Quilling is a creative paper craft technique in which narrow paper strips are rolled, shaped and glued together. Using simple shapes such as circles, teardrops, spirals and hearts, you can create cards, decorations and complete paper quilling artworks.

One of the great things about quilling is that you only need a few materials to get started. With paper, glue and an optional quilling tool, you can begin straight away. In this guide to quilling for beginners, you will discover what quilling is, which supplies you need, how to get started step by step and which basic quilling shapes you can make. We also share useful tips to help you develop your quilling projects further.

What is quilling?

Quilling, also known as paper quilling, is a form of paper art in which narrow strips of paper are rolled and then pinched, curved and glued into different shapes. By combining several shapes, you can create decorative patterns and images.

The technique has been used for centuries and is now popular for making greeting cards, wall decorations, jewellery, scrapbook pages and other paper decorations.

One of the advantages of quilling is that you decide how simple or detailed your design will be. Beginners can start with a few basic quilling shapes, while more experienced makers can build complete images and intricate patterns from dozens or even hundreds of paper strips.

What do you need for quilling?

You do not need many quilling supplies to get started. Paper, glue and a tool for rolling the strips will already take you a long way. If you want to work more precisely or try more advanced techniques, there are several quilling tools and accessories that can make the process easier.

• Paper: Use pre-cut quilling paper strips or cut narrow strips from coloured paper yourself. Quilling paper is available in different colours, widths and finishes. For beginners, slightly wider strips of around 5 mm are often easier to hold, roll and shape.
• Quilling tool or quilling pen: This tool helps you roll paper strips quickly and evenly. A slotted quilling tool has a small opening for inserting the end of the paper strip, making it particularly convenient for beginners. You can also roll paper strips by hand.
• Glue: Use a small amount of paper glue or PVA glue to secure the ends of the coils and attach the finished shapes to your surface. A fine applicator makes precise gluing easier.
• Tweezers: Useful for picking up, positioning and holding small quilling shapes in place while gluing.
• Scissors: Use sharp scissors to trim paper strips to length or make small adjustments.
• Quilling template or sizing board: A template with circles in different sizes helps you create coils that are approximately the same size.
• Pins: Useful for temporarily securing shapes or building a design on a work board before gluing everything in place.
• Work mat: Protects your work surface and provides a practical base for rolling, shaping and gluing.
• Ruler: Helpful when cutting your own quilling strips and creating equal lengths or widths.
• Storage boxes or containers: Use small compartments or boxes to keep paper strips, finished shapes and other small quilling supplies organised.

You do not need to buy every tool straight away. For your first paper quilling project, paper strips, glue and a simple quilling tool are usually enough.

Quilling step by step

lled paper strip from the tool. Allow the coil to loosen slightly until it reaches the size you want.

If you want to make several coils in the same size, place them in a circle template while they relax. This makes it easier to keep the dimensions consistent.

5. Create a quilling shape

You can turn a simple round paper coil into many different basic quilling shapes. Pinch one side to create a teardrop shape, for example, or pinch two opposite sides to create an eye or marquise shape.

Experiment with different ways of pinching and curving the paper. You will soon discover how many shapes you can create from one simple coil.

6. Secure the shape with glue

Apply a very small amount of glue to the loose end of the paper strip and attach it to the coil.

Do not use too much glue. A small drop is usually enough and helps prevent the paper from becoming wet or leaving visible glue marks.

7. Build your design

Arrange the different quilling shapes loosely on your chosen surface first. Combine colours and shapes until you are happy with the composition.

You can create flowers, leaves, animals, letters, hearts or abstract patterns.

8. Glue the design in place

Happy with your composition? Glue the shapes to the surface one by one.

You can use a card, sturdy paper, canvas or a background that can later be placed in a picture frame.

Basic quilling shapes

Almost every quilling design is built from a number of simple basic shapes. Once you master these basic quilling shapes, you can combine them to create increasingly detailed designs.

Loose coil

Roll a paper strip and allow the coil to relax before gluing the end in place. This is the starting point for many other shapes.

Tight coil

Glue the end in place before allowing the coil to loosen. This keeps the spiral compact.

Teardrop

Start with a loose coil and pinch one side to create a point.

Eye shape

Pinch a loose coil on two opposite sides to create an eye or marquise shape.

Oval

Gently flatten a loose coil without creating sharp points.

Square

Start with an eye shape and then form two additional corners.

Heart

Curve or shape the paper strip so that two rounded sections meet in a point.

By rotating and combining these basic quilling shapes and making them in different sizes, you can build all kinds of figures and patterns.

Video: quilling step by step

Would you like to see how rolling and shaping quilling paper strips works in practice? Watch the video below and use the examples as inspiration for your own paper quilling project.

9 tips for quilling beginners

1. Start with easy-to-handle paper strips

Very narrow strips require a little more precision. Start with paper strips that are easy to hold and roll. A width of around 5 mm is a good starting point for many quilling beginners. Once you have gained more experience, you can use narrower strips to create finer details.

2. Use a quilling tool

You can do paper quilling without special tools, but a quilling tool makes rolling paper strips easier and more consistent. A slotted quilling tool is particularly useful when you are just starting out. As you gain experience, you can experiment with other quilling tools for greater control and finer coils.

3. Work from a design

Decide what you want to create before you start and, if helpful, sketch the main outlines on paper. You can then arrange the quilling shapes loosely on top of your sketch first.

This helps you see how many shapes you need and allows you to adjust the composition before you start gluing.

4. Practise the basic quilling shapes first

Start with circles, teardrops, ovals and eye shapes. Once you can create these basic quilling shapes in consistent sizes, it becomes much easier to build larger designs.

Try making several individual shapes for practice before starting your final project.

5. Use only a small amount of glue

When it comes to quilling, less is often more. Too much glue can soften the paper and leave visible marks.

Use a glue bottle with a fine tip, a precision applicator or even a toothpick to apply very small amounts of glue exactly where you need them.

6. Experiment with colour

Use shades from the same colour family for a harmonious result, or combine contrasting colours to make certain parts of your design stand out.

You can also combine several colours of paper in a single coil to create a playful colour transition.

7. Make shapes the same size

Want to create a flower with six matching petals? Use paper strips of the same length and allow the coils to relax to the same diameter.

A quilling template or circle sizing board can help you create consistently sized shapes.

8. Take your time

Quilling involves many small and precise steps. The finished result usually looks better when you take the time to create even coils and position each shape carefully.

Allow glued elements to dry properly before moving your design.

9. Protect your quilling artwork

Quilling shapes sit slightly above the surface and can therefore be delicate. Handle and store cards and decorations carefully.

If you want to preserve a quilling artwork for longer, consider placing it in a deep picture frame or using a suitable clear protective spray for paper. Always test the protective product on a spare piece of paper first.

Frequently asked questions about quilling

What paper do you use for quilling?

You can use special quilling paper, but regular coloured paper can also work well. The paper should be flexible enough to roll without tearing. Pre-cut quilling paper strips are particularly convenient because they have a consistent width.

What width of quilling paper is best for beginners?

Slightly wider paper strips are generally easier to work with than very narrow ones. A width of around 5 mm is a comfortable size for learning the basic quilling technique. Once you have more experience, you can try narrower strips for finer and more detailed designs.

Can you do quilling without a quilling tool?

Yes. A quilling tool makes rolling paper strips easier, but it is not essential. You can also roll a paper strip with your fingers or around a thin object. A dedicated quilling tool generally helps you work faster and create more consistent coils.

What glue should you use for quilling?

Paper glue or white PVA glue is suitable for most paper quilling projects. Use only a small amount and apply it precisely with a fine applicator.

What shapes can you make with quilling?

Common basic quilling shapes include circles, teardrops, ovals, eye shapes, squares and hearts. By combining these shapes, you can create flowers, animals, letters, patterns and complete paper quilling designs.

Get started with quilling

With paper strips, a little glue and a few simple techniques, you can create an amazing variety of designs. Start by practising a few basic quilling shapes and then combine them to create your first project.

As you gain experience, you can experiment with different colours, paper widths and shapes to create increasingly detailed quilling artwork. Pick up your paper, roll your first strip and discover just how many creative possibilities paper quilling has to offer.