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How to Make Simple Quilling Paper Coils

February 17, 2017

Quilling Basics: How to Make Simple Paper Coils

I have to start out today with an apology.

I have been so focused these last couple years in creating fun quilling tutorials, that I’ve never sat down and written about basic techniques!

That ends now! I’m happy to say that I’m finally taking the time to photograph some posts detailing some simple how-tos for the beginner quiller.

Starting off, how to make simple quilling paper coils!




Quilling Basics: How to Make Simple Paper Coils

First thing’s first: to make quilling coils you need paper, a little glue and something to roll your paper around, called a quilling tool.

There are two common types of quilling tools, a needle tool and a slotted tool. There are pros and cons to each, and each quiller has a preference. For more info, check out my post on which quilling tool is right for you. You could even use a large sewing needle, a wooden skewer or a toothpick in a pinch!

Quilling paper is sold in packs of long strips and come in an amazing rainbow of colors. Some even have sparkles!

When you’re ready to start quilling, tear the length of quilling paper that you need from your strip. The length of your strip will indicate how large your coil ends up. If you’re following a pattern or tutorial, you may be provided with the lengths of paper to use per coil.

But once you’ve gotten some practice, you can start to remember just how much paper you’ll need to use.

It’s also helpful to tear the ends off your strips before rolling. Torn edges adhere smoother with glue than cut edges.

Quilling Basics: How to Make Simple Paper Coils || www.thepaperycraftery.com

To roll a coil around a needle tool, lay the end on your index finger of one hand while holding the tool in the other.

Use your thumb and index finger to roll the paper strip around the needle tool, while holding your tool still.

Roll the paper all the way to the end of your strip, and you’ve got yourself a coil!

Quilling Basics: How to Make Simple Paper Coils || www.thepaperycraftery.comWhen you’ve finished rolling, carefully remove the coil from the tool, holding it in a way that it won’t unroll.

Lightly glue the end the rest of the coil.

Quilling Basics: How to Make Simple Paper Coils || www.thepaperycraftery.com




Coils that aren’t allowed to unroll are called tight coils.

Tight coils can be made in any size, and are often the base for 3-dimensional quilling work, like these quilling paper acorns.

Quilling Basics: How to Make Simple Paper Coils || www.thepaperycraftery.com

Tight coils can be formed into other shapes, as well.

Squeeze one side, and you’ve made a tiny teardrop. I used that technique when I made my daffodil petals!

Quilling Basics: How to Make Simple Paper Coils || www.thepaperycraftery.comMost quilling work has its basis in various shapes made from loose coils.

To make loose coils (also called open coils), roll the paper in the same way you roll tight coils.

And just to show the difference, I’m rolling this coil with a slotted tool. Many quillers find this tool a little simpler to use, especially in the beginning days.

Insert one end of your paper strip into the slot on the end of the tool. This will hold the strip in place.

Next, turn the tool to roll the strip, as opposed to the needle tool, where you rolled the paper.

I apologize for the funky glue dots all over my tool! Yikes!

Quilling Basics: How to Make Simple Paper Coils || www.thepaperycraftery.comWhen you reach the end of the strip, pull it off the slotted tool.

If you release the coil and place it on a flat surface, it will start to unravel a bit and open up. That’s your loose coil!

Add a tiny spot of glue to the end and attach that to the rest of the coil. 

Quilling Basics: How to Make Simple Paper Coils || www.thepaperycraftery.com




Notice the slight kink in the center of the loose coil that was made on the slotted tool.

That comes from the slit in the metal end that holds the paper strip.

If that bothers you, try practicing on a needle tool for a while!

Quilling Basics: How to Make Simple Paper Coils || www.thepaperycraftery.comOne more way to roll quilling paper strips is into ring coils.

Ring coils are molded around larger forms, like the handle of a tool or a pen. There are also specialty molds and tools that have bigger diameters for really large circles. I’ve even used glass jars!

Simply roll your strip around your form, adding a little glue to the beginning end to keep it still. You may like to add a little glue on the entire strip as you roll it around, but all that extra glue might make it a little too stiff once dry. It all depends on your needs.

Be sure to glue the end before removing the ring coil from your mold.
Quilling Basics: How to Make Simple Paper Coils || www.thepaperycraftery.com

Ring coils can also be formed into shapes.

Pinch one end, and you have a unique leaf! I’ve also used this shape for modern flower petals.Quilling Basics: How to Make Simple Paper Coils || www.thepaperycraftery.com

Whew! That’s a lot of info that I just laid on you!

Don’t forget to print your own quilling shapes printable to reference as you practice your coils.

And this is just the beginning! There is more to learn on your quilling journey.

After practicing your coils for a bit, check out the next posts in this series, all about creating teardrops and other shapes and making paper squares!

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in Quilling, Quilling for Beginners, Tutorials # how to do quilling paper crafts, How to start quilling paper, Quilling Basics, Quilling Coils, quilling for beginners, Rolling Quilling Paper

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Comments

  1. JoJo Tabares says

    February 22, 2017 at 7:53 am

    These are so pretty. Never knew what they were called.

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      February 22, 2017 at 12:08 pm

      Thanks JoJo! It’s a great craft: super easy and affordable with a big “wow” factor. Give it a try!

      Reply
  2. Aliza Hale Biorn says

    February 24, 2017 at 12:41 am

    I just recently saw a finished project and found out about quilling paper. It didn’t give directions, so this was a wonderful find! I can’t wait to do a project with these. I have lots of papers!!

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      February 24, 2017 at 6:05 am

      That’s so great, Aliza! Welcome to the quilling club! I’m always adding new tutorials and tips here. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask!

      Reply
  3. Christina says

    March 20, 2017 at 7:52 pm

    Okay I just got totally sucked into your site. I’ve never even heard of quilling and now I’m completely intrigued by the process and all the beautiful things you do with it!!

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      March 20, 2017 at 8:47 pm

      That’s so great to hear! Thanks so much. I hope you’ll give it a try someday!

      Reply
  4. Mary Clark says

    October 3, 2019 at 5:01 am

    I have done quilling for greeting cards. I haven’t done much for the last five years but I plan to refresh my skills in 2020. I enjoy your sharing information to help me get started again. Can you give me more information on how to access your site and if you charge approximately your fee. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      October 3, 2019 at 6:26 am

      Hi Mary! I’m glad you’re finding my page helpful. There is no charge for any of the information I share. There is a search bar available to look for projects you might be interested in. I don’t post as much as I used to right now, but there are over 100 tutorials and reviews for you to look through. Enjoy!

      Reply
  5. April Hickman says

    September 23, 2020 at 10:43 am

    I tried to make coils. No problem. But when off the tool and opened up a little, they won’t lay flat. The middle of the coil pops up. What am I doing wrong and how do I fix this? Thanks for your instructions and help. April

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      September 24, 2020 at 9:03 am

      Hi April, thanks for reaching out! My first suggestion, after really rolling the coils slowly, is usually to try a thicker weight paper. I’ve found that the thinner paper can get a little crazy fairly easily. If you haven’t yet, check out the Quilled Creations paper. They have a thicker paper that might be something you want to try. I hope that helps!

      Reply
  6. Brenda says

    January 14, 2021 at 10:53 am

    My daughter and I love crafting together and are looking for something new to try… think I may have just found it! Until yesterday I had never seen or heard of paper quilling (we live in a small city in the east coast of Canada) I plan on doing some shopping this weekend to get some supplies and get started. Once we practice some coils Is there a projet you would suggest for a 1st timer?

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      January 17, 2021 at 7:31 pm

      So glad you’ve found quilling! I would start with making coils, then turning them into simple shapes like a teardrop or marquise. You can find those instructions and more on the “Quilling Basics” page on my website. From there, you can combine those shapes to make designs such as simple flowers. That’s a great way to get comfortable with your tools. Let me know if you have any questions!

      Reply

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