How to Weave a God’s Eye Craft for Kids

If you grew up going to summer camp, there’s a good chance you’ve made a God’s Eye craft (sometimes called Ojo de Dios). Two sticks, some bright yarn, and a little bit of wrapping magic—suddenly you have this beautiful, woven diamond that you can hang in a window or on a wall.

This is one of those timeless kids’ crafts that never goes out of style. It’s easy, affordable, and completely customizable, which is why it has lasted through generations of crafty kids. And the best part? It’s just as fun now as it was back then.

When my kids and I made these recently, we set up outside with a basket of colorful yarn and a stack of popsicle sticks. It turned into a whole afternoon project: they experimented with different colors, patterns, and even made them as gifts. It reminded me that weaving doesn’t have to be complicated—this simple craft checks all the boxes.

In this post, I’ll share everything you need to know about how to make a God’s Eye craft with kids, why it’s such a wonderful project for building skills, and step-by-step instructions (with all the little tips I wish I had known when we first started).

Why You’ll Love Making a God’s Eye Craft with Kids

• Great for all ages: Even preschoolers can do this with a bit of help. Older kids can get fancy with patterns.
• Low-cost materials: Popsicle sticks or dowels, yarn, and scissors—that’s it.
• Portable: You can take this anywhere. We’ve done these at the beach, on camping trips, and in the backyard.
• Boosts fine motor skills: Wrapping yarn around sticks builds coordination and patience.
• Teaches patterns and sequencing: Without even realizing it, kids are learning about color repetition and order.
• Beautiful keepsakes: These look gorgeous hanging in windows, on walls, or even as part of a gift.

Materials You’ll Need

You only need a few basic supplies to get started:

• 2 popsicle sticks (craft sticks) or small wooden dowels
• Yarn in multiple colors
• Scissors

Optional: A bit of glue or tape if you want to secure the sticks before you start (I’ll explain this below).

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make a God’s Eye Craft

This craft looks fancy when it’s done, but trust me—it’s incredibly simple once you see the steps. Here’s how to do it from start to finish.

Step 1: Cross Your Sticks

Take your two popsicle sticks (or dowels) and cross them in the shape of a plus sign (+).

If you’re crafting with younger kids, you can add a small dot of hot glue or tape in the center where the sticks cross so they don’t move around while weaving. If your kids are older and have a steady hand, you can skip this and just hold them in place with your fingers for the first few wraps.

Step 2: Secure with Yarn

Pick your first yarn color. Cut a piece about 24 inches long to start. Place the end of the yarn on the center where the sticks cross and wrap it around several times, going over and under in an “X” pattern to lock the sticks into place.

After 6–8 wraps, the sticks should feel secure and stay in place on their own. Tie a small knot at the back to secure the yarn, or just hold the loose end against the stick as you start weaving.

Step 3: Start Wrapping

Here’s the basic weaving pattern:

1. Bring the yarn over the first stick (from the front to the back).
2. Wrap it around that stick so the yarn comes out on the right-hand side.
3. Move to the next stick (turn the whole cross a quarter turn clockwise).
4. Bring the yarn over that stick and wrap it around in the same way.

Repeat: over, around, and onto the next stick.

Step 4: Keep Going

As you keep wrapping, you’ll see a diamond shape start to form in the center. That’s your God’s Eye pattern!

Make sure to push the yarn snugly toward the center after every few wraps so there aren’t any gaps. But don’t pull too tightly—the yarn should be secure, not bending the sticks.

Step 5: Switching Colors

One of the fun parts of making a God’s Eye is switching colors to create stripes and patterns.

When you’re ready to change colors:

• Cut the yarn, leaving a small tail.
• Tie the new color onto the old yarn with a simple knot.
• Tuck the loose tails to the back so they stay hidden, and keep wrapping with your new color.

Kids love experimenting with different color combinations!

Step 6: Wrapping Tips for Kids

• Turn the sticks, not your hands: It’s easier if the kids keep the yarn in their dominant hand and use the other hand to turn the sticks.
• Go slow at first: The pattern becomes automatic after a while.
• Keep the yarn untangled: If your yarn twists, pause and let it dangle so it can untwist before you keep going.
• If you pause or put the sticks and weaving down and pick it up again, be sure that you are holding it in the same orientation as before so that the pattern is consistent.

Step 7: Finishing the God’s Eye

Once the weaving reaches near the ends of the sticks, it’s time to finish:

1. Wrap the yarn around one stick a final time.
2. Cut the yarn, leaving a tail about 6 inches long.
3. Tie a knot around the back of the stick so it doesn’t unravel.

You can tuck the tail under a few wraps or leave it hanging if you’d like to use it as a hanging loop.

Step 8: Display It!

Your God’s Eye is complete! Now the fun part: deciding where to put it.

• Hang it in a window as a suncatcher.
• Use it as wall art in a playroom or bedroom.
• Give it as a handmade gift to grandparents or friends.
• Make a bunch and hang them together for a colorful display.

Extra Ideas and Variations

Once you get the hang of the basic God’s Eye, you can mix things up with fun twists:

• Add beads: String beads onto the yarn before wrapping for a decorative touch.
• Use natural sticks: Go on a nature walk and collect small straight sticks or twigs for a rustic look.
• Make a double-layered God’s Eye: After finishing the first diamond, tie two more sticks across the back and start a second layer.
• Go big: Use long dowels and chunky yarn to make a giant one for outdoor decor.

Troubleshooting

• Loose center: If the sticks wobble, just add a few extra wraps right in the center before continuing.
• Gaps between yarn: Gently push the wraps together with your fingers as you go.
• Knots slipping: Double knot and pull snug, or add a tiny bit of glue if needed.

Why This Craft Is So Good for Kids

I love this craft because it’s so adaptable.

• For younger kids, it’s a way to practice fine motor skills, color recognition, and patience.
• For older kids, it can become a creative design challenge—experimenting with patterns, textures, and color combinations.
• And for parents? It’s a craft that doesn’t require constant supervision after the first few minutes.

Plus, making a God’s Eye is meditative. The over-under rhythm of wrapping is calming, which makes it a lovely “quiet time” activity.

Our Experience Making God’s Eyes at Home

The first time we did this as a family, we set up a little “weaving station” outside on the picnic table. We put all our yarn in a basket, laid out a pile of popsicle sticks, and let everyone pick their favorite colors.

My oldest decided to go with rainbow stripes, one twin did a pattern of red-blue-red-blue, and the other twin used one single color and was perfectly happy wrapping away. It was one of those afternoons where everyone was engaged and peaceful (rare, right?).

At the end, we hung them on our patio and it instantly looked like a summer art gallery.

How Long Does It Take?

A small God’s Eye (made with popsicle sticks) takes about 20–30 minutes, depending on the age of the child. Bigger ones with dowels take longer.

It’s a great project to leave out and come back to if attention spans wander.

Making a God’s Eye craft is one of those summer activities every kid should try at least once.

With just a few simple supplies, you can create something colorful and beautiful while also giving kids a chance to work on skills that don’t feel like “learning.”

So next time you’re looking for a low-prep, screen-free activity, grab a couple of sticks and some yarn, and show your kids how to weave a God’s Eye. You might be surprised at how much they love it—and how many they want to make!