diff --git a/server/index.js b/server/index.js
index 6d8ef26..babf271 100644
--- a/server/index.js
+++ b/server/index.js
@@ -83,6 +83,7 @@ function readDeskState() {
             cards: desk.cards || [],
             props: desk.props || [],
             strokes: desk.strokes || [],
+            yarnLinks: desk.yarnLinks || [],
             settings: desk.settings || {}
           }
         };
@@ -155,7 +156,7 @@ app.get('/api/desk', (_req, res) => {
 
 // Save desk state
 app.post('/api/desk', (req, res) => {
-  const { cards, props, strokes, settings, activeBoard, boards, originClientId } = req.body;
+  const { cards, props, strokes, yarnLinks, settings, activeBoard, boards, originClientId } = req.body;
 
   if (!Array.isArray(cards)) {
     return res.status(400).json({ success: false, error: 'Invalid desk state: cards required' });
@@ -167,6 +168,7 @@ app.post('/api/desk', (req, res) => {
     cards,
     props: Array.isArray(props) ? props : [],
     strokes: Array.isArray(strokes) ? strokes : [],
+    yarnLinks: Array.isArray(yarnLinks) ? yarnLinks : (updatedBoards[currentBoard]?.yarnLinks || []),
     settings: settings || {}
   };
 
@@ -174,6 +176,7 @@ app.post('/api/desk', (req, res) => {
     cards,
     props: Array.isArray(props) ? props : [],
     strokes: Array.isArray(strokes) ? strokes : [],
+    yarnLinks: Array.isArray(yarnLinks) ? yarnLinks : [],
     settings: settings || {},
     activeBoard: currentBoard,
     boards: updatedBoards,
diff --git a/src/App.tsx b/src/App.tsx
index 7503ffa..0333444 100644
--- a/src/App.tsx
+++ b/src/App.tsx
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 import React, { useState, useEffect, useRef, useCallback } from 'react';
-import { CardItem, DeskProp, DeskSettings, InkStroke, SyncStatus, DeskTexture, BoardsMap } from './types';
+import { CardItem, DeskProp, DeskSettings, InkStroke, SyncStatus, DeskTexture, BoardsMap, YarnLink } from './types';
 import { generateProceduralCards, SAMPLE_PRESETS } from './utils/proceduralCards';
 import { soundEngine } from './utils/sound';
 import { TopBar } from './components/TopBar';
@@ -36,6 +36,15 @@ export const App: React.FC = () => {
   const [cards, setCards] = useState<CardItem[]>([]);
   const [propsList, setPropsList] = useState<DeskProp[]>(INITIAL_PROPS);
   const [strokes, setStrokes] = useState<InkStroke[]>([]);
+  const [yarnLinks, setYarnLinks] = useState<YarnLink[]>([]);
+  const [yarnDrag, setYarnDrag] = useState<{
+    fromCardId: string;
+    fromX: number;
+    fromY: number;
+    currentX: number;
+    currentY: number;
+    hoveredCardId: string | null;
+  } | null>(null);
   const [maxZIndex, setMaxZIndex] = useState(50);
   const boardsRef = useRef<BoardsMap>({});
 
@@ -67,7 +76,8 @@ export const App: React.FC = () => {
       currentSettings: DeskSettings,
       immediate = false,
       targetBoard?: DeskTexture,
-      targetBoards?: BoardsMap
+      targetBoards?: BoardsMap,
+      currentYarnLinks?: YarnLink[]
     ) => {
       if (!isLoadedRef.current) return;
 
@@ -76,12 +86,14 @@ export const App: React.FC = () => {
       }
 
       const currentBoard = targetBoard || currentSettings.deskTexture || 'oak';
+      const activeYarnLinks = currentYarnLinks !== undefined ? currentYarnLinks : yarnLinks;
       const updatedBoards: BoardsMap = targetBoards || {
         ...boardsRef.current,
         [currentBoard]: {
           cards: currentCards,
           props: currentProps,
           strokes: currentStrokes,
+          yarnLinks: activeYarnLinks,
           settings: currentSettings
         }
       };
@@ -90,6 +102,7 @@ export const App: React.FC = () => {
           cards: currentCards,
           props: currentProps,
           strokes: currentStrokes,
+          yarnLinks: activeYarnLinks,
           settings: currentSettings
         };
       }
@@ -104,6 +117,7 @@ export const App: React.FC = () => {
             cards: currentCards,
             props: currentProps,
             strokes: currentStrokes,
+            yarnLinks: activeYarnLinks,
             activeBoard: currentBoard,
             boards: updatedBoards,
             settings: currentSettings,
@@ -162,6 +176,22 @@ export const App: React.FC = () => {
           setCards(currentBoardData.cards || []);
           if (currentBoardData.props) setPropsList(currentBoardData.props);
           if (currentBoardData.strokes) setStrokes(currentBoardData.strokes);
+          if (Array.isArray(currentBoardData.yarnLinks)) {
+            setYarnLinks(currentBoardData.yarnLinks);
+          } else if (activeBoard === 'evidence-board' && currentBoardData.cards && currentBoardData.cards.length >= 2) {
+            setYarnLinks([
+              { id: 'ev-link-1', fromId: 'ev-photo-1', toId: 'ev-tag-1' },
+              { id: 'ev-link-2', fromId: 'ev-tag-1', toId: 'ev-memo' },
+              { id: 'ev-link-3', fromId: 'ev-memo', toId: 'ev-photo-2' },
+              { id: 'ev-link-4', fromId: 'ev-photo-1', toId: 'ev-ticket' },
+              { id: 'ev-link-5', fromId: 'ev-ticket', toId: 'ev-check' },
+              { id: 'ev-link-6', fromId: 'ev-check', toId: 'ev-receipt' },
+              { id: 'ev-link-7', fromId: 'ev-receipt', toId: 'ev-graph' },
+              { id: 'ev-link-8', fromId: 'ev-memo', toId: 'ev-graph' }
+            ]);
+          } else {
+            setYarnLinks([]);
+          }
 
           const boardSettings = currentBoardData.settings || desk.settings || {};
           const isMobile = window.innerWidth < 768;
@@ -202,14 +232,14 @@ export const App: React.FC = () => {
           );
           setCards(initialCards);
           const initialBoards: BoardsMap = {
-            oak: { cards: initialCards, props: INITIAL_PROPS, strokes: [], settings }
+            oak: { cards: initialCards, props: INITIAL_PROPS, strokes: [], yarnLinks: [], settings }
           };
           boardsRef.current = initialBoards;
           setMaxZIndex(initialCards.length + 20);
           setSyncStatus('synced');
           isLoadedRef.current = true;
 
-          saveToServer(initialCards, INITIAL_PROPS, [], settings, true, 'oak', initialBoards);
+          saveToServer(initialCards, INITIAL_PROPS, [], settings, true, 'oak', initialBoards, []);
         }
       })
       .catch((err) => {
@@ -244,6 +274,11 @@ export const App: React.FC = () => {
               }
               if (Array.isArray(payload.desk.props)) setPropsList(payload.desk.props);
               if (Array.isArray(payload.desk.strokes)) setStrokes(payload.desk.strokes);
+              if (Array.isArray(payload.desk.yarnLinks)) {
+                setYarnLinks(payload.desk.yarnLinks);
+              } else if (payload.desk.boards && payload.desk.boards[activeBoard]?.yarnLinks) {
+                setYarnLinks(payload.desk.boards[activeBoard].yarnLinks || []);
+              }
               const boardSettings = (payload.desk.boards && payload.desk.boards[activeBoard]?.settings) || payload.desk.settings;
               if (boardSettings) {
                 setSettings((prev) => ({
@@ -301,6 +336,7 @@ export const App: React.FC = () => {
               cards,
               props: propsList,
               strokes,
+              yarnLinks,
               settings: prev
             }
           };
@@ -316,6 +352,7 @@ export const App: React.FC = () => {
                 cards: seed,
                 props: INITIAL_PROPS,
                 strokes: [],
+                yarnLinks: [],
                 settings: { deskTexture: 'oak', zoom: w < 768 ? 0.65 : 1.0, lightAngle: 225, grain: 0.7 }
               };
             } else {
@@ -347,10 +384,14 @@ export const App: React.FC = () => {
             soundEnabled: prev.soundEnabled
           };
 
+          const nextYarnLinks = Array.isArray(nextBoardData.yarnLinks) ? nextBoardData.yarnLinks : [];
+          setYarnLinks(nextYarnLinks);
+
           updatedBoards[nextDesk] = {
             cards: nextBoardData.cards || [],
             props: nextBoardData.props || INITIAL_PROPS,
             strokes: nextBoardData.strokes || [],
+            yarnLinks: nextYarnLinks,
             settings: nextSettings
           };
 
@@ -366,7 +407,8 @@ export const App: React.FC = () => {
             nextSettings,
             true,
             nextDesk,
-            updatedBoards
+            updatedBoards,
+            nextYarnLinks
           );
 
           soundEngine.rustle(nextSettings.soundEnabled);
@@ -424,16 +466,17 @@ export const App: React.FC = () => {
             cards: nextCards,
             props: propsList,
             strokes,
+            yarnLinks,
             settings: updated
           }
         };
         boardsRef.current = updatedBoards;
 
-        saveToServer(nextCards, propsList, strokes, updated, false, currentDesk, updatedBoards);
+        saveToServer(nextCards, propsList, strokes, updated, false, currentDesk, updatedBoards, yarnLinks);
         return updated;
       });
     },
-    [cards, propsList, strokes, saveToServer]
+    [cards, propsList, strokes, yarnLinks, saveToServer]
   );
 
   // Re-shuffle cards (stratified positioning so cards never clump or run over each other)
@@ -657,6 +700,35 @@ export const App: React.FC = () => {
 
   // Global Pointer Move
   const handleGlobalPointerMove = (e: React.PointerEvent) => {
+    // 1. Yarn Link Dragging
+    if (yarnDrag) {
+      const zoom = settings.zoom || 1.0;
+      const deskX = e.clientX / zoom;
+      const deskY = e.clientY / zoom;
+
+      // Find any card under pointer (excluding origin)
+      const hovered = visibleCards.find(
+        (c) =>
+          c.id !== yarnDrag.fromCardId &&
+          deskX >= c.x - 15 &&
+          deskX <= c.x + c.width + 15 &&
+          deskY >= c.y - 15 &&
+          deskY <= c.y + c.height + 15
+      );
+
+      setYarnDrag((prev) =>
+        prev
+          ? {
+              ...prev,
+              currentX: deskX,
+              currentY: deskY,
+              hoveredCardId: hovered ? hovered.id : null
+            }
+          : null
+      );
+      return;
+    }
+
     if (!draggingIdRef.current) return;
 
     const zoom = settings.zoom || 1.0;
@@ -684,6 +756,30 @@ export const App: React.FC = () => {
 
   // Global Pointer Up (Release with Momentum / Throw)
   const handleGlobalPointerUp = () => {
+    // 1. Handle Yarn Drag Release
+    if (yarnDrag) {
+      if (yarnDrag.hoveredCardId && yarnDrag.hoveredCardId !== yarnDrag.fromCardId) {
+        const fromId = yarnDrag.fromCardId;
+        const toId = yarnDrag.hoveredCardId;
+        const exists = yarnLinks.some(
+          (l) => (l.fromId === fromId && l.toId === toId) || (l.fromId === toId && l.toId === fromId)
+        );
+        if (!exists) {
+          const newLink: YarnLink = {
+            id: `yarn-${Date.now()}-${Math.random().toString(36).substring(2, 6)}`,
+            fromId,
+            toId
+          };
+          const nextLinks = [...yarnLinks, newLink];
+          setYarnLinks(nextLinks);
+          saveToServer(cards, propsList, strokes, settings, false, settings.deskTexture, undefined, nextLinks);
+          soundEngine.drop(settings.soundEnabled);
+        }
+      }
+      setYarnDrag(null);
+      return;
+    }
+
     if (!draggingIdRef.current) return;
 
     const id = draggingIdRef.current;
@@ -733,6 +829,63 @@ export const App: React.FC = () => {
     }
   };
 
+  // Interactive Evidence Yarn handlers
+  const handleStartYarnDrag = (cardId: string, startX: number, startY: number) => {
+    if (settings.isLocked) return;
+    setYarnDrag({
+      fromCardId: cardId,
+      fromX: startX,
+      fromY: startY,
+      currentX: startX,
+      currentY: startY,
+      hoveredCardId: null
+    });
+    soundEngine.rustle(settings.soundEnabled, 0.6);
+  };
+
+  const handleDeleteYarnLink = (linkId: string) => {
+    const nextLinks = yarnLinks.filter((l) => l.id !== linkId);
+    setYarnLinks(nextLinks);
+    saveToServer(cards, propsList, strokes, settings, false, settings.deskTexture, undefined, nextLinks);
+    soundEngine.rustle(settings.soundEnabled, 0.8);
+  };
+
+  const handleAutoLinkYarn = () => {
+    if (visibleCards.length < 2) return;
+    const newLinks: YarnLink[] = [];
+    const n = Math.min(visibleCards.length, 16);
+    for (let i = 0; i < n; i++) {
+      newLinks.push({
+        id: `yarn-ring-${i}-${Date.now()}`,
+        fromId: visibleCards[i].id,
+        toId: visibleCards[(i + 1) % n].id
+      });
+    }
+    if (n >= 4) {
+      newLinks.push({
+        id: `yarn-chord-0-${Date.now()}`,
+        fromId: visibleCards[0].id,
+        toId: visibleCards[Math.floor(n / 2)].id
+      });
+    }
+    if (n >= 6) {
+      newLinks.push({
+        id: `yarn-chord-1-${Date.now()}`,
+        fromId: visibleCards[1].id,
+        toId: visibleCards[Math.floor(n / 2) + 1].id
+      });
+    }
+    setYarnLinks(newLinks);
+    saveToServer(cards, propsList, strokes, settings, true, settings.deskTexture, undefined, newLinks);
+    soundEngine.shuffle(settings.soundEnabled);
+  };
+
+  const handleClearYarn = () => {
+    setYarnLinks([]);
+    saveToServer(cards, propsList, strokes, settings, true, settings.deskTexture, undefined, []);
+    soundEngine.rustle(settings.soundEnabled);
+  };
+
   // Keyboard Shortcuts (S, G, M, P, N, Space)
   useEffect(() => {
     const handleKeyDown = (e: KeyboardEvent) => {
@@ -1001,6 +1154,13 @@ export const App: React.FC = () => {
         <EvidenceStringsLayer
           cards={visibleCards}
           enabled={settings.showEvidenceStrings}
+          yarnLinks={yarnLinks}
+          onDeleteLink={handleDeleteYarnLink}
+          activeDrag={yarnDrag}
+          onStartLinkDrag={handleStartYarnDrag}
+          onAutoLink={handleAutoLinkYarn}
+          onClearLinks={handleClearYarn}
+          maxZIndex={maxZIndex}
         />
 
         {/* 4. Stationery Props Layer */}
diff --git a/src/components/EvidenceStringsLayer.tsx b/src/components/EvidenceStringsLayer.tsx
index 842d7e9..97d6d2a 100644
--- a/src/components/EvidenceStringsLayer.tsx
+++ b/src/components/EvidenceStringsLayer.tsx
@@ -1,156 +1,341 @@
-import React, { useMemo } from 'react';
-import { CardItem } from '../types';
+import React, { useState } from 'react';
+import { CardItem, YarnLink } from '../types';
+import { Scissors, Sparkles, Trash2 } from 'lucide-react';
 
 interface EvidenceStringsLayerProps {
   cards: CardItem[];
   enabled: boolean;
+  yarnLinks: YarnLink[];
+  onDeleteLink?: (linkId: string) => void;
+  activeDrag?: {
+    fromCardId: string;
+    fromX: number;
+    fromY: number;
+    currentX: number;
+    currentY: number;
+    hoveredCardId: string | null;
+  } | null;
+  onStartLinkDrag?: (cardId: string, startX: number, startY: number) => void;
+  onAutoLink?: () => void;
+  onClearLinks?: () => void;
+  maxZIndex?: number;
 }
 
-export const EvidenceStringsLayer: React.FC<EvidenceStringsLayerProps> = ({ cards, enabled }) => {
-  if (!enabled || cards.length < 2) return null;
+export const EvidenceStringsLayer: React.FC<EvidenceStringsLayerProps> = ({
+  cards,
+  enabled,
+  yarnLinks,
+  onDeleteLink,
+  activeDrag,
+  onStartLinkDrag,
+  onAutoLink,
+  onClearLinks,
+  maxZIndex = 30
+}) => {
+  const [hoveredLinkId, setHoveredLinkId] = useState<string | null>(null);
 
-  // Build stable connection pairs so threads don't flicker randomly
-  const connections = useMemo(() => {
-    const pairs: [number, number][] = [];
-    const n = Math.min(cards.length, 18);
+  if (!enabled) return null;
 
-    // 1. Perimeter ring connections
-    for (let i = 0; i < n; i++) {
-      pairs.push([i, (i + 1) % n]);
-    }
-
-    // 2. Cross-board conspiracy chords
-    if (n >= 4) {
-      pairs.push([0, Math.floor(n / 2)]);
-    }
-    if (n >= 6) {
-      pairs.push([1, Math.floor(n / 2) + 1]);
-      pairs.push([Math.floor(n / 3), (Math.floor(n / 3) + Math.floor(n / 2)) % n]);
-    }
-    if (n >= 8) {
-      pairs.push([2, n - 2]);
-    }
-
-    return pairs;
-  }, [cards.length]);
+  // Build a lookup map of cards for O(1) coordinate resolution
+  const cardMap = new Map<string, CardItem>();
+  for (const card of cards) {
+    cardMap.set(card.id, card);
+  }
 
   return (
-    <svg
-      className="absolute inset-0 w-full h-full pointer-events-none z-20 overflow-visible"
-      style={{ filter: 'drop-shadow(0 2px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.45))' }}
-    >
-      <defs>
-        {/* Subtle red yarn texture pattern filter */}
-        <filter id="yarn-fiber" x="0%" y="0%" width="100%" height="100%">
-          <feTurbulence type="fractalNoise" baseFrequency="0.8" numOctaves="2" result="noise" />
-          <feColorMatrix
-            type="matrix"
-            values="1 0 0 0 0
-                    0 0.1 0 0 0
-                    0 0 0.1 0 0
-                    0 0 0 0.25 0"
-          />
-          <feComposite in="SourceGraphic" in2="noise" operator="over" />
-        </filter>
-      </defs>
-
-      {/* Render Yarn Threads */}
-      {connections.map(([idxA, idxB], i) => {
-        const cardA = cards[idxA];
-        const cardB = cards[idxB];
-        if (!cardA || !cardB) return null;
-
-        const ax = cardA.x + cardA.width / 2;
-        const ay = cardA.y + 12;
-        const bx = cardB.x + cardB.width / 2;
-        const by = cardB.y + 12;
-
-        const dist = Math.hypot(bx - ax, by - ay);
-        // Realistic catenary droop / sag
-        const sag = Math.min(45, Math.max(8, dist * 0.065));
-        const midX = (ax + bx) / 2;
-        const midY = (ay + by) / 2 + sag;
-
-        const pathData = `M ${ax.toFixed(1)} ${ay.toFixed(1)} Q ${midX.toFixed(1)} ${midY.toFixed(1)} ${bx.toFixed(1)} ${by.toFixed(1)}`;
-
-        return (
-          <g key={`thread-${cardA.id}-${cardB.id}-${i}`}>
-            {/* Thread shadow */}
-            <path
-              d={pathData}
-              fill="none"
-              stroke="rgba(0,0,0,0.3)"
-              strokeWidth="2.5"
-              strokeLinecap="round"
-              transform="translate(1, 3)"
-            />
-            {/* Primary crimson red yarn */}
-            <path
-              d={pathData}
-              fill="none"
-              stroke="#DC2626"
-              strokeWidth="2.2"
-              strokeLinecap="round"
-              strokeDasharray={i % 3 === 0 ? 'none' : 'none'}
-              opacity="0.92"
-            />
-            {/* Fiber highlight core */}
-            <path
-              d={pathData}
-              fill="none"
-              stroke="#F87171"
-              strokeWidth="0.8"
-              strokeLinecap="round"
-              opacity="0.6"
+    <>
+      <svg
+        className="absolute inset-0 w-full h-full pointer-events-none overflow-visible select-none"
+        style={{ zIndex: maxZIndex + 5, filter: 'drop-shadow(0 2px 4px rgba(0,0,0,0.45))' }}
+      >
+        <defs>
+          {/* Subtle red yarn texture pattern filter */}
+          <filter id="yarn-fiber" x="0%" y="0%" width="100%" height="100%">
+            <feTurbulence type="fractalNoise" baseFrequency="0.75" numOctaves="2" result="noise" />
+            <feColorMatrix
+              type="matrix"
+              values="1 0 0 0 0
+                      0 0.1 0 0 0
+                      0 0 0.1 0 0
+                      0 0 0 0.28 0"
             />
+            <feComposite in="SourceGraphic" in2="noise" operator="over" />
+          </filter>
+
+          {/* Radial glow for connection targets */}
+          <radialGradient id="target-glow" cx="50%" cy="50%" r="50%">
+            <stop offset="0%" stopColor="#F59E0B" stopOpacity="0.8" />
+            <stop offset="60%" stopColor="#EF4444" stopOpacity="0.4" />
+            <stop offset="100%" stopColor="#DC2626" stopOpacity="0" />
+          </radialGradient>
+        </defs>
+
+        {/* 1. Render Existing Yarn Connections */}
+        {yarnLinks.map((link) => {
+          const cardA = cardMap.get(link.fromId);
+          const cardB = cardMap.get(link.toId);
+          if (!cardA || !cardB) return null;
+
+          const ax = cardA.x + cardA.width / 2;
+          const ay = cardA.y + 12;
+          const bx = cardB.x + cardB.width / 2;
+          const by = cardB.y + 12;
+
+          const dist = Math.hypot(bx - ax, by - ay);
+          // Realistic catenary droop / sag
+          const sag = Math.min(55, Math.max(10, dist * 0.075));
+          const midX = (ax + bx) / 2;
+          const midY = (ay + by) / 2 + sag;
+
+          const pathData = `M ${ax.toFixed(1)} ${ay.toFixed(1)} Q ${midX.toFixed(1)} ${midY.toFixed(1)} ${bx.toFixed(1)} ${by.toFixed(1)}`;
+          const isHovered = hoveredLinkId === link.id;
+
+          return (
+            <g
+              key={link.id}
+              className="group"
+              onMouseEnter={() => setHoveredLinkId(link.id)}
+              onMouseLeave={() => setHoveredLinkId(null)}
+            >
+              {/* Invisible wide hit area for hovering & cutting */}
+              <path
+                d={pathData}
+                fill="none"
+                stroke="transparent"
+                strokeWidth="24"
+                className="pointer-events-auto cursor-pointer"
+                onClick={(e) => {
+                  e.stopPropagation();
+                  onDeleteLink?.(link.id);
+                }}
+              >
+                <title>Click or tap scissors to cut yarn connection</title>
+              </path>
+
+              {/* Thread Shadow */}
+              <path
+                d={pathData}
+                fill="none"
+                stroke="rgba(0,0,0,0.35)"
+                strokeWidth="3.2"
+                strokeLinecap="round"
+                transform="translate(1.5, 3.5)"
+              />
+
+              {/* Primary crimson red yarn cord */}
+              <path
+                d={pathData}
+                fill="none"
+                stroke={isHovered ? '#EF4444' : '#DC2626'}
+                strokeWidth={isHovered ? '3.2' : '2.4'}
+                strokeLinecap="round"
+                opacity={isHovered ? '1.0' : '0.94'}
+                className="transition-all duration-150"
+              />
+
+              {/* Fiber Highlight Core */}
+              <path
+                d={pathData}
+                fill="none"
+                stroke="#FCA5A5"
+                strokeWidth="0.8"
+                strokeLinecap="round"
+                opacity={isHovered ? '0.9' : '0.65'}
+              />
+
+              {/* Interactive Cut Badge on hover */}
+              {isHovered && (
+                <g
+                  className="pointer-events-auto cursor-pointer"
+                  transform={`translate(${midX}, ${midY})`}
+                  onClick={(e) => {
+                    e.stopPropagation();
+                    onDeleteLink?.(link.id);
+                  }}
+                >
+                  <circle r="12" fill="#1C1A17" stroke="#DC2626" strokeWidth="1.5" />
+                  <text
+                    textAnchor="middle"
+                    dominantBaseline="central"
+                    fill="#F87171"
+                    fontSize="11"
+                    fontWeight="bold"
+                    y="0.5"
+                  >
+                    ✂
+                  </text>
+                  <title>Cut yarn connection</title>
+                </g>
+              )}
+            </g>
+          );
+        })}
+
+        {/* 2. Render Active Yarn Drag (Live string following pointer) */}
+        {activeDrag && (
+          <g>
+            {(() => {
+              const ax = activeDrag.fromX;
+              const ay = activeDrag.fromY;
+              const targetCard = activeDrag.hoveredCardId ? cardMap.get(activeDrag.hoveredCardId) : null;
+              const bx = targetCard ? targetCard.x + targetCard.width / 2 : activeDrag.currentX;
+              const by = targetCard ? targetCard.y + 12 : activeDrag.currentY;
+
+              const dist = Math.hypot(bx - ax, by - ay);
+              const sag = Math.min(45, Math.max(6, dist * 0.06));
+              const midX = (ax + bx) / 2;
+              const midY = (ay + by) / 2 + sag;
+              const pathData = `M ${ax.toFixed(1)} ${ay.toFixed(1)} Q ${midX.toFixed(1)} ${midY.toFixed(1)} ${bx.toFixed(1)} ${by.toFixed(1)}`;
+
+              return (
+                <>
+                  {/* Shadow */}
+                  <path
+                    d={pathData}
+                    fill="none"
+                    stroke="rgba(0,0,0,0.3)"
+                    strokeWidth="3.0"
+                    strokeLinecap="round"
+                    transform="translate(1.5, 3)"
+                  />
+                  {/* Glowing live yarn cord */}
+                  <path
+                    d={pathData}
+                    fill="none"
+                    stroke="#EF4444"
+                    strokeWidth="3.0"
+                    strokeLinecap="round"
+                    strokeDasharray="6,3"
+                    className="animate-pulse"
+                  />
+                  <path
+                    d={pathData}
+                    fill="none"
+                    stroke="#FECACA"
+                    strokeWidth="1.0"
+                    strokeLinecap="round"
+                  />
+                  {/* Floating lead pushpin on cursor */}
+                  <circle cx={bx} cy={by} r="6" fill="#EF4444" stroke="#FFFFFF" strokeWidth="1.5" />
+                </>
+              );
+            })()}
           </g>
-        );
-      })}
+        )}
 
-      {/* Render Pushpins at each connection point on cards */}
-      {cards.map((card) => {
-        const px = card.x + card.width / 2;
-        const py = card.y + 12;
+        {/* 3. Render Interactive Pushpins on Every Card */}
+        {cards.map((card) => {
+          const px = card.x + card.width / 2;
+          const py = card.y + 12;
 
-        return (
-          <g key={`pin-${card.id}`}>
-            {/* Pin shadow */}
-            <ellipse
-              cx={px + 1}
-              cy={py + 3.5}
-              rx="4.5"
-              ry="2.5"
-              fill="rgba(0,0,0,0.4)"
-            />
-            {/* Metallic brass bevel ring */}
-            <circle
-              cx={px}
-              cy={py}
-              r="5.5"
-              fill="#D97706"
-              stroke="#78350F"
-              strokeWidth="0.8"
-            />
-            {/* Red plastic pushpin cap */}
-            <circle
-              cx={px}
-              cy={py}
-              r="4.2"
-              fill="#DC2626"
-              stroke="#991B1B"
-              strokeWidth="0.8"
-            />
-            {/* Shiny specular highlight */}
-            <circle
-              cx={px - 1.2}
-              cy={py - 1.2}
-              r="1.4"
-              fill="#FECACA"
-              opacity="0.9"
-            />
-          </g>
-        );
-      })}
-    </svg>
+          const isOrigin = activeDrag?.fromCardId === card.id;
+          const isTarget = activeDrag?.hoveredCardId === card.id;
+
+          return (
+            <g
+              key={`pin-${card.id}`}
+              className="pointer-events-auto cursor-crosshair group"
+              onPointerDown={(e) => {
+                e.stopPropagation();
+                onStartLinkDrag?.(card.id, px, py);
+              }}
+            >
+              {/* Highlight Aura if ready to snap/connect */}
+              {isTarget && (
+                <circle
+                  cx={px}
+                  cy={py}
+                  r="18"
+                  fill="url(#target-glow)"
+                  className="animate-ping"
+                  opacity="0.75"
+                />
+              )}
+
+              {/* Pin Base Shadow */}
+              <ellipse
+                cx={px + 1}
+                cy={py + 3.5}
+                rx="5"
+                ry="3"
+                fill="rgba(0,0,0,0.45)"
+              />
+
+              {/* Metallic brass bezel ring */}
+              <circle
+                cx={px}
+                cy={py}
+                r="6.5"
+                fill="#D97706"
+                stroke="#78350F"
+                strokeWidth="0.8"
+                className="transition-transform group-hover:scale-110"
+              />
+
+              {/* Red plastic pushpin head */}
+              <circle
+                cx={px}
+                cy={py}
+                r={isTarget ? '6.0' : isOrigin ? '5.5' : '5.0'}
+                fill={isTarget ? '#EF4444' : '#DC2626'}
+                stroke={isTarget ? '#FDE047' : '#991B1B'}
+                strokeWidth={isTarget ? '1.5' : '0.8'}
+                className="transition-all"
+              />
+
+              {/* Specular 3D highlight */}
+              <circle
+                cx={px - 1.5}
+                cy={py - 1.5}
+                r="1.6"
+                fill="#FECACA"
+                opacity="0.9"
+              />
+
+              {/* Hover tooltip */}
+              <title>Drag red yarn to another note to connect</title>
+            </g>
+          );
+        })}
+      </svg>
+
+      {/* 4. Evidence Web Control Banner (Floating hint when strings are active) */}
+      <div
+        className="fixed top-14 left-1/2 -translate-x-1/2 z-40 px-3 py-1 bg-[#1C1A17]/90 text-neutral-300 rounded-full shadow-xl border border-red-900/60 backdrop-blur-md flex items-center gap-2.5 text-[11px] font-mono pointer-events-auto select-none"
+      >
+        <span className="flex items-center gap-1.5 text-red-400 font-bold">
+          <span className="w-2 h-2 rounded-full bg-red-500 animate-pulse" />
+          <span>Evidence Strings ({yarnLinks.length})</span>
+        </span>
+
+        <span className="text-neutral-500">|</span>
+
+        <span className="text-neutral-400 hidden sm:inline text-[10px]">
+          Drag from any pushpin to link notes · Click thread to cut
+        </span>
+
+        {yarnLinks.length === 0 && onAutoLink && (
+          <button
+            onClick={onAutoLink}
+            className="px-2 py-0.5 rounded bg-red-950/80 hover:bg-red-900 text-red-200 border border-red-800/80 text-[10px] font-semibold flex items-center gap-1 transition"
+            title="Automatically link neighboring cards with evidence yarn"
+          >
+            <Sparkles size={11} className="text-amber-400" />
+            <span>Auto-Web</span>
+          </button>
+        )}
+
+        {yarnLinks.length > 0 && onClearLinks && (
+          <button
+            onClick={onClearLinks}
+            className="px-2 py-0.5 rounded bg-neutral-800 hover:bg-red-950/80 text-neutral-400 hover:text-red-300 border border-neutral-700/80 text-[10px] flex items-center gap-1 transition"
+            title="Clear all yarn strings"
+          >
+            <Trash2 size={11} />
+            <span>Clear</span>
+          </button>
+        )}
+      </div>
+    </>
   );
 };
diff --git a/src/types/index.ts b/src/types/index.ts
index c879126..b1054a0 100644
--- a/src/types/index.ts
+++ b/src/types/index.ts
@@ -110,10 +110,18 @@ export interface DeskSettings {
   showEvidenceStrings: boolean; // evidence board red yarn connections
 }
 
+export interface YarnLink {
+  id: string;
+  fromId: string;
+  toId: string;
+  color?: string;
+}
+
 export interface BoardState {
   cards: CardItem[];
   props?: DeskProp[];
   strokes?: InkStroke[];
+  yarnLinks?: YarnLink[];
   settings?: Partial<DeskSettings>;
 }
 
diff --git a/src/utils/boardPresets.ts b/src/utils/boardPresets.ts
index d7cacbe..7503f39 100644
--- a/src/utils/boardPresets.ts
+++ b/src/utils/boardPresets.ts
@@ -474,10 +474,21 @@ export function getDefaultBoardData(desk: DeskTexture, w = 1400, h = 900): Board
           isPinned: true, attachType: 'pin', fontFamily: 'font-mono'
         }
       ];
+      const defaultYarnLinks = [
+        { id: 'ev-link-1', fromId: 'ev-photo-1', toId: 'ev-tag-1' },
+        { id: 'ev-link-2', fromId: 'ev-tag-1', toId: 'ev-memo' },
+        { id: 'ev-link-3', fromId: 'ev-memo', toId: 'ev-photo-2' },
+        { id: 'ev-link-4', fromId: 'ev-photo-1', toId: 'ev-ticket' },
+        { id: 'ev-link-5', fromId: 'ev-ticket', toId: 'ev-check' },
+        { id: 'ev-link-6', fromId: 'ev-check', toId: 'ev-receipt' },
+        { id: 'ev-link-7', fromId: 'ev-receipt', toId: 'ev-graph' },
+        { id: 'ev-link-8', fromId: 'ev-memo', toId: 'ev-graph' }
+      ];
       return {
         cards,
         props: INITIAL_PROPS,
         strokes: [],
+        yarnLinks: defaultYarnLinks,
         settings: { deskTexture: 'evidence-board', lightAngle: 215, showEvidenceStrings: true }
       };
     }