How to Cut Elegant Paper Snowflakes

Co-authored by Lois Wade

Last Updated: July 1, 2021

We all probably learned how to make a simple paper snowflake at some point when we were kids, but here's the "grown-up" version of this favorite childhood wintertime craft.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Folding the Paper

Method One: Four Pointed Snowflake/Star

1
Fold the paper in half.
2
Fold the paper in half again, making quarters.

Advertisement
3
Fold each folded edge over to touch its opposite folded edge.

Method Two: Six Pointed Snowflake/Star

1
Fold the paper in half.
2
First fold by one third (60-degree angle).
3
Turn over and make the second 60-degree fold.
4
Fold the paper into 60-degree angles from the folded edge of the paper.
5
Cut away waste paper (anything that is less than six layers). Stop at this point to make a star/snowflake with a pattern that repeats only three times.
6
Fold the paper in half again, so that the two folded edges lie atop each other. This will make a 6 pointed snowflake with a pattern that repeats six times.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Cutting

1
Cut the raw edges first. These will become the outside edge of your snowflake, so make them as interesting as you like. Cutting one side of the outer edge further away from the center than the other will yield "points" that stick out in the manner of a "real" snowflake.
2
Cut one divot from each folded edge, keeping your cuts parallel to previous cuts, and taking large chunks of paper from the base.
- If your scissors begin cutting on one folded side, they must also end cutting on that same side. If you begin on one side and end on the other side, you will suddenly be making a much smaller snowflake.
3
Keep in mind that elegant means simple. Three larger cuts to your snowflake blank will generally yield better results than 10 smaller cuts.
4
Make your cuts parallel and equidistant from each other, to give a more "finished" or "polished" look to the craft.
5
Leave only 20-25% of your blank. (Cut away 75-85% of your blank.)
- Use smooth, flowing curves for best results at first - This will make achieving the look easier. Attempt cutting the more angular flakes after you've mastered the tips.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Getting Ideas for Designs

1
Be inspired by a church rose window.
2
Make an angel.
3
Try abstract designs.
4
Play with geometric shapes.
5
Make a design with five cuts.
6
Try three cuts.
7
Get creative with way too many cuts... it's still fun!

Printable Templates

Printable Heart Snowflake Template

Printable Snowflake Template

Printable Tree Snowflake Template

Community Q&A

Question

How do I make a snowflake without cutting it into pieces?

Community Answer

My suggestion would be to go to your local craft store and find a lace pattern paper that already has the holes cut into it to make it look like lace. Then simply cut out a snowflake pattern.
Question

I tried making one of the snowflakes and it didn't work. It just fell apart and I followed the instructions very carefully. What should I do?

Community Answer

Just keep at it. Some things take practice. If you keep trying, you will get it right.