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Easy instructions to add some spooky decor to your home
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A spider web is an ideal decoration for Halloween, haunted houses, projects about arachnids, or a fun ambiance for a reading of "Charlotte's Web." There are many different ways to make a spider web based on the materials needed and the level of difficulty involved.

How to Create Spider Webs

  1. Cut 4 long pieces of yarn to the same length.
  2. Lay 2 pieces of yarn into a cross shape to make the base.
  3. Place the other 2 pieces of yarn in an X-shape on top of the base.
  4. Weave a piece of yarn in a spiral around in a circle.
  5. Tie a knot when the spiral meets one of the base pieces of yarn.
  6. Trim extra lengths of yarn with scissors.
Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Using Yarn

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  1. Determine and measure where you will be placing your spider web so you know what size yarn to cut. Remember the wider the point, the larger your web.[1] Any color will do but white or silver are more traditional colors.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Spider Web
    Cut two pieces to form one vertical length of yarn and one horizontal length which will meet in the center to become the frame of your web.[2] The length of each piece of string will depend on where you will be hanging it, so measure the string based on the location.
    • For example, if you want to hang the web from one tree to another, the area between the trees will define the length of the frame of the web. Alternatively, if your web is being hung on the front door, the width of the door is your limit.
    • You can tape to the wall or tie off to nails in the wall to secure the framework.[3]
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Spider Web
    Tie a string from one corner of the frame to the middle of the circle. Complete this for each corner, then the web will have eight spokes (framework threads).
    • Eight spokes should be sufficient but you can always add more at a later time if needed.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Spider Web
    Start from the center (where the vertical and horizontal pieces criss-cross) and weave the yarn around in a spiral shape. Each time you come to a supporting string, tie your yarn into an overhand knot to secure the shape of the web.[4]
    • Leave plenty of space between each capture thread layer to give the effect of the space that you see on a real web.
    • If you run out of a length of string, simply tie it off, tie on a new piece, and keep weaving.
    • Make sure the strings are taut to avoid drooping.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Spider Web
    Cut off or tighten loose pieces and generally tidy up the web as needed. The web is complete when you've finished weaving enough of the spiral to reach the edge of the frame.
    • If you need to strengthen parts of the web that might be affected by cutting off loose ends or knots, use hot glue. Hot glue is not only fast but it works well on fabrics and woods.[5]
  6. Use store-bought plastic or furry spider toys, or make your own from pipe cleaners or similar items.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Using Pipe Cleaners (Chenille)

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  1. Pipe cleaners are pliable wires that are covered in fluffy fabric.
    • You can try other colors if you're feeling adventurous.
    • Pipe cleaners can be found at local arts and crafts stores like Michael's or Hobby Lobby.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Spider Web
    Twist two pipe cleaners together at the exact center of each stick to form an "X". Twist the third pipe cleaner down the center of the "X", creating what looks like a snowflake shape.[6]
    • The sticks should be spread out in a circle, leaving even gaps between each stick. This forms the web framework.
    • If you are having trouble twisting the pipe cleaners together, you can use hot glue instead.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Spider Web
    Twist on a new pipe cleaner about an inch (2.5cm) from where the sticks all join. This starts the capture web which you'll be weaving around the framework.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Spider Web
    Each time you reach a framework thread, twist or loop the capture thread around it once to secure it.
    • Avoid pulling on the pipe cleaners as it can remove some of the tuft surrounding the wire.
    • Continue weaving in this manner to create the spiral. Each time a capture thread runs out, simply wind on a new thread in the spot where the last thread left off and keep weaving.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Spider Web
    After winding the last strand, trim loose ends using sharp scissors. There are two choices for finishing the web:
    • Leave a bit of the threads from the framework extending beyond the capture thread spiral––this looks jagged and is typical of the cartoon style caricature of spider webs.
    • Weave a capture thread as a border on the edge of the framework. This looks neat and finished, like a tidy spider worked there.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Using Doilies

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  1. Doilies are crocheted cotton put into round patterns with a lot of open space--just like spiderwebs.[7] If it's possible to be picky, choose ones that look more web-like but don't fuss too much.
    • You can find doilies among old belongings, at your local thrift store, and at your local arts and crafts store.
    • Wash and dry the doilies if they are used or old.
  2. Lay the doilies flat and spray with the black paint, passing over several times for complete color. Allow to dry, then repeat on the other side. Hang to dry when complete.[8]
    • Choose a spot with open ventilation and cover the work surface with cardboard or newspaper to prevent staining the surface underneath.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Spider Web
    • Space the doilies at an acceptable distance from each other to give the impression of different spiders weaving their webs. Tack in place with black thread or hot glue. Apply as many as will fit nicely.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Spider Web
    Tie one end of black embroidery thread to the back of one doily. Thread this on the curtain from one web to the next. Don't overdo this--just a few strands here and there will give the effect of loose webs.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Spider Web
    Use some of the embroidery thread to hold the curtain in place as if spiders have tied up the curtain while they were weaving. Hang over a good light source, like a window or anyplace like a skylight or a screen with a light behind it.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Using Cheesecloth

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Spider Web
    Cheesecloth is a very loose cotton that resembles gauze. You can find it in craft stores like Jo-Ann Fabric or Bed Bath and Beyond.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Spider Web
    Measure the area where you will be hanging the web and measure and cut the cheesecloth accordingly. Secure the cheesecloth in place with pins or glue.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Spider Web
    Remember, the web is meant to look old and unfinished so vary the lengths and spacing of the vertical strips. Cut from the bottom up.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Spider Web
    Create a messy web by snipping, tearing, and making holes in each vertical strip. The more it unravels, the better.
  5. Rub the ends of the cloth between your hands to fray the edges and glue in fake spiders as needed.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Do spiders wrap flies for food?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, some spiders do this. The spider makes a web and then the flies get stuck to it. Next, the spider wraps it up in the web and eats it.
  • Question
    What will be cool to use to make webs for a Spider Man craft?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    String (especially holographic or shiny string), clay, thread, doll hair, and even strings of thick glue can be a spiderweb. Any stringy-looking material will be okay, but make sure it gives off a "radioactive" effect.
  • Question
    Do things stick on webs?
    FutureHow
    FutureHow
    Community Answer
    No, nothing will stick on these webs. If you want something to stick, try adding some type of adhesive.
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Tips

  • For the yarn web, you can also make this on a board as backing rather than hanging it in the air. For this version, instead of tying in place, tape, glue or staple it to the back of the board. Then, instead of weaving a spiral around with the capture thread, weave it and pin it down each time it reaches a framework thread. Use a pin each side if one pin isn't enough to pierce through the yarn and hold it in place. The pins should be the same color as the string or yarn.
  • Feel free to color your spider webs. A little bit of gray spray paint can help give depth of color to white material. Also, vivid orange, yellow, or other florescent colors can give a bright, otherworldly look.
  • A well-placed fan can make cheesecloth spiderwebs sway and move in a creepy way.
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Warnings

  • If spray painting, always do so in a well ventilated space to protect your health and prevent the build-up of fumes. Never use spray paints around infants or pets, in case of accidental inhalation.
  • Keep flammable materials such as cheesecloth, paper, string, or the like away from flame sources (such as candles) and heating elements (such as space heaters).
  • Avoid hanging string webs in areas where people might walk or ride into them unsuspectingly, especially if the web is large. Getting tangled up or knocked off a bicycle by such a web isn't much fun!
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Things You'll Need

Yarn web:

  • Yarn (any type of thick string can be used)
  • Glue suitable for string (paper glue or hot glue should work)
  • Scissors

Pipe cleaner (chenille) web:

  • A dozen 12 inch/30cm white or black pipe cleaners (also known as chenille sticks)
  • Scissors for tidying up
  • Hot glue if necessary

Doily spider web:

  • Doilies
  • Large transparent curtain or sheet of fabric
  • Black spray paint
  • Work space covering
  • Black stitching thread and black embroidery thread
  • Scissors

Cheesecloth web:

  • Cheesecloth (as much or as little as you like)
  • Scissors
  • Tacks or glue for hanging

About This Article

Sarah Stearns
Co-authored by:
DIY Specialist
This article was co-authored by Sarah Stearns. Sarah Stearns is a DIY Specialist, Artist, Maker, Blogger, and the Founder of SarahMaker.com. With over ten years of experience, she specializes in fun, approachable crafts like crocheting, making polymer clay jewelry, quilting, and creating Cricut projects. Her work has been featured in several publications, such as Scientific American, Good Housekeeping, Vox, and Apartment Therapy. Sarah holds a BA in Psychology from Vanderbilt University. This article has been viewed 228,511 times.
8 votes - 88%
Co-authors: 12
Updated: December 6, 2024
Views: 228,511
Categories: Halloween Decorations
Article SummaryX

With a few pipe cleaners and a little patience, you can make your own decorative spider web for halloween. Start by twisting 2 pipe cleaners together at the center to form an X. Then, twist a 3rd pipe cleaner down the center of the "X", to create a snowflake shape. To make the rings of your spider web, get a new pipe cleaner and weave it around the spokes of the snowflake in the center of the spider web. Once you've finished the circle, cut off any excess pipe cleaner. Keep making larger circles as you move out to the edges of the spider web. For more craft tips, including how to make a spider web from yarn.

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