How to Make Paper Snowflakes

Paper snowflakes are one of the simplest Christmas crafts, and no two come out the same. All you need is paper and scissors. This guide shows a basic fold that kids can manage and a six-point fold for a more realistic snowflake.

What You Need

• White paper (printer paper is perfect)
• Scissors
• A pencil
• Tape or string to hang them

Make a Square First

Most printer paper is a rectangle. Fold one corner down to meet the opposite edge so you form a triangle. Cut off the extra strip at the bottom. Unfold, and you have a square.

Basic Four-Point Snowflake

1. Fold the square in half to make a triangle.
2. Fold the triangle in half again, then once more.
3. Cut small shapes along the edges: triangles, curves and notches. Don’t cut all the way across.
4. Snip the pointed tip a little, which makes a hole in the center.
5. Unfold slowly and smooth it flat.

Six-Point Snowflake

Real snowflakes have six points, and this fold shows it.

1. Fold the square into a triangle.
2. Fold the triangle in half, then crease and open it to mark the center line.
3. Fold the right corner over to about a third of the way across, then fold the left side over it. You now have a cone shape.
4. Trim the bottom edge straight across so it is flat.
5. Cut shapes along both open sides.
6. Open it gently and press it flat under a book.

Tips for Better Snowflakes

• Draw first. Younger children can sketch lines with a pencil, then cut along them.
• Mix big and small cuts. Larger shapes create bold patterns and tiny snips add lace.
• Cut a few shapes near the folds. Those give the most detail.
• Be patient when unfolding. Torn paper is usually from rushing.
• Use thin paper. Thick sheets are hard to cut when folded many times.

Age Variations

• Ages 3 to 5: Use a coffee filter and blunt scissors. Do the folding for them and let them snip.
• Ages 6 to 9: Try the six-point fold and plan a pattern before cutting.
• Ages 10 and up: Try detailed designs with curves, stars and tiny cut-outs, or make a large one from a big sheet.
• Groups: Hold a snowflake contest, and give silly awards like “most holes” or “biggest.”

Common Mistakes

• Cutting straight across both folds, which splits the snowflake into pieces.
• Making cuts too close together, so the paper becomes fragile.
• Using too many layers of paper at once.
• Forgetting to flatten it. Press it under heavy books for an hour.

Ways to Use Your Snowflakes

Tape them to windows, hang them from the ceiling with string, glue them onto cards, or stack them on a wall for a winter scene. They also look pretty on a gift wrapped in plain paper.

For another snowflake idea that lasts year after year, try our craft stick snowflake ornaments. You can also use cut paper snowflakes to decorate homemade Christmas cards with kids.

Don’t worry if some snowflakes look messy. Every one is different, and that is the charm of them.