Make a Paper Weaving
Learn how to use strips of contrasting colours to create woven geometric patterned work of art on paper.
Weaving is typically done with yarn or textiles, but the technique lends itself beautifully to paper. In this fun project, paper art guru Clare Youngs, the author of Folded Book Art from CICO Books, shows you how to turn pages from old magazines into colourful and striking geometric art.
Using simple tools from around the house and magazines or shop catalogues that are destined to be discarded, you'll be able to create all sorts of interesting patterns and shapes, perfect on their own or as a part of a bigger paper art project. Also great for kids, with adult supervision when using craft knives.
What you'll need to make a paper weaving:
- Pages from magazines or retail catalogues (opt for solid backgrounds and colours)
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Craft knife
- Cutting mat
- Templates
Step 1
Start by cutting a rectangle of magazine paper measuring 16 x 8cm (6¼ x 3 1/8 inches).
Step 2
Using a craft knife and a ruler, cut slits every 5mm (1⁄8inches), starting 5mm (1⁄8inches) down from the top and finishing 5mm (1⁄8inches) up from the bottom.
Protect your work surface with a cutting mat as you do this.
Step 3
In a different colour, cut 24 strips of paper in different colours, each measuring 12cm x 5mm (4¾ x 1⁄8inches).
Step 4
The first strip comes up through the first slit and down through the last slit, so that the colour runs in one long strip.
Step 5
Continue in this way, making sure that the woven strips sit against each other nicely until you have used all the other woven pieces.
Congratulations! You've made a paper weaving.
Want to try a few others? Scroll down to find three downloadable templates for more paper weaving fun.
Paper weaving templates
Click on the paper weaving pattern below that you'd like to try next to access the corresponding downloadable PDF template.
