Can I Do String Art Without a Kit? (Spoiler: Yes. That’s how I started.)

Of course you can do string art without a kit — that’s exactly how I started! Back then, we didn’t order a box of supplies or follow a pre-set guide. We figured it out as we went, digging up old wooden planks from the greenhouse, sanding them down, and just experimenting. One of our best pieces was made on reclaimed wood that used to be part of a flower bed — I still remember how satisfying it was to clean it up and give it a new purpose.

If you’re a crafty person with some time on your hands and a willingness to explore, going fully DIY can be incredibly rewarding. You might head to a hardware store, pick up a plank, and start your own little adventure. Or maybe you already have what you need lying around at home. Either way, yes — you can absolutely do string art without a kit.

But (and this is a kind and honest “but”) — it’s worth keeping a few things in mind.

When you buy materials separately, you’ll often need to buy more than you actually need. Thread, nails, even the wood — these usually come in larger quantities, and if it turns out that string art isn’t for you, you might end up with a bunch of supplies sitting in a box somewhere. And sometimes, buying everything separately doesn’t turn out cheaper. If you don’t already have craft basics at home — like wood stain, pliers, good-quality thread, or small nails — it might even cost more than a ready-made kit.

I know this firsthand — when I buy nails for my own kits, I’m ordering them in bulk: sometimes one to ten kilograms at a time. That’s what allows me to include just the right amount in my kits and still keep the price fair. But if you’re doing it alone and buying small packs at a craft store or online, you may not be getting the best deal… or the best quality.

So yes, going without a kit is totally doable. Just go in with open eyes — and maybe a hammer.

In this post, I’ll walk you through what you actually need, what you can skip, and how to start your own piece — with or without a kit.

What Materials Do You Need for String Art?

The Wood Base

I personally use spruce wood for almost all of our string art signs. It’s right in that sweet spot — not too hard, not too soft — and it absorbs wood stain beautifully. Once stained, the texture of the wood really pops, and that adds so much character to the final piece. So, if you’re planning to use a stain that lets the wood show through, I’d recommend choosing something similar to spruce with a nice natural grain.

If you’re planning to paint over the wood completely, then the texture becomes less important. In that case, just make sure the wood isn’t too hard or too soft, and that it can hold nails well without splitting.

As for MDF or particle board?

Personally, I don’t recommend it. It’s cheap — and that can be tempting — but it’s really hard to get nails into. Pre-drilling is an option, but then you run into safety concerns. The sawdust from MDF (which is made from glued-together wood particles) isn’t great to breathe in — especially if you’re planning to make more than one piece. If you’re just testing it out once, it’s not the end of the world, but for anything more serious, I’d avoid it.

The Nails 

Nails are a whole topic in themselves (and I actually wrote a full guide to the best nails for string art) — but here’s the short version.

Like most people, I started with the standard grey nails from the hardware store. They work! But they’re not the prettiest, and they tend to be dirty and a little dull. If you’re going this route, I highly recommend giving them a good clean — I soak mine in acetone in an old basin outside. You’ll be amazed how much grime comes off, and your hands and thread will thank you later.

Pretty soon, I found something better — small decorative nails from the upholstery section of the hardware store. Gold-toned, shiny, and way more polished. Yes, they were more expensive (like, 10x the price of the grey ones), but they looked 10x better too.

Eventually, I found an even better supplier online — someone who sells decorative upholstery and shoemaking nails — and those are what I use now in all my kits. They’re beautiful, hold the thread well, and honestly make the whole piece feel more finished.

⚠️ Quick note:

Please don’t buy expensive shiny brass nails just to paint them black. If you want black nails, just get black nails! Save the shiny brass ones for designs that let them shine.

The Thread 

Thread is what brings your string art design to life — and in most cases, I recommend starting with crochet thread. It’s strong, smooth, and easy to handle, making it a great all-rounder for both beginners and experienced crafters. It holds its tension well and creates a nice, even finish, especially in larger areas.

You can also use embroidery floss if you’re working on smaller sections or need a very specific color — though it’s a bit more delicate and often needs to be separated into thinner strands.

If you’re curious about the differences between thread types, layering colors, or what to avoid, I’ve written a full breakdown here:

👉 Best String Art Threads Guide

What You Actually Need (And What’s Just Nice to Have)

If you’re gathering everything yourself instead of using a kit, it helps to know what’s essential and what’s more of a “makes life easier” kind of tool. Here’s my honest take after years of wrapping thread around tiny nails:

Must-Have Materials & Tools 

• A wood base
• Nails → Read more about choosing nails
• Thread → Read more in the thread guide
• Hammer – I use a 100g hammer, small and easy to control.
• Pattern – Whether it’s a printed design you tape to your base or something you freehand directly on the wood, a pattern is a must.If you’re looking for printable patterns to get started, feel free to browse the ones I offer:
  👉 See String Art Patterns at GoodStrings
  Each one is tested by me in real life and adjusted based on how it actually comes together when strung.

Nice-to-Have Extras (But Still Helpful!)

• Flat-nosed pliers – They help hold nails steady and are great in tight spots.
• Scotch tape – Keeps printed patterns in place while you work.
• Picture hangers – If you want to hang your finished piece, don’t forget these (install after you’re done staining and stringing).
• Awl – Perfect for poking starter holes if you don’t want to nail over the paper.
• Dremel or small drill – I use one to pre-drill holes, but it’s optional. Here’s more on how to create nail holes:
  

  👉 How to Create Nail Holes for String Art

Back to the Beginning: Yes, You Can Do This Without a Kit

So let’s circle back — can you do string art without a kit?

Absolutely. That’s how I started. If you’re a creative person who loves the process, enjoys figuring things out, or just wants to stay in control of every part of the project — go for it. Maybe you already have the supplies. Maybe you’re in the right headspace to do a little planning and make it your own. That’s not only possible, it’s honestly something I encourage.

But if you just want to try it out, skip the bulk buying, and jump straight into crafting…

✨ check out our DIY Craft Kit collection. ✨

You’ll find complete kits with pre-cut wood bases, nails, thread, and of course, the pattern — everything you need, packed up with care.

And if you don’t see a design you love, feel free to message me. I’m always happy to create a custom design for you and turn it into a full kit.

After nearly 10 years in the string art world, I can tell you:

Starting is the hardest part — but it’s not actually hard. You don’t need fancy tools or piles of materials. You just need a little patience and the willingness to try.

And no kit, no matter how perfect, can give you that part — only you can.

Thanks for reading! I hope this helped you feel more confident starting your string art journey — with or without a kit.

Wishing you happy crafting,
Renāte
Maker & founder of GoodStrings