What is kirigami? Easy paper cutting crafts, step by step

Kirigami is the Japanese art of folding and cutting paper. You fold a sheet, cut a few shapes into it, and when you open it… a snowflake, a spider web or a whole row of ghosts appears. It feels like magic every single time.

Kirigami vs origami: what is the difference?

The name comes from two Japanese words: kiru, to cut, and kami, paper. Origami (oru, to fold) uses only folds, with no scissors and no glue. Kirigami adds cutting. That is why paper snowflakes, paper doll chains and many pop-up cards are kirigami, while a flapping origami bat is pure origami.

How does kirigami work?

The secret is symmetry. When you fold the paper, every cut goes through all the layers at once. So one small cut repeats two, four, eight or sixteen times, and the pattern opens up perfectly even.

• Fold in half and cut: one half shape becomes a whole shape, like a heart.
• Fold into a thin wedge and cut: the cuts repeat all the way round, like a spider web or a snowflake.
• Fold like an accordion and cut: the shapes join hands in a long row, like the Halloween paper chains or an autumn leaf chain.
• Cut and fold up: parts of a card stand up when you open it, like a pop-up card.

Kirigami tutorials on my channel

All of these are made with just paper and scissors. The ones with step pictures have a page with drawings for every step.

• Step picturesPaper spider webFold a square into a thin point, cut a few lines and open a whole web. Step drawings and video.
• Step picturesHalloween paper chainsGhosts and pumpkins holding hands, from one accordion-folded strip. Step drawings, video and a free printable.
• ShortPaper snowflakes for ChristmasThe classic kirigami: fold, cut tiny shapes and open a snowflake. No two are the same!
• ShortSuper easy spider webThe quick version of the spider web, in under a minute.
• ShortHalloween paper chains (short)The ghost and pumpkin chains in one minute.
• Full tutorialLeaf chain tutorialA garland of autumn leaves holding hands, from one folded strip. Perfect for autumn and Thanksgiving.
• ShortLeaf chain (short)The autumn leaf chain in one minute.
• GuideJack Skellington spider snowflake trick: fake or real?The viral kirigami trick from the film. I tested it: does a spider really come out?

Want something without scissors? Try the twirling spiral ghost (just cutting, no folding) or my origami videos.

Tips for perfect kirigami

• Use thin paper. Origami paper or printer paper is easy to cut through many layers.
• Press every fold flat before you cut, so the layers do not slide.
• Draw first, then cut. A light pencil line makes the cutting much easier.
• Never cut away a whole fold. The folded edges hold everything together.
• Open slowly. Thin parts can tear, so unfold gently and press it flat under a book.

Kids can make kirigami with the help of their parents. You can teach your child together: watch the video, follow the step-by-step pictures and cut side by side.

Questions

What is kirigami?

Kirigami is the Japanese art of folding and cutting paper. The name comes from kiru (to cut) and kami (paper). You fold the paper first, cut shapes into it, and when you open it, the cuts repeat into a beautiful pattern.

What is the difference between origami and kirigami?

Origami uses only folds, with no scissors and no glue. Kirigami adds cutting: you fold the paper, cut it, and open it. Paper snowflakes, paper doll chains and pop-up cards are all kirigami.

Is kirigami good for kids?

Yes. Kirigami is great for practising scissor skills and learning about symmetry. Younger children can do it with child-safe scissors and a grown-up to help.

What paper is best for kirigami?

Thin paper is easiest to cut through many layers: origami paper, printer paper or tissue paper. Thick card is better for pop-up cards.

New kirigami and origami tutorials every week on YouTube.