beginnercrafts30-60 minutes

Quilling

Quilling is the art of rolling, shaping, and gluing thin strips of paper into decorative designs. This centuries-old craft transforms simple paper strips into intricate coils and shapes that can be arranged into everything from greeting cards to framed artwork. It's an affordable, meditative hobby that produces stunning results even for complete beginners.

What You'll Do

Roll paper strips into basic s and shapes, then arrange them into a simple decorative design like a flower or heart.

What You Need

Required

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Paper strips (cut printer paper into 1/4 inch strips)($0)
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Toothpick or wooden skewer (for rolling)($0)
●
White craft glue($2-5)

Optional

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Tweezers($2-5)
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Quilling paper strips (pre-cut, assorted colors)($5-10)
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Slotted quilling tool($3-8)

How To Do It

1
Prepare your paper strips
Cut printer paper into strips about 1/4 inch (6mm) wide and 8-11 inches long. Use a ruler and scissors, or a paper cutter if available. For practice, 10-15 strips are plenty.
2
Learn the basic coil
Insert one end of a paper strip into the slit of your quilling tool (or wrap it tightly around a toothpick). Roll the paper around the tool while keeping even tension. When you reach the end, slide the off and let it expand naturally before gluing the end.
▶35 Paper Quilling Shapes (HandiWorks)(16 min)◧Quilling for Beginners (Instructables)(15 min)
3
Create basic shapes
Once you can make a , practice pinching it into shapes. Pinch one side for a . Pinch both ends for a (eye shape). These two shapes form the foundation of most quilling designs.
4
Make your first project
Arrange 5-6 shapes in a circle with points facing outward to create a simple flower. Add a in the center. Glue each piece to a piece of cardstock, holding with tweezers for precision.
5
Display your creation
Let your project dry completely (15-30 minutes). Your finished piece can become a greeting card, bookmark, or small framed artwork. Try adding more flowers or experimenting with new shapes for your next project.

Tips

→Use a tiny amount of glue—excess glue is the most common beginner mistake and will ruin the delicate paper shapes. Apply with a toothpick or fine-tip bottle.
→Keep a damp cloth nearby to wipe your fingers frequently. Gluey fingers transfer residue to your paper and create visible spots.
→Common mistake: rolling too tightly. If your s won't expand when you release them, try using lighter tension while rolling.
→Use a or template to create consistently-sized s. This makes your finished designs look more professional.
→Rip the end of your paper strip instead of cutting it for a softer, less visible seam when gluing the closed.

Communities

Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to learn quilling?

Rolling paper starts to feel natural after just a couple hours of practice. You can create your first simple project in 30-60 minutes. Mastering advanced techniques takes longer, but basic quilling is very beginner-friendly.

How much does it cost to start quilling?

You can start for free using cut printer paper and a toothpick. A beginner kit with pre-cut strips, a , and accessories costs $15-30. This makes quilling one of the most affordable crafts to try.

Do I need special quilling paper?

No! Printer paper cut into strips works fine for practice. Quilling paper is slightly heavier and comes in vibrant colors, making it easier to work with and more visually striking, but it is not required to start.

Why won't my coils unravel properly?

You are probably rolling too tightly. Try using lighter tension while rolling. Also, thinner paper is less likely to spring open, so standard printer paper may not expand as much as quilling paper.

What is the most common beginner mistake?

Using too much glue. A tiny dot is all you need—excess glue soaks into the paper, destroys the shape, and creates visible wet spots. Apply glue with a toothpick or fine-tip applicator for better control.

What can I make with quilling?

Greeting cards, bookmarks, framed wall art, jewelry, ornaments, gift tags, and 3D sculptures. Beginners typically start with flat designs like flowers, hearts, or simple animals before moving to three-dimensional projects.