Quilling

by Lydia Fiedler

Learn the basic techniques of paper quilling.

Supplies

Quilling tool (Quilled Creations tool used here)

1/4" x 11" strips of quilling paper or copy paper

Mini glue dots

Liquid glue

Cardstock and embellishments

Step-by-Step

Step 1

Insert one end of the copy paper or quilling paper into the slot in the quilling tool.
Step 2

Slide the tool as close to the end of the paper strip as possible and begin rolling the paper around the tool.
Step 3

Keep pressure on the coil of paper while rolling it to keep the coil tight and even.
Step 4

When you come to the end of the paper strip, keep pressure on the coil.
Step 5

Gently slide the coil off the quilling tool, keeping pressure on the paper.
Step 6

Relax your grip a bit to let the coil expand to the size you want.
Step 7

Where the cut tail of the paper is, pinch the shape to form a point. Adjust the "eye" of the coil to the desired position before crimping a point into the paper. Be sure the tail lines up with the point.
Step 8

This is what your quilled petal will look like before you glue the tail down.
Step 9

Add a little liquid glue to the tail and glue it to the quilled shape, lining up the edges carefully.
Step 10

Pick up a mini glue dot with the "eye" portion of the the quilled shape.
Step 11

Adhere the quilled shape to cardstock.
Step 12

Use the quilled shape on a completed card.

Video!

Your Turn

You've seen the tutorial, now you try it! We've got a section of the gallery set aside for Quilling. Try this technique, then upload your artwork to the gallery. Show us your creations!

***Please note - Internet Explorer/Edge is not a supported browser, and will not allow you to see the videos. Please use Chrome, Firefox or Safari to view our tutorial videos.

Questions and Comments

We'd love to get your feedback or questions. Leave your comment below.

Thanks for this lovely tut. I did quilling ages ago and never got back to it, this has inspired me to do so...cheers.

annie | Wed Aug 1, 2012 at 5:07 AM

Love this quilling, have all the supplies, just need to get back to it

Jasmine patrick | Wed Aug 1, 2012 at 5:36 AM

Great tutorial! I already have quilling materials but never had luck with some designs (things kept unrolling). I will try it again. How will this do in the mail?

Cindy Barnett | Wed Aug 1, 2012 at 6:45 AM

Thanks for the tutorial. It was very helpful. I always thought quilling was reserved for the uber-talented crafters, yet you make it seem simple.

How do you attach the stem to the paper without telltale glue marks? Did you use the liquid glue there, and how do you make sure the surrounding area stays clean?

SanFransister | Wed Aug 1, 2012 at 7:38 AM

@Cindy - you'd want to protect it in the mail like any other bulky card so the little quills don't get crushed.

@SanFransister - I put a dot of glue on the top of the stem piece and attached to the left side of that flower petal it's next to. Then I just positioned the bottom part by where I put the leaves! Thank you!

lydia | Wed Aug 1, 2012 at 7:46 AM

I am looking for ways to decorate drawstring bags for party favors. Do you think this technique would work with small strips of fabric?

Linda | Wed Aug 1, 2012 at 8:32 AM

Awesome tutorial Lydia. The glue dots go a long way to take out some of the challenge of quilling.

MariLynn | Wed Aug 1, 2012 at 8:32 AM

@Linda - the fiber artist group I belong to has people who use quilled fabric on their quilts. The principle is the same, but you need to use a fabric stiffener of some sort to get a good result.

lydia | Wed Aug 1, 2012 at 8:34 AM

Thanks Lydia. I hope to try it this weekend!

Linda | Wed Aug 1, 2012 at 8:41 AM

Thank you for the quilling tutorial, Lydia! When I saw your beautiful card the other day, I made note that quilling was something I would like to try.

Charlene Merrick | Wed Aug 1, 2012 at 8:50 AM

Thank you for the quilling tutorial. I can't wait to try it. I always thought quilling was difficult, but you made it look very easy.

Guadalupe Sierra | Wed Aug 1, 2012 at 2:23 PM

I have quilled for YEARS.....it is a very old art form, and nice to see it coming back.

diane winter | Wed Aug 1, 2012 at 4:02 PM

Wow! You sure make it look easy - makes me want to try it:). Thanks for the tutorial.

Cynde Parker | Wed Aug 1, 2012 at 7:11 PM

Huge fan of quilling, thanks for sharing this tutorial!

Denise | Thu Aug 2, 2012 at 6:49 AM

I have no difficulty mailing quilled cards in an ordinary envelope. I use white craft glue that dries clear and using tweezers put each petal in the glue and then on the card. It dries Very securely. No worries.

I also use craft glue on the free end of the paper, but make the point of attachment, when it is dry, the end of the petal so it is not so visible.

I would love to see more quilled cards.

Judith Clark | Thu Aug 2, 2012 at 11:30 AM

Thanks so much for this tutorial....I am one of the 'guilty' ones with a brand new quilling set that remains unopened :( Soon, tho, very soon - will open it and give it a go!

Rosy Newlun | Thu Aug 2, 2012 at 10:30 PM

Great tutorial. May have to give this a try!!

Laurie | Fri Aug 3, 2012 at 7:55 AM

Very cool, Lydia! Thank you.

Billie Dee | Fri Aug 3, 2012 at 4:54 PM

Hi
Quilling is a technique I have just rediscovered. first time round I didn't enjoy it but now years later I am loving quilling.

Sue | Sat Aug 4, 2012 at 4:24 PM

I just recently bought a quilling kit but have not tried it yet. The quilling gallery has inspired me to bring it out this weekend and give it a try. Before seeing the tutorial I was kind of intimidated and wondered what was I thinking when I bought it! Now I'm excited about giving it a try! Thanks!

Donna | Sat Aug 3, 2013 at 1:04 AM

Page 1 of 1 pages

Quilling

by Lydia Fiedler

Supplies

Step-by-Step

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Step 7

Step 8

Step 9

Step 10

Step 11

Step 12

Video!

Your Turn

Questions and Comments

The Author

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