How to Weave Paper

Paper weaving is a fun and easy way to make a number of fun and useable creations. I've made a simple guide that provides you with the basic tools for weaving paper and your imagination can do the rest.

Step 1: There are a few basic tools you will need before you get started: a ruler, a scissors, a pen or pencil, paper material to weave, string or tape, and (image 1) a paper cutter (optional but makes cutting the paper down into strips a lot quicker then doing it by hand).

Step 2: (Images 2 & 3) Now that you have your tools you want to measure out strips of paper 4 inches long and 3/16 of an inch wide.

Step 3: (Image 4) Now that your strips are cut, fold each one in half lengthwise.

Step 4: (Images 5 & 6) Take the ends of the strips and fold them into the middle so there are four equal folded parts on each strip. (See image 6 for a closeup)

Step 5: (Image 7) Fold the strips in half once more so that they make a little V. The ends of the paper strip will now be in the middle.

Step 6: (Images 8 & 9) Take two of the V shapes and slide one into the other one. You will now have an L shape.

Step 7: (Image 10) You can now add as many paper V shapes as you want to create a zigzag weave of the paper strips.

Step 8: (Image 11 & 12) When your paper weave chain is the length you want it to be create another one with the same number of paper V shapes.

Step 9: (Image 13) Once you have multiple paper weave chains you can easily fit them together. You can connect the chains together with anything really. I found tape to be the easiest way to connect that chains, but if you don't want your final project to be held together by tape then I would recommend using string to tie them together. (Weave the string throughout the chains so they hold together sturdy)

Step 10: (Image 14) To make your final creation more colorful try to add different colors of paper, either by chain or even by each individual paper strip!

Step 11: (Image 15) This is a small purse I created out of cigarette box paper strips. Now that you know how to weave paper chains together you can imagine and make your own creations. Enjoy!