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Weave with paper

Weave with paper
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Make a woven paper mat or bookmark by cutting and weaving colored paper strips; learn patterns, measurement, and fine motor skills through hands on practice.

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Step-by-step guide to weave with paper

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Paper Weaving Tutorial Step-by-Step | Colorful and Easy Paper Weaving for All Ages

What you need
Colored paper, coloring materials (optional), glue stick or clear tape, pencil, ruler, scissors

Step 1

Choose two or three colored papers you like and lay them flat on your table.

Step 2

Use the ruler and pencil to draw a rectangle about 18 cm by 12 cm for a small mat or 6 cm by 15 cm for a bookmark on one sheet.

Step 3

Cut out the rectangle carefully with scissors.

Step 4

Mark vertical guide lines inside the rectangle about 1 cm apart with the pencil, leaving a 1 cm margin along one short edge.

Step 5

Cut slits along the marked lines from the opposite short edge toward the margin, stopping at the 1 cm margin to leave a tab.

Step 6

Use the ruler and pencil to draw strips about 1 cm wide on your other colored papers.

Step 7

Cut out the strips with scissors.

Step 8

Weave the first strip through the slits by going over under over under until the strip reaches the end.

Step 9

Weave the remaining strips one at a time, starting each new strip with the opposite over/under pattern so the rows alternate.

Step 10

Push each strip gently toward the top so the woven rows sit snug and even.

Step 11

Trim any extra strip ends that stick out so the edges look neat.

Step 12

Turn the mat or bookmark over and glue or tape the 1 cm tab and any loose ends to the back to secure the weave.

Step 13

Decorate the mat or bookmark with coloring materials if you like.

Step 14

Share a photo of your finished woven paper mat or bookmark on DIY.org.

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can I use instead of colored paper or a ruler if I don't have them?

If you don't have colored paper, use plain printer paper, old magazines, or wrapping paper flattened to size, and use a book edge or the side of a credit card as a straightedge when drawing the rectangle and 1 cm guide lines.

My strips keep slipping out when I weave—how can I fix that?

Secure the 1 cm margin tab and any loose ends with a small piece of tape or a paperclip before you push each strip gently toward the top as instructed so the woven rows sit snug and don't slip.

How can I change the activity for younger or older children?

For younger kids have an adult pre-cut the rectangle and slits and use wider 2 cm strips or a 6x15 cm bookmark, while older children can make the full 18x12 cm mat with 1 cm strips and more rows for finer weaving and color patterns.

How can we make the mat or bookmark more durable or unique after finishing?

After gluing the 1 cm tab, cover the finished weave with clear contact paper or laminate for durability, trim and add tassels or stickers to the edges, or paint decorations before sharing a photo on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to weave with paper

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

Paper Weaving for Kids DIY Guide | Learn Weaving with Paper Strips in Simple Steps

4 Videos

Facts about paper weaving and paper crafts

♻️ You can upcycle old magazines, junk mail, or scrap paper into colorful strips to make eco-friendly mats and bookmarks.

✂️ Cutting and weaving paper strips is a fun way to practice fine motor skills and hand–eye coordination for kids.

🌈 In weaving the vertical threads are called the “warp” and the horizontal threads are the “weft”—swapping colors makes bold patterns.

📐 The simplest weaving pattern is the plain weave (over one, under one), and it’s the foundation for many other designs.

🧵 Weaving is one of the oldest crafts—archaeologists have found woven textiles dating back over 7,000 years.

How do you make a woven paper mat or bookmark step by step?

Start by choosing two contrasting sheets of colored paper or cardstock. Measure and fold one sheet lengthwise, then cut even slits about 1–2 cm apart to create the warp (leave margins at ends). Cut the second sheet into equal-width strips for the weft. Weave each strip over and under the warp, alternating with each row to form a pattern. Secure edges with glue or tape, trim excess, and press flat. Optionally laminate for durability.

What materials do I need to weave a paper mat or bookmark?

You’ll need two colors of paper or light cardstock, a ruler, pencil, and scissors (or a paper trimmer). Add glue or double-sided tape to secure edges and a cutting mat to protect surfaces. For young children, use safety scissors and pre-cut strips. Optional extras: hole punch and ribbon, clear contact or laminator for durability, and markers or stickers to decorate the finished mat or bookmark.

What ages is paper weaving suitable for?

Paper weaving suits a wide age range: preschoolers (3–5) can weave pre-cut strips with close adult help; ages 5–7 gain fine motor control and can follow simple patterns with supervision for cutting. Ages 8–12 work independently on measurement and more complex patterns. Teens and adults can try intricate designs or mosaics. Always supervise young children when using scissors or cutting tools.

What are the benefits of paper weaving for kids?

Paper weaving builds fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and concentration while teaching patterns, measurement, and sequencing. It reinforces early math concepts like spacing and fractions, and encourages creativity through color and design choices. The activity is low-cost and quick to set up, offering calming, hands-on practice that boosts confidence. For safety, supervise cutting and consider pre-cut strips for younger children.
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