Paper snowflake

A simple fourfold snowflake made from a square. The cut pattern is original to this lesson. Use small scissors and keep the folded center intact until the final opening.

Before you begin

1 sheet · Square paper

15 × 15 cm

Scissors needed

Start folding

This lesson is being checked for folding accuracy. It has not yet passed a physical fold-through review.

Step-by-step instructions

Read through the fold before you begin, or open any step in the folding viewer.

Printable guide (opens a new tab)

Start with a light square
Use thin paper that your scissors can cut comfortably in several layers.
Look for: Keep scissors beside your workspace.
See this fold
Fold a triangle
Bring one corner to its opposite corner.
Look for: A broad triangle lies flat.
See this fold
Fold a smaller triangle
Bring the two ends of the long edge together.
Look for: Four paper layers form a smaller triangle.
See this fold
Fold the triangle once more
Bring the two long sides together to make a narrow wedge.
Look for: The folded center is the narrowest point.
See this fold
Shape the outer edge
Cut a shallow diagonal across the open outer end, keeping the narrow folded center.
Look for: The open ends have a clean sloping edge.
See this fold
Make a small notch
Cut a small triangle from one long folded edge. Stop well before cutting across the entire wedge.
Look for: The remaining paper stays connected.
See this fold
Add a second notch
Cut a smaller notch from the other edge at a different distance from the center.
Look for: Two separated notches decorate the wedge.
See this fold
Open with care
Unfold one layer at a time. Ease apart any corners caught in the cuts, then flatten under a book if desired.
Look for: Your cuts repeat around a fourfold paper snowflake.
See this fold