How To Yarn Bomb

I get asked all the time "How do you yarn bomb exactly?" So here's a How To guide on yarn bombing. This is just from my personal experience. Everyone does it differently. Everyone needs to find their own flow. Also keep in mind that I only crochet my yarn bombs. Yes I knit but very very rarely. Crochet is my ultimate craft so I only refer to crocheting yarn bombs not knitting them. Also forgive my wordiness. I like to write a lot.
 
1. Start easy!
We all get carried away and want to do something but like the famous pink tanker or even a tree but starting small is much better.
 
Start with something small like a small pole piece or a granny square and then you'd be done in no time and won't be discouraged with such a large time consuming project.
 
2. Make your yarn bomb tight
Don't subject yourself to watching your tag slide off your object because it's too big. Make your tags smaller than your object and stretch the piece so it hugs the object tightly. Example: if your pole is 18cm around, generally go for around 16cm around.
 
3. Pick a pattern that's quick to work up. Try harder ones next time.
When first getting into yarn bombing, pick an easy pattern for your tag. For crocheting, I like to do a row of DC and a row of TR because this works up quite quickly. Using patterns that work up quickly will again help you from becoming discouraged with the process of making a tag. Once you have this down pat, you can move on to some more complicated pattern pieces.
 
SIMPLE:

 

 MORE COMPLICATED:

 

 
4. To sew or to tie?
To sew your tag or to cable tie your tag... Different people will say different things and it's also different depending on your tag and what object you're attaching it to.
 
If using only cable ties, you run the risk of the piece not looking neat and tidy.

If using only sewing, you run the risk of the piece not staying tied securely to the object.

Sewing a tag onto a horizontal object like a banister is fine as it will generally stay well. If tagging, say a pole, I like to sew the tag but also but a cable tie at the top of the pole and middle, just for added security.
 
Keep in mind - sewing takes a long time. If you have a piece that you need to run and dash - use cable ties. If you're able to stand around for a bit then sewing is fine.
 
TIP: If sewing a long piece, attach yarn at every third of the way along. Once you've sewn and reached the new piece of yarn, use that one and carry along to the next third. Using one long piece of yarn for the whole piece is irritating. The yarn can become tangled and it's very hard to keep it looking nice the whole way along.
 
5. Pre-planner or not? Find your yarn bombing location now or later.
Are you a pre-planner? Another part of yarn bombing is working out what type of person you are with your planning. Are you someone that wants to plan everything before hand. Do you go out and measure your work and then plan the sort of yarn bomb you want? Or will you just go with the flow and work something up and hope you can find an object that will fit the tag?
 
Personally, I'm a bit of both but more of a planner. Sometimes I'll just make something and hope it fits but more of the time, I like to make up projects or ideas and plan everything and follow it through to the end. I like to measure the object, work out how much yarn I'll need, work out what colors I'll make it and then work on it until the end.
 
6. Yarn bombing in the light or dark?
Are you game enough to yarn bomb in the day or will you put on your blacks and slink around in the dark? Suss out what your area is like. Will someone bother you if you're tagging in the day? Are you likely to be pulled over by the council or the police? What do you feel more safe doing? Do you want to go it alone or would you rather take a friend or another fellow yarn bomber. Personally I've found safety in numbers. It's easier to pull the "It's for a community art project" line if you're with a bunch of people. Try and rope someone in with you, even if all they do is take photos of you and keep a watch out.
 
7. Anonymous or not? Leave a tag or not?
Some yarn bombers prefer to remain anonymous and not leave a "calling card" and some love to know that a supporter can find out who is leaving wonderful tags around. Cards or labels can be bought over the internet or made at home. I make mine on the Vistaprint website and have them shipped to me. Before putting on a tag, I usually laminate them to protect them from the rain.

8. Taking photo's is a must!
Be prepared to know that your tag might not last a long time - therefore photos are a must! Try to get them straight after you've put them up otherwise if you say to yourself "I'll come back later and photograph them", you might come back later to an empty spot. Take several shots with varying angles and set up's. People love to see lots of photos of your handy work.

9. Blog your work.
Blogging about your yarn bombing is fun. It also provides people a chance to comment on what you've been doing. Also don't just blog about the end result of yarn bombing. People like to see your work's in progress as you go along, and then the eventual yarn bombing expedition.
 
I hope this helps a bit. Try yarn bombing once and then you'll be hooked. Give it a go! It's awesome fun.

More helpful links:
What You'll Need To Take When Yarn Bombing
Things To Remember About Yarn Bombing
Ideas For Yarn Bombs To Make

Luv Bali.

P.S. Feel free to repost or link this to other blogs/sites etc.

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