If you love handmade décor and easy DIY projects, you are going to love these nail and string art free patterns! String art is such a fun way to turn a simple wooden board, a handful of nails, and some colorful thread into a beautiful piece of art.

Whether you are a string art beginner or you’ve already made several projects, having a good pattern makes the process so much easier. A string art template gives you a design to follow so you don’t have to figure out nail placement on your own.

I’ve gathered some of the best free string art patterns I could find, including geometric designs, seasonal crafts, hearts, silhouettes, and simple projects that are perfect for your first time.

Many of these projects also include free templates, printable PDFs, or included step-by-step instructions, so you can spend less time figuring out what to do and more time creating!

What Is String Art?

String art is created by hammering nails into a wooden board and then wrapping string, yarn, or embroidery floss around the nails to create a picture or pattern.

The designs can be incredibly simple or surprisingly intricate. A basic heart or star might be perfect for a beginner, while more complicated designs can involve hundreds of nails and hours of threading.

One of the things I love about string art is that you don’t have to be an artist to make something beautiful. A good template does much of the work for you!

You can find patterns for animals, words, flowers, geometric patterns, holiday designs, and even custom artwork made from your own photo.

What You Need to Make String Art

The exact materials will depend on the project you choose, but most string art projects require just a few basic supplies:

• Wooden board or piece of wood
• Small nails
• Hammer
• String, yarn, or embroidery floss
• Scissors
• Printed template
• Tape
• Pencil
• Stain or paint, if desired

For some projects, you may also want a ruler, pliers, nail punch, or other basic tools.

If you are making your first project, don’t worry about buying a lot of supplies. A scrap piece of wood can work beautifully, especially while you are learning.

Nail and String Art Patterns Free and Tutorials to Try

1. Free String Art Templates from String Art Studio

If you are looking for a collection of free printable string art patterns, String Art Studio is a great place to start.

They have beginner-friendly nail layouts for circles, hearts, and stars, along with geometric and mandala designs. Their templates are available as free PDFs, and the site includes directions for printing them at the correct size and transferring the design to your board.

I especially love this resource if you enjoy geometric patterns. The designs look complicated once finished, but the template gives you a clear path to follow.

Browse the free String Art Studio templates

2. Easy String Art Patterns from Joyful Derivatives

Joyful Derivatives has a fantastic beginner-friendly tutorial with eight different string art patterns to download and print.

The tutorial walks you through making a DIY string art board, including preparing and staining the wood, attaching the template, hammering the nails, and adding the string. The templates are designed to print on standard letter-sized paper, making this an especially easy project to get started with.

This would be a great choice for your first string art project because the instructions break the process down into manageable steps.

Get the free patterns from Joyful Derivatives

3. 30 Free Printable String Art Patterns

If you want lots of options in one place, this collection from Decor Home Ideas is worth checking out.

The post includes 30 free printable string art patterns that you can download and use. There are simple designs for beginners along with more detailed ideas for people who are ready to try something a little more challenging.

This is a good page to bookmark when you are looking for new projects because there are so many different designs to choose from.

See all 30 free patterns

4. Free String Art Pattern Collection from LRCrafts

LRCrafts has collected a variety of string art patterns that can be downloaded and used for free.

One thing I really like about this collection is that it includes different types of patterns. Some are simple silhouettes, while others are more detailed. The site explains that some projects simply require following an outline, while others require more detailed instructions.

This makes it easy to choose a project that matches your current skill level.

Browse the LRCrafts free patterns

5. Free Treble Clef String Art

If you have a music lover in your family, the treble clef pattern from LRCrafts would make such a fun project.

It’s described as a quick and easy string art project and uses a simple outline that you can place on your board before adding the nails.

Use their pattern as a starting point and choose a thread color that matches the room where you plan to display it.

6. Free Templates from Dellwood DIY

Dellwood DIY offers several free string art stencils and templates that can be downloaded as PDFs.

This post gives lots of options on what to do with your string art creation and how to make it functional. Great ideas!

See the free Dellwood DIY templates

7. Pretty Bohemian Style Feather Pattern

This is beautiful and enchanting!

8. Colorful String Art Letters

SO many possibilities with this one. I love the idea for a craft room, but what about a child’s room, or a classroom? So fun and colorful!

Get the full tutorial at Crafts by Amanda.

I also really love her Home State String Art! Such a cute idea.

9. Farmhouse Home Sign

One of my sisters made this for me and I have it on my mantel. I absolutely LOVE it. This tutorial will have you ready to start a project in no time. And just wait til you see how easy it is to choose any word that you want!

Get the tutorial HERE.

10. Winter Snowflake String Art Pattern

A snowflake is such a pretty idea for winter and Christmas decorating.

This type of project would look beautiful on a stained wooden board with white or silver thread. You could also use several different thread colors to create a collection of snowflakes for a holiday display.

A seasonal string art project is a great way to create handmade décor without spending much money. You can see the instructions at Chaotically Yours.

11. Christmas Tree String Art Pattern

A Christmas tree is another classic design that works beautifully with string art.

You can make the tree as simple or detailed as you want. Try green thread for a traditional look, or use white, gold, or red for something a little more modern.

A small Christmas tree would also make a thoughtful handmade gift for family members or friends.

There is a free pattern at Girl, Just DIY!.

12. Colorful Easy Word String Art Tutorial

This is one of my favorites. Create your own pattern and font for whatever word you want.

Grab the Tutorial at Sisters, What!

Tips for Making String Art

If this is your first time, start with one of the easier designs on this list. A heart, circle, diamond, or simple silhouette is much less intimidating than one of the more complex designs.

Once you’ve chosen a pattern, print your printed template at the recommended size. Check the measurements before you begin so you know your design will fit your board.

Secure the template to your wooden board with tape and carefully hammer your nails into the marked spots.

When the nails are in place, remove the paper and begin wrapping your string. Tie your string around the first nail, then follow the pattern or instructions for the next step.

Don’t worry if the first few wraps don’t look perfect. Once you add more thread, the design will begin to take shape.

Choose the Right String Color

Thread color can completely change the appearance of your project.

Neutral colors such as cream, white, tan, and black create a simple farmhouse look, while bright colors can make a project feel playful and fun.

You can even use multiple colors in one design. Try a rainbow effect, different shades of the same color, or seasonal colors for holiday projects.

Make Your Own String Art

One of the best things about string art is how easy it is to personalize.

Once you have learned the basic technique, you can experiment with your own templates, change the thread color, use different sizes of boards, or create a custom design.

A simple pattern can become beautiful handmade décor for a living room, nursery, office, or kids’ rooms.

You can also turn a string art project into a meaningful gift for Mother’s Day, Christmas, a birthday, wedding, or housewarming.

Start Your String Art Journey

I hope this collection of nail and string art free patterns gives you plenty of ideas for your next craft project!

The easiest way to get started is to choose a good template, gather your supplies, and pick a project that matches your skill level. Don’t be afraid to start small. Your first project doesn’t need to be perfect.

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can move on to more complex designs, experiment with geometric patterns, or even create your own custom pattern from a favorite image.

There is something so satisfying about taking an ordinary wooden board and turning it into a piece of own handmade artwith nothing more than nails and string.

And once you finish your first project, don’t be surprised if you immediately start looking for your next one!