doesn't dangle.

Step 5. Trim the dangling ends

Cut or tighten the dangling thread and trim the net if necessary. The cobweb is finished when you finish weaving enough spirals to reach the edges of the skeleton.

If you need to strengthen sections of the web that may be affected by cutting off the ends or dangling knots, use hot glue. Hot glue not only dries quickly but works great on fabrics and wood

Step 6. Add the toy spider

Use a store-bought plastic or hairy spider toy or make your own from a shell cleaner or similar object.

Method 2 of 4: Using Shell Cleaner (Chenille)

Step 1. Prepare three white or black shell cleaners for each net

The shell cleaner is an elastic wire covered with a soft cloth.

You can try other colors if you want.
Shell cleaners can be found at your local arts and crafts store.

Step 2. Form the net framework

Twist two shell cleaners right in the middle of each to form an “X” shape. Twist a third shell cleaner in the center of the “X” shape, forming a snowflake.

The shell cleaner should be spread out in a circle, leaving an even gap between each shell cleaner. This forms the framework of the net.
If you're having trouble squeezing the shell cleaner, you can use hot glue.

Step 3. Make the threads of the net

Pick a new shell cleaner about 2.5 cm from where the three cleaners came together. This initiates the formation of a prey trap net to be woven into the skeleton.

Step 4. Weave the shell cleaner onto the net frame

Each time you reach the skeleton thread, twist it or make a knot to secure it.

Do not pull on the shell cleaner, as this may loosen the threads on the wire.
Continue weaving in this way to produce a spiral shape. Each time the prey-catching thread becomes short, weave a new thread where the last thread was short and continue weaving.

Step 5. Finish the net

After weaving the last thread, trim the dangling ends with sharp scissors. There are two options for finishing the net:

Leave a little thread from the web frame that extends into the spirals of the prey-trap thread---this looks uneven and is kind of a cartoon-style spider web caricature.
Weave the prey trap thread as the border of the skeleton. The shape looks neat and perfect, like a spider working on it with care.

Method 3 of 4: Using Doily

Step 1. Choose the appropriate doily

Doily is a fabric knitted in a round shape with lots of open space---like a spider's web. If you can choose, choose one that looks more like a net-like but not too much.

You can find doily among piles of old stuff, at thrift stores, and arts and crafts stores in your area.
Wash and dry the doily if it has been used or has been used for a long time.

Step 2. Spray black paint on the doily (if it's not already black)

Spread the doily evenly and spray it with black paint, spraying several times to get the perfect color. Let it dry and then repeat on the other side. Dry it by hanging when it's finished.

Choose a place with open ventilation and cover the work surface with cardboard or newspaper to prevent staining

Step 3. Attach the doily to a background such as a transparent curtain or a fabric such as a bed sheet

Space the doily enough from each other to give the impression of different spiders weaving their webs. Fasten with black thread or hot glue. Fastening with black thread or hot glue as much as possible will keep the cobwebs in place

Step 4. Add the illusion of dangling webs

Tie an end of black embroidery floss to the back of one of the doily. Tie the thread on the curtains from one web to another. Don't overdo it - a few threads here and there will give a dangling net effect.

Step 5. Hang on the curtains

Use embroidery floss to hold the curtains in place as if a spider had tied the curtains while weaving a web. Hang it in a good light source, such as a window or any other place such as a skylight, or a screen with a light behind it.

Method 4 of 4: Using Gauze

Step 1. Prepare the gauze

Gauze is a cotton cloth with small holes similar to a cloth bandage. You can get it at various craft stores.

Step 2. Measure and tighten the gauze

Measure where to hang the net and measure and cut the gauze. Secure the gauze in place with tongs or glue.

Step 3. Cut the gauze into vertical sheets

Remember, webs are meant to look worn and untidy, so make vertical sheets of varying lengths and widths. Cut from the bottom to the top.

Step 4. Tear off the gauze

Create a messy web by cutting, tearing, and punching holes in each vertical piece of gauze. The more decomposed, the better.

Step 5. Add the finishing touches

Rub the edges of the fabric with both hands to fray the edges of the web and attach the toy spider with glue if necessary.

Tips

For the yarn net, you can also make it on a board to support it instead of hanging it in the air. For this version of the cobweb, glue the web to the back of the board with adhesive or glue instead of tying it. Then, weave a spiral shape and pinch it whenever it reaches the skeleton thread, instead of weaving it into a spiral with prey trap thread. Use clamps on each side if one clamp is not enough to penetrate the thread and keep the thread in place. The color of the clamp should be the same as the thread.
Feel free to color the cobwebs. A small amount of gray spray paint can add color to the white netting. Bright colors such as orange, yellow, or other shiny colors can also give a bright and unique appearance.
A well-placed fan can make gauze cobwebs sway and move with terrifying motions.

Warning

Don't hang the twine net where people walk or drive who don't know it, especially if the net is large. Bikes getting tangled or hitting the net like that is no fun!
When spraying paint, always do so in a well-ventilated area to protect health and prevent smoke build-up. Do not use spray paint near babies or pets, to prevent accidental inhalation.
Keep flammable items such as gauze, paper, thread, or similar objects away from sources of ignition (such as candles) and heating elements (such as space heaters).