Here are four simple paper strips to make Scandinavian woven stars that work beautifully as Christmas tree ornaments, gift decorations, garlands, and handmade holiday décor.
There is something especially charming about a paper decoration that looks much more complicated than it actually is. These Scandinavian woven stars are made from just four long paper strips, but a few careful folds turn them into dimensional stars with a beautiful geometric shape.
The best part is that you do not need a large collection of craft supplies. A few strips of paper and a pair of scissors are enough to get started, with a little glue available if you want to reinforce the finished star.
These paper stars also give you plenty of room to play with color. Traditional-looking neutral paper creates a simple Scandinavian feel, while red, green, gold, or patterned paper can make the stars feel more festive for Christmas.
Once you learn the folding sequence, you can make several stars in different sizes and use them throughout your holiday decorating. They look lovely hanging from a Christmas tree, grouped as a garland, or attached to wrapped gifts.
Things that you need before crafting:
- 4 paper strips
- Scissors
- Optional: craft glue
Paper Size
For a star similar to the tutorial, cut each strip approximately ¾ inch wide and 11 inches long.
You can use vellum, regular craft paper, or cardstock. If you are making the star for the first time, choose paper that folds cleanly without being too stiff.
Before You Fold
The direction of the strips is important in this craft. Before tightening the first square, make sure the open ends of the four strips point in the correct directions.
It also helps to make every crease firmly. Sharp folds make the later weaving and tucking much easier, especially when you begin forming the star points.
How To Make:
Prepare the Strips
Cut four paper strips to approximately ¾ × 11 inches.
Fold each strip in half lengthwise and run your finger along the fold to create a clear crease.
Keep the strips flat and organized before you begin interlocking them.
Form the Center Square
Take the first strip and position it with its open ends facing upward.
Place the second strip around the first one, with its open ends facing toward the left.
Bring the third strip around the second strip, keeping its open ends toward the bottom.
Finally, place the fourth strip around the third strip with its open ends toward the right.
Now bring the open ends of the fourth strip through the loop created by the first strip. Pull the strips carefully until they lock together into a small, flat square.
Check this before continuing: the four strips should sit evenly around the square rather than twisting over one another.
Fold the First Layer
With the square lying flat, work around its four sides.
Take one layer of the top strip and fold it downward.
Fold one layer of the right strip toward the left.
Next, fold one layer of the bottom strip upward.
Finally, fold one layer of the left strip toward the right and slide its end underneath the fold you made at the beginning.
You should now have a neat woven layer sitting across the center.
Do not pull the strips excessively at this stage. Keeping the square reasonably flat will make the next folds easier to control.
Make the First Star Point
Choose the strip positioned at the top-left.
Fold it backward toward the left at roughly a 45-degree angle.
Then fold the same strip forward and downward, creating the second angle of the point.
Press the folds firmly so the point has a crisp shape.
Trim the remaining tail if necessary, keeping it slightly shorter than the square. Tuck the end underneath the nearby folded section to hold the point in place.
The first point should now extend cleanly from the square.
Make the Remaining Points
Turn the star clockwise so that the next strip is positioned at the top-left.
Repeat the same folding sequence:
- Fold the strip backward at an angle.
- Fold it forward and downward.
- Crease both angles.
- Trim the tail if it is too long.
- Tuck the end securely underneath the fold.
Continue turning the star clockwise and repeat until you have made four points on this side.
Take a moment to compare the points as you go. Keeping their folds similar will give the finished star a much more balanced appearance.
Finish the Other Side
Carefully turn the star over.
You will now see the opposite side of the woven shape. Repeat the same point-making process on this side.
Work around the star one strip at a time, folding, creasing, trimming, and tucking each end.
Once all the points are finished, gently adjust them so the star looks even from both sides.
Secure the Star
Check every tucked end before finishing.
If the paper holds firmly on its own, no glue is necessary. If a tucked end keeps slipping out, place a very small amount of craft glue underneath that section and press it into place.
Allow the glue to dry completely before handling the star for decorating.
Hang Your Paper Star
To turn your finished star into Christmas décor, add a small hanging loop if your design does not already include one.
You can then:
- Hang it on the Christmas tree.
- Combine several stars into a holiday garland.
- Attach one to a wrapped Christmas gift.
- Add stars to a wreath.
- Place a few around a holiday table setting.
- Use different sizes to create a layered Christmas display.
For a coordinated look, make several stars from the same paper collection. Mixing one solid color with one patterned paper can also create a simple but interesting display.
Note: If you face any hurdles in creating this project, then you can watch the tutorial here.
If the Star Looks Uneven
The most common reason a woven star looks uneven is that the strips were not tightened or folded consistently.
Before adding glue, gently loosen and reposition the affected section rather than forcing the point into place. Check that each point follows the same two-angle fold and that its tail is tucked underneath the neighboring layer.
If one point is noticeably longer than the others, trim and tuck its tail again. Small adjustments at this stage can make the finished star look much cleaner.
Save this pin for future!
