How to Make Paper Snowflakes

A real six-pointed paper snowflake

Real snowflakes have six points, and so does this one. The secret is the fold: a square folded into a triangle, then in thirds, so one cut makes all six arms at once. It is a classic kirigami craft: fold, cut and open.

Thin paper is easiest to cut: printer paper, tissue paper or baking paper all work. Every snowflake you cut is different, just like in nature.

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

Ideas for your paper snowflakes

• Window decoration: stick snowflakes on the window with a little tape or a dot of glue stick.
• Snowflake garland: thread many snowflakes on a string and hang it across the room.
• Christmas tree ornaments: hang small snowflakes from the branches with white thread.
• Gift wrapping: glue a snowflake on brown paper for a simple, beautiful present.
• A winter scene: add a 3D paper tree and a paper star. More ideas on the Christmas crafts page.

Questions

How do you make a 6-pointed paper snowflake?

Fold a square into a triangle, fold it in thirds from the middle of the long edge, cut a shape into the folded point and open it. The thirds fold gives six points.

What paper is best for paper snowflakes?

Thin paper is easiest: printer paper, tissue paper, baking paper or thin wrapping paper. Thick paper is hard to cut through all the layers.

Why did my snowflake fall apart?

If you cut all the way across, the arms come loose. Always keep the little point at the bottom and some paper along one folded edge.

Is this origami or kirigami?

It is kirigami: folding and cutting paper. Origami uses only folds.