TECHNIQUE

Crochet String Resist

The beauty of twisted and tied yarn creates a fun circular, organic pattern on the page. Use a large crochet hook to create single strand crochet links. These chain strands will be used to print and spray patterns on the page. This technique uses a simple single crochet strand, but you could also create an intricate freestyle design of yarn to use as a mask.

Creative Toolbox

single crochet strands made with yarn or string

plastic page protector

ink sprays

drawing paper

STEP 1: Crochet Strands

Place single crochet strands onto a plastic page protector. Drop them freely on the background.

STEP 2: Paint Surface

Spray ink over the crochet strands onto the page protector.

STEP 3: Print Surface

Remove the strands to reveal the print surface.

STEP 4: First Pulled Print

Place a piece of paper on the surface and pull the first print.

STEP 5: Place More Strands

Begin to build layers over the top of the first print. Drop crochet strands freely over the painting.

STEP 6: Spray Ink

Choose two more colors of ink sprays and alternate spraying over the crochet strands.

STEP 7: Spray Print

Remove the crochet strands to reveal a final print.

Yarn and String Printmaking Tips

• Experiment with different yarn and strings to create different sized strands.
• Crochet with various size needles to create different sized loops.
• Use vintage crochet doilies as masks with this technique.
• Let the ink fully dry if you don’t want the colors to bleed too much before spraying on another color.
• You can also use a Plexiglas sheet for this technique.