What is Iris Folding?
Iris folding is one of my favourite things. Have you tried it? I love that it’s a papercraft 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. If you’d like to find out more about the origins and traditions of iris folding check out this post. Essentially, iris folding uses folded pieces of paper to create a design.
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Why Iris Folding is Perfect for Beginners
Iris folding is a wonderful craft for beginners because it is inexpensive, relaxing and easy to learn. Unlike many crafts that require lots of specialist equipment, you can get started with just a template, paper, tape and a pair of scissors. It’s also a great way to use up scraps of wrapping paper, patterned paper, magazines and other materials that might otherwise go to waste.
Many people find iris folding to be a mindful and calming activity. The repetitive process of placing and taping each strip of paper encourages you to slow down, focus on the task in front of you and take a break from everyday distractions. Similar to colouring, knitting or jigsaw puzzles, iris folding can be a gentle way to relax and unwind.
Iris folding also helps develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Carefully cutting, folding and positioning paper strips provides valuable practice for finger dexterity and precision. For children, this can support the development of pencil control and scissor skills, while adults may enjoy the challenge of creating intricate designs and maintaining nimble hands.
Whether you’re creating cards, bookmarks, framed artwork or gifts, iris folding is a rewarding craft that can be enjoyed by both children and adults. With a huge variety of patterns available, from simple geometric shapes to detailed themed designs, there’s always something new to try.
Start Here: Free Iris Folding Patterns
Whether you’re completely new to iris folding or looking for your next project, these free templates are a great place to start. Each tutorial includes a free downloadable pattern and step-by-step instructions. You’ll find YouTube slow tutorials for several of my patterns as well. Below you will find a selection.
Great Beginner Iris Folding Patterns
Simple Square
A versatile beginner project. Once you master this one there are so many ways to adapt.
Bunny Rabbit
A small variation on the square pattern that brings a cute bunny to life.
Seascape
Another simple iris folding pattern perfect for utilising small scraps of paper.
Lovely Further Iris Folding Patterns
Otters
One of my favourite iris folding designs – this cute otter pairing.
Lantern
An intricate design that’s worth the extra effort!
Bee
Simple shape design but a little fiddly on the wings.
Full Iris Folding Pattern Library
You’ll find full terms of use for the patterns in the Pattern Library.
How to Do Iris Folding
At its heart, iris folding is simply the process of arranging folded strips of paper around a template. The strips are placed in a specific order, gradually building up a spiral effect that draws the eye towards the centre of the design. Despite the impressive finished results, the technique itself is surprisingly straightforward once you’ve completed your first project.
Most iris folding projects follow the same basic steps:
- Cut out the shape from your card or paper – more on this later.
- Place the iris folding template behind the opening.
- Fold strips of paper lengthways.
- Attach the strips in the numbered order shown on the template.
- Continue until you reach the centre.
- Cover the centre opening with a final piece of paper.
- Remove the template and admire your finished design.
If you’re completely new to iris folding, these tutorials will help you get started:
Start with the Video Tutorial
Watch a complete iris folding project from start to finish and see exactly how the paper strips are positioned.
Beginner-Friendly Tutorials
Learn the basics, discover common mistakes to avoid and build confidence with simple projects designed for beginners.
Design Your Own Patterns
Ready for the next step? Learn how to create your own iris folding designs using a simple square template and adapt the technique to almost any shape.
Alternatively, Purchase Iris Folding Kits
I discovered a small company Pretty in Paper by B run by Bethan. She has great online tutorials 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.
Iris Folding Supplies
On each pattern you will find a list of exactly what you need. Paper, tape, scissors and blue tack will get you started along with a pattern and a means to cut out your shape. See my supply list here. Other items that you may need for a project or optional items will be listed.
Iris Folding Supply Tips
- 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.
- 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 and is easy to reposition if you don’t get things quite right first time.
- 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.
Key Iris Folding Resources
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.
Cricut vs Brother ScanNCut for Iris Folding
While iris folding patterns can be cut by hand, many crafters choose to use an electronic cutting machine to save time and achieve cleaner results.
Both Cricut and Brother ScanNCut machines work well for iris folding. A Cricut is ideal if you already use Cricut Design Space for papercrafts and card making, while a Brother ScanNCut has the advantage of a built-in scanner, making it easy to scan and cut your own designs without needing a computer.
Personally, I use both systems and have created iris folding projects with each. The best choice often comes down to which machine you already own and how you prefer to work.
If you’re interested in using a cutting machine for iris folding, you’ll find SVG files available alongside some of my free templates.
Using SVG Files with Cutting Machines
Many iris folding designers, including Bethan’s kits and pattern downloads, provide both PDF and SVG versions of their templates.
A PDF file is ideal if you’re cutting your template by hand, while an SVG file can be uploaded to a Cricut or Brother ScanNCut for precise machine cutting. SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphics, a file format that can be resized without losing quality.
If you own a cutting machine, using the SVG version can save time and make intricate designs much easier to cut accurately.
Iris Folding for Children
Although iris folding is often associated with card making and paper crafts for adults, it can also be a wonderful activity for children. The process of folding, positioning and taping paper strips helps develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and concentration, while also encouraging creativity and problem-solving.
Children are often fascinated by watching the design gradually appear as each strip of paper is added. The finished result can look surprisingly intricate, giving them a real sense of achievement even when working from a simple template.
For younger children, adults may wish to help with cutting out the template shape, particularly if a craft knife is required. Once the template is prepared, many children can enjoy the folding and sticking stages independently with appropriate supervision.
Iris folding also offers plenty of opportunities to personalise a project. Children can experiment with different colours, patterned papers and themes to create unique cards, bookmarks and artwork. Seasonal designs, animals and simple shapes are often the best place to start.
Whether you’re crafting at home, in a classroom or as part of a home education project, iris folding combines creativity, patience and practical skills in a way that appeals to both children and adults.
Learning Together
My daughter is now nine 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.
How to Create Your Own Iris Folding Pattern Using Free Square Template
If you’ve dabbled in iris folding before why not try creating your own project using a free square iris folding template here.
Making your own iris folding patterns is simpler than you might think. Using the square design I go through a step by step guide on how to create your own patterns for different apertures in this post. If you’re more of a visual learner then you can watch the YouTube tutorial here.
Latest Free Iris Folding Patterns
As always, I would recommend adult supervision with activities and take care to ensure the items you are using are suitable for your child in both age and development. The views expressed are my own. If I have been sent a product for review then I will state this is the case; my review will be my honest opinion.
Have you created any Iris folding pattern to give for baby showers, such as a baby carriage or a teddy bear?
I haven’t yet, no. Some people have used the bunny design. Dee Crafts do some that you can purchase – https://deecraft.square.site/?page=4&limit=30&sort_by=popularity_score&sort_order=desc and Bethan has some designs you can purchase off Etsy – https://tidd.ly/47b5xwc. Another idea is to use the basic square and cut out a bear or pram aperture. You can then use the square underneath the apertures so that you get a design in the shape you want. This blog post explains a little more what I mean. You’ll see I made a square and then tried it with different mounts (a paint splash and a whale). Lisa x