Printed template method

Materials

Prepare MDF, plywood or particle board at least 15 mm thick; a printer and US Letter paper (8.5 × 11 inches); scissors and tape; a small hammer; 1–1.25 inch finishing nails or small brads; needle-nose pliers; and fine polyester thread. The original guide suggests 50wt thread around 0.2 mm; weight labels do not guarantee diameter, so match the app to your actual thread.

1. Download the template

Generate your pattern, then choose Download Template PDF. Page 1 is the assembly guide; the following template pages mark the nail positions. Pages without nail positions are excluded to reduce paper use.

2. Print at actual size

Print at 100% or Actual Size. Turn off Fit to Page and Scale to Fit, and select zero or no margins where supported. A printer that scales pages or adds margins can shrink the circle. Print a test page and measure a known dimension before printing the full set.

3. Trim the pages

Cut along each page edge. Trim any added margins completely; the nail positions reach the page edges so adjacent pages can meet accurately.

4. Assemble the pages

Use the grid on page 1 to arrange the sheets on a flat surface. Align the circle into a smooth curve and tape the back of the sheets so tape does not cover the markings.

5. Secure the template

Position the assembled template on your board and tape its corners firmly. It must stay still while you hammer.

6. Install the nails

Hold each nail with pliers and hammer through its mark. Keep about 12 mm (1/2 inch) of each nail above the board. Start at nail 1, directly right of center at 3 o’clock, and number clockwise. Use the printed numbers outside the circle.

7. Follow the sequence

Leave the template attached so its numbers remain visible. Secure the thread at the starting nail specified by your sequence and follow each connection, using Voice Guidance if helpful. Keep one continuous thread for a black pattern. Follow any wrap directions shown by the app. Maintain even tension: loose lines sag, excessive tension can warp the board.

Fine detail is optional. Follow wrap directions when the app displays them.

8. Remove the paper

After all connections are complete, remove the tape and gently tear away the paper around the nails and threads. Use tweezers for remaining scraps if needed. Work slowly without pulling on the finished threads.