Paper Quilling Tips for Beginners

Use Pre-cut Paper Strips for Your First Projects

Use pre-cut paper quilling strips for your first projects. Your initial attempts will have better results if you use precise machine-cut papers. Once you are comfortable with basic paper quilling techniques, you can cut your paper strips and explore your creativity by experimenting with more advanced methods.

Start With Small Paper Quilling Projects

Start with smaller sized projects first. You can quickly become overwhelmed when trying to tackle a craft project that is too complicated or too large. Small projects can promote feelings of success and accomplishment and can be the building blocks the help you master your skills one step at a time. Once you have mastered the basics, you can attempt complicated projects with ease.

Use the Right Paper Quilling Tools

It's important to choose your quilling tools thoughtfully. You don't need to buy any expensive tools to create paper filigree art initially—a toothpick or bamboo skewer will roll paper strips adequately. If you are bitten by the paper quilling bug and wish to continue, you should purchase a slotted quilling tool and a needle tool.

You can place the strip of paper into the upper slot of the slotted tool, giving you more control when rolling the paper strips. A needle device is a sizeable tapered needle with a long wooden handle. It helps you keep a steady hand when rolling strips of paper into various shapes. Both tools are quite helpful when you are working on large, complicated paper quilling projects.

Have a Light Touch When Using Glue with Paper Quilling

When gluing your rolled paper shapes, always remember to use glue sparingly. Too much glue can quickly ruin your project, which you may have worked on for hours. You can avoid the hassle of starting a project over with a little bit of caution. You can always add a bit more adhesive if necessary, but you cannot remove excess glue. Remember the design rule "Less Is More."

Paper Quilling Patterns

Some beginners find using a premade quilling pattern quite helpful when first starting out. There are hundreds of paper quilling patterns available for purchase or free to download on the internet. These printable patterns can guide beginners and help them build their skills.

All you have to do is place the printed pattern under a sheet of waxed paper and follow the suggestions. You will quickly have a quilling masterpiece that you will be proud to give as a gift or display in your home.

Master the Basic Paper Quilling Shapes

Learn the basic shapes before working on a paper quilling project. It can be quite helpful to make a master page of basic paper quilling shapes.

Glue different shapes to a piece of cardboard to use as a reference sheet when working on various projects. The guide serves as both a reference and an inspiration source.

Paper Quilling Circle Sizing Board

A circle sizing board is a tool you definitely will find useful. It is a sheet of plastic that has predrilled holes of various shapes and sizes. Use the holes to help you roll the paper quilling shapes.

The circle sizing board will help you will always have consistency in your paper quilling shapes. This board is a tool you won't want to be without and will use again and again.

Acetate Sheet

Build your paper quilling rolled shape onto a sheet of acetate. It is strong enough to give your glued quilled shapes stability. After the glue has dried, you can pull your quilled piece up off the sheet without damage. Just wash the leftover adhesive from the acetate sheet and reuse for your next project.