No-printer frame method
Mark evenly spaced pins with a circle and measurements, check the count, and follow the app’s sequence without a printer.
Materials
Use a board at least 15 mm thick; a compass or string and pencil; a metric ruler or flexible measuring tape; a calculator; pencil or fine marker; small hammer; 1–1.25 inch finishing nails; pliers; fine polyester thread; and optional numbered masking-tape labels.
1. Calculate equal spacing
Arc spacing = π × circle diameter ÷ nail count. A 60 cm circle with 250 nails gives (60 × 3.14159) ÷ 250 = 0.754 cm along the circumference. Keep units consistent. Straight-line chord spacing differs from arc spacing; do not substitute one for the other when marking.
2. Draw the circle
Mark the center. Set your compass to half the diameter, or pivot a taut string and pencil around a center pin. Check the radius at several points before continuing.
3. Mark nail 1
Place nail 1 directly right of center, at 3 o’clock. Mark it clearly with a cross, colored dot or tape. Number positions clockwise; when hung, this starting mark stays on the right.
4. Mark every position
Measure the calculated distance along the circumference with a flexible measure, or mark equal angles of 360° ÷ nail count. Continue around the circle. For 200 or more nails, marking every fifth or tenth position first can help detect accumulated errors. All pin centers must be evenly spaced.
5. Add numbers
Write 1, 2, 3… clockwise beside the marks, or use numbered tape. With many nails, emphasize every tenth number and count between them. Clear numbering helps recover your place after a mistake.
6. Make pilot holes if needed
An awl, nail or punch can make a small pilot hole at each mark. This helps with accuracy and harder boards.
7. Hammer the nails
Hold nails with pliers and leave about 12 mm (1/2 inch) exposed. Check that their centers follow the circle smoothly and their heights are consistent.
8. Verify the count
Count every nail and compare with the app. If one or two are missing or doubled, inspect the area where the circle closes before stringing.
9. Begin stringing
Secure the thread at the sequence’s starting nail and follow every connection in order. Voice Guidance also works with a manually marked frame. Keep the thread continuous and follow any displayed wrap directions.