Iris Folding Otter Papercraft
This could be my favourite pattern that I’ve created yet! Two super cute otters! It’s based on a hexagon design at the heart of it. We’ve had hexagon patterns before and you can find more of my patterns here that you can download for free. One of the main difference between this pattern and ones I’ve done prior to this is the little arms that you cut out separately and add on.
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This post will share with you a free Otter iris folding pattern template for you to use. Terms of use can be found here. To find out how to iris fold check out this post.
Navigate the Iris Folding Otter Post
How to Create Otter Iris Folding
What You Will Need
You can find lots of the iris folding resources that I use here.
- Pattern (free download below)
- Card or card blank with outline cut out – you can use a craft knife or cutting machine
- Blue tack
- Scissors
- Tape (best to be in a heavy tape dispenser that you can use with one hand)
- Paper (origami paper works well or use recycled materials – inside of envelopes/ used packaging materials)
- Sparkly card (optional)
- Fine liner/ felt pen/ pencil to draw on detail
What To Do
The pattern has a sheet which goes through exactly what you need to do to create your Otter. If you’re more of a visual learner you may find it easier to have a look at the YouTube video tutorial below. I hope to add a video of the Otter project really soon but I’ve been a little under the weather and not up to filming.
Otter Specific Instructions
- The project has two otters. Once you have completed one then just lift off your work and then secure the second otter aperture over the pattern and repeat.
- You can do the otters in the same colours or you can do different colours for the second otters.
- A couple of the parts of the pattern are very small – familiarise yourself with which parts these are – 13 and 25.
- There are two number 28s as you use the same piece of paper to cover that whole section.
- You may need to trim the arms a little to tuck them under the aperture and secure them in place. I added glue first to the arm and then secured in place.
- You don’t need to do the fine liner detail as I have – feel free to create your own marks.
What Colours to Use on Your Iris Folding Otters
It’s entirely up to you what colours you would like to use. I’ve made some suggestions in the pattern download but you can really go with whatever colours you would like.
You can keep quite traditional like I have or you can go as wacky as you like. A pair of rainbow otters sounds great to me!
The card you use for the aperture doesn’t need to be white. A blue might look great to show water or maybe you could do a stamping or stencil effect.
Share Your Makes
Whether you make the otters, another iris folding project or a completely different craft I’d love to see what you do. I’ve just started a new Facebook group – come and join a little creative community here.
Card Blank or Mounted?
It’s completely your choice whether you’d like to create your design on a separate piece of card and then mount it onto a card blank, or work directly on the card blank itself.
Whichever method you choose, remember that you’ll need to cut out the reverse of your shape, as the design is worked from the back.
If you’re working directly onto the card blank, adding a small paper insert inside the card is a neat way to hide your workings. For the otters, I used 200gsm cardstock for the aperture. I use this ream of paper as I love how smooth it is.
Top Tip for Iris Folding Paper
The type of paper you choose makes a big difference. Ideally, go for paper in the 60–80gsm range. It’s thinner than standard craft paper, which makes it easier to fold and helps keep your finished card from becoming too bulky.
A useful term to search for is origami paper, as it’s often the perfect weight for iris folding. Just remember to check the dimensions before buying, as origami sheets can sometimes be very small. I like to use paper that is around 15cm or A5 in size.
If you’d like to find out more about the traditions of iris folding and using used envelopes then check out this post. I do love using recycled materials in my projects. Get friends and family to collect interesting papers for you from envelopes and even junk mail!
Iris Folding Finds
I’m always on the look out for for iris folding resources. Here’s a few that we have that are good value:
Packs of interesting cards and papers are perfect for the centre of your iris folding designs. These can be thicker than what you’ve used in the rest of your design as there is no need to fold.
Free Otter Iris Folding Pattern Download
Use the download button below to get your free Otter iris folding pattern.
Find more free iris folding patterns here including heart, chick, lantern, square bunny, rainbow archway and more.
Complete Iris Folding Beginner
If you’re a complete beginner to iris folding then the square pattern is a great one to start with or something like the Seascape is ideal.
Cutting Out Iris Folding Templates
When cutting out your otters, you can go high-tech with a cutting machine or keep it hands-on with a craft knife. Sure, a Scan N Cut makes things faster, but using a craft knife is just as doable -and a lot kinder on the wallet! You could also just choose to cut out one otter if you prefer
Brother Scan N Cut Options
Cricut Options
(image from Cricut)
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