Iris folding is one of my favourite things. Have you tried it? I love that it’s a paper craft and you don’t need much to get you started. I’ve given this post a little update as I’ve been learning more about iris folding since this post was first written.
It’s one of the things I love about crafts, it keeps your mind active and your hands busy and working. Both essential skills at any age. If you’d like to find out more about the origins and traditions of this craft check out this post.
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Latest New Free Pattern
I’ve added a new free iris folding pattern and template (January 2025). It’s a Lantern and it’s a pattern that’s perfect for those who’ve had some experience with iris folding before. Find out all the details in this blog post. Read on to find out more about iris folding.
Iris Folding Papercraft
Being creative is something I’ve always enjoyed. I try lots of different things and some stick as firm favourites. Iris folding is one of these favourites.
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:
Perfect Beginner Papercraft
I stumbled upon iris folding recently through a lovely lady at a weekly craft group that I volunteer at. She’d heard about it and wanted to learn so I did some research so I could teach the group.
Pretty in Paper by B Kits and Patterns
I discovered a small company Pretty in Paper by B run by Bethan. She has great online tutorials like the one below and you can buy kits from her Etsy shop here. The rainbow card I made is available as a kit or you can just purchase a pdf pattern.
It’s Autumn here in the UK and I love this Autumn tree tutorial that Bethan has done below. You can purchase the template from Bethan here.
Are you starting to get prepared with a little Christmas crafting?Bethan has released a Christmas iris folding card set with patterns and templates here.
Free Iris Folding Patterns
I’m no expert but I’ve started having a go at my own patterns. I’ve just organised putting them all in one place – here. I’ll be adding new ones periodically as I make them. Find more free iris folding patterns here including heart, bunny and rainbow archway. You can find more details and images of the patterns further into this post.
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Iris Folding what’s an SVG File?
When I’ve ordered from Bethan I’ve noticed that she not only sends out PDF files of the patterns and templates but the templates also come as SVG files. What’s an SVG file? SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphics. They’re often used for simple, 2D graphic images that need to be re-sized. They can be re-scaled without losing resolution.
Why do I need to know about SVG files for iris folding? When iris folding you need to cut out your outline template onto a material so that you can begin to iris fold. With the bee pattern that I made above I needed to use a craft knife to cut out the bee.
If you have an SVG file of your template you can use this with one of those fancy cutting machines to get precision cutting out of your templates in no time.
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Brother Cut and Scan Vs Cricut
I’m only just dipping my toe in the world of cutting machines. One of my lovely group members from the craft club I run has lent me her Brother Scan and Cut while she’s on holiday and I’m in love. It has taken me quite a bit of trial and error to see how it works. However, I’ve since discovered that there’s a YouTube video for virtually anything you want to do so it’s well worth taking the time to watch the videos. Things became much simpler when I knew what I was doing!
Brother Scan N Cut Options
Now I need to work out what might be the best solution for me after others have said they love a Cricut. There are quite a few options of Cricut – I’ll report back once I’ve done more research. If you use one I’d love to know your thoughts.
Cricut Options
Research done and for the group I decided to purchase the Brother Scan and Cut. The main reason for this is that it can be used stand alone and you don’t have to connect it to a laptop. This means I can teach members to use it independently during group sessions. I love being able to empower people to use new technology.
The main reason I love the idea of the cutting machines is so I can design my own templates and then make my own pattern to correspond with it. However, you can also use patterns in iris folding books and upload these onto your cutting machines to allow you to complete these without needing to use a craft knife.
Iris Folding for Kids
My daughter is now eight but began iris paper folding aged six and has really enjoyed it. If you’ve got a child who can sustain their concentration for around half an hour this is a great activity.
It’s also a lovely activity to share together. One person holding in place while the other tapes. Taking turns and chatting together. That’s how we like to do iris folding together.
Experimenting
Once you’ve got the iris folding pattern and template you can experiment with different colours and types of paper. I made the one below for my Mom who loves the colour green.
A tip that I would share for using mulberry paper is to fold it in half rather than just the third you usually do so that you don’t see the end of the paper behind.
Iris Paper Folding Heart Pattern
I had a go at making my own iris folding template and pattern. It’s harder than you think! If you want to have a go at mine I’ll add the pattern and template below. You can download the free pattern here.
It was lots of fun having a go and well worth trying yourself for whatever pattern you like. The heart was my first attempt and it’s safe to say that I’m improving the more I do. Below you will find some more iris paper folding patterns and tutorials.
Free Iris Paper Folding Patterns
Robin Iris Folding Pattern and tutorial
I’m so pleased with my latest new design. It’s a Robin that would be perfect for Christmas. However, you could easily change up the colours to make it a bird for any time of the year!
You can find the free template pattern in this blog post. I’ve recently added a super slow tutorial with lots of helpful tips that you can find below.
Seascape Iris Folding Pattern and tutorial
Below you will find a tutorial that shows you step by step how to complete the seascape iris folding design. It’s one of my favourites so far. The corresponding blog post with hints and tips is here. Here’s a list of the supplies you’ll need.
Stained Glass Window Iris Folding Pattern
The stained glass window is a lovely hexagon based design – stained glass window iris folding free pattern here.
Bunny for Spring Free Iris Folding Pattern and Tutorial
I love this sweet little free bunny iris folding pattern. It was part of my Easter crafts post. You can download the free pattern here. Here’s a list of supplies you’ll need to make the bunny.
Below you will find a step by step tutorial with lots of hints and tips and how to get started with iris paper folding.
Rainbow Archway Free Iris Folding Pattern
I do love a rainbow so I had to attempt a rainbow pattern. I went for this versatile vaulted arch. Rainbow colours are dreamy but I also enjoyed doing the Autumnal colouring papers too. Which is your favourite?
If you’d like to have a go at this one you can you can download the free pattern here. I used the Brother Scan and Cut machine but this one is also easy to cut out using a craft knife.
The pattern is for rainbow colours but feel free to change it, as I did for the Autumnal colours, as you would like. I always like to add a little sparkle to the last piece that I add.
Iris folding patterns and templates are for personal use only and are not for resale. Copyright belongs to Busy Busy Learning. If you’d like to be notified when I upload new patterns do sign up to my newsletter.
Iris Folding Supplies – Papers and Equipment
If you’re looking for papers to use then you want them to be thinner than you would normally use for craft projects – around 60-80gsm. It makes them easier to fold if the paper is thinner.
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:
Iris Folding Equipment
If you do decide to get one of Bethan’s kits to get you started the only other things you need are Blu Tack, Sellotape, Glue and Scissors. See my supply list here.
I’d recommend getting a weighted tape dispenser (this is the one we have) as this is so much more convenient as you’ll be using lots with iris folding. It’s a good weight and means you can dispense the tape using one hand while holding your papers in place with the other.
I prefer the magic invisible tape from Scotch as it leaves a neat finish. It’ll also mean if you’re making things to last it won’t yellow with age.
You can use a pair of scissors to cut strips of paper. It doesn’t matter if you don’t cut straight as you will make a folded line that is what you see. However, I find using a paper trimmer quick and neat.
Book Nook Creative Kits
Love crafting and books then this is the perfect mini creative pursuit! I’ve fallen in love with these book nook projects that are so popular right now. How fabulous is this Magic Store Book Nook above.
This one below is a Christmas theme – Christmas Cottage. What a magical project to undertake for Christmas and have nestled in your bookshelves. It’s so cute!
More Iris Folding Posts & Free Patterns
Check out more iris folding posts with tips and free patterns below. I’ve also recently started adding macrame tutorials – you can find those here.
