In today’s post: Learn how to make paper snowflakes and download six different paper snowflake patterns!
One of our favorite holiday traditions growing up was cutting out paper snowflakes. Every year we would set aside one evening to sit around the dinner table and cut designs, making enough snowflakes to tape up on all the windows so that even if it didn’t snow it would still look festive. This year I taught my own kids how to cut paper snowflakes, and they’re hooked! Today I’m sharing a video to teach you how to cut your own snowflakes, as well as 6 templates so you can create the designs you see below.
Cutting paper snowflakes is a great indoor activity for kids – it’s quick, inexpensive, and easy enough for kids to do on their own, and the finished snowflakes are beautiful. These are what your snowflakes will look like if you use my printable templates:
Paper snowflake patterns
The top two (diamonds and star) are the easiest to cut since they only use straight lines, and most school age kids should be able to handle cutting them on their own once you’ve taught them how. The middle ones (lace and hearts) are a little harder, while the ones on the bottom (snowmen and forest) will require some help from adults.
However, you don’t have to use these patterns. Half the fun of making snowflakes is folding the paper and cutting out whatever shapes you can think of, then unfolding the paper to see how it turns out! I recommend using tracing paper for cutting out snowflakes, especially for kids. It’s much easier to cut through than printer paper. You’ll also want a pair of scissors for each person and the patterns and a pen (if you’d like to use them).
You can download the templates by clicking here. Print them out on cardstock at 100% or full size, and cut out whichever one you’d like to use (cut on all the lines).
How to make paper snowflakes
Watch this video to learn how to fold the paper and cut snowflakes. The video covers making snowflakes using the templates AND making snowflakes using your own designs.
Tips for cutting snowflakes
- It’s easier to cut through the folded paper if you open the scissors up wide instead of trying to cut with just the tips of the scissors.
- You can cut all the way across the folded paper twice: once at the pointed end, and once at the other end. All your other cuts should start and end on the same side (if you cut all the way through anywhere else you’ll end up with a tiny snowflake!).
- Some readers have pointed out that real snowflakes have six sides and these paper snowflakes actually have eight. That’s true! It’s just easier for kids to fold them this way (half then half again) instead of trying to fold the paper into thirds, but you could certainly do that instead if you’d like.
- Iron the snowflakes flat using medium heat, then hang them from the ceiling with thread or tape them on the walls or windows.
Looking for more fun Christmas projects to do with your kids? Check out these posts:
How to make cinnamon applesauce ornaments
How to make paper strip ornaments
Christmas treats to make with your kids
The Left Right Christmas gift exchange game
swetha says
Right when i was looking for it! thanks a lot, its so beautiful and easy!
Shelley Savoy says
Just perfect for my grandchildren to make and hang, thank you so much
Sandi says
I hope you don’t mind, but I’m borrowing your patterns and using them for something else. I just put a quilt top together. It is a winter theme, alternating a star pattern with a solid square and I have been looking for just the right thing to quilt in the solid square (I do all my quilting by hand). I made your snowflakes, traced them on my template plastic, and can’t wait to see the finished product. Thank you for the idea and the pattern
Erin says
What a neat idea! I’m saving this pattern for an embroidery template.
Mickey says
Kids are excited to try this!
Kristen says
Thank you for this tutorial. I was able to get a few ideas for the coffee filters sun catcher snowflakes my toddler and I made this year. I will be providing a link to this post in my own blog (that will be going live shortly). Thank you so much for your time.
Laura says
Great templates! Thank you!!
Teri says
I has been 35 yrs. since I have cut my own snowflakes, thank you for showing me how , , my first one is not so great but there are no snowflakes alike. I am pretty sure sure their is a grateful one out there that doesn’t look like mine 🙂 Going to be on a frenzy now, trying to make the prettiest one ! I am so glad that your kids are drinking water, not soda. I keep asking my Daughter to keep soda away from the kids and adults, anyway this comment is not about soda, but I do notice the small bottles and hope that everyone gets a safe reusable cup and keep on drinking H2O. Merry Christmas to all and moving on to make more snowflakes.
V. Jones says
Snow flakes should have 6 sides and points.
carolyn says
YES, otherwise they are beautiful paper stars…. thank you!!!!
carolyn says
No 2 snowflakes are alike….and are always multiples of 3 repeats….never 8 etc. Teach how to fold, how to cut and let the magic happen….patterns are mechanical replications and discourage desire for most to continue…When they don’t come out like the pattern, they discourage. Just watch a child who has learned the basics….every new cutting is magical and inspires them to continue…..this gives the opportunity for creativity and perseverance. And yes there is the learning curve where they might want to give up….that’s were encouragement leads to the reward of gratification.
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Tracy says
There does not appear to be a link to the video with instructions on how to cut out the snow flakes! It was there earlier but it is not there now!!!
Steph says
Hi. I’m having the same problem. The link for the template is active, but I see no link for the tutorial video. Can you please reactivate that link? Thanks.
Deb Erickson says
I have made 5 of these snowflakes and each one comes out as two halves! What am I doing wrong? I have looked at the video a dozen times!
danielle says
there is no link to the video 🙁
Rachel A says
For those looking for it, here’s a link to the snowflake video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYO2sUeZ6u8