If you’re looking for a simple, creative craft, this small project is inexpensive, easy and fun to make using basic supplies. No sewing required.
I usually only attempt crafts that have a clear place in my home, otherwise they end up in a drawer or the trash. A few Sundays ago, after finishing a bottle of wine and not wanting to make a trip to the craft store, I stumbled across a fabric-wrapped horse on Craft Foxes. The sloppy, imperfect look appealed to me — the messier it is, the more character it has. It’s a no-skill, low-pressure project: just bend wire, wrap fabric and tie.
Fabric-Wrapped 3-D Wire Animals
I loved the horse idea, but I wanted something a bit different for my home, so I made a giraffe. A dinosaur felt too ambitious and wouldn’t have matched my decor. The result is quirky and charming — from a distance he looks great, and up close he’s delightfully imperfect.
This is Oliver, my giraffe. He stands on a shelf nibbling a plant and gives the room a playful, handmade touch. His wire frame keeps him stable, though his long neck and tiny feet make him amusingly precarious.
Here’s Oliver before the fabric wrapping — you can see his wire skeleton. Building a sturdy wire base helps the finished piece hold its shape and makes wrapping easier.
Ready to get started? Let’s do this!
Supplies Needed
- Baling wire or any sturdy, bendable wire (garden wire works well)
- Fabric scraps cut into strips, about 2 inches wide
- String or twine
- Scissors
- Wire cutters
Instructions
- Choose an animal and form a frame from the wire. Bend, twist and wrap the wire until the shape looks right. Make the body portion thicker with additional wire so it has more structure and requires less fabric to wrap.
- Wrap the frame with fabric strips, tucking ends into each other to secure when possible. Use string or twine to tie areas that need extra hold, such as the feet, head and tail.
Helpful Tips
- If you don’t have enough of the decorative fabric, start by wrapping the body with strips from an old sheet to add bulk. Finish with your chosen fabric for the visible outer layer.
- Add buttons or beads for eyes if you like — I left my giraffe without eyes for a minimalist look.
Oliver may look a little like a llama or camel depending on the angle, but he’s mostly giraffe. Handmade pieces like this add personality to a room and invite conversation.
Save this idea for later — it’s a great beginner-friendly craft!
