Pixel Art with Rya

1   Start with the last first: The frame in which the design is going to be displayed, determines the size of the latch hook canvas (and the number of rya knots that can be made). Measure and count the holes (we have counted 19) and draw pixel portraits on checked paper. (As an alternative you may start with simple designs until the children master the actual Rya rug making technique).

2   Cut a piece of latch hook canvas with a 1.5 – 2 cm border on all four sides. The actual design should meassure 11 x 11 cm on the latch hook canvas. Attach masking tape on all four sides which makes it considerably easier for children. Transfer the design onto the canvas with markers.

3   This sewing project scales at 1:1, i.e. one pixel equals a rya knot and therefore each rya knot has to be made over one square (i.e. one cross formed from 4 squares). Choose whether to start from the top or the bottom of the latch hook canvas (for children it is probably easier to start from the bottom as shown here).

4   Wrap the yarn around a stick, for example, a wide ice lolly stick between each rya knot. The wider the stick, the bigger the loops. Here we have started at the top of the latch hook canvas.

5   Use half/narrow ice lolly sticks if you want loops the loops very short. You may choose not to cut open some of the loops.

6   Let the children freestyle and experiment. In this example, yarn has been replaced by plastic bags cut into thin strips and green plastic netting from clementines has been used for effect.

7   Paint the collage frames and leave to dry.

8   Attach double-sided adhesive tape onto the inside base of the college frame. Remove the protective paper from the tape and attach the rya design inside the frame.

9   Here is an example of a simple design with short and long tassels. This is an ideal starter project for those who are new to the Rya rug making technique.

Intuition-wise   Intuitive intelligence. Enhanced by activities in which children must use their abilities to sense what (perhaps) will happen, and by mind reading and thinking synchronously.