Paper Snowflake Template

How to fold paper for a six-point snowflake

1. Start with a square. Trim a Letter page to 8.5 x 8.5 in, or use origami paper.
2. Fold the square corner to corner into a triangle, then fold that triangle in half.
3. Fold the triangle into thirds: bring one side forward and the other side back so the edges line up. This gives the 30 degree wedge that makes six points.
4. Trim the uneven top straight across.
5. Cut out the template, lay it on the wedge with the center point at the folded corner, trace the striped shapes with a pencil and cut them away.
6. Unfold slowly. Press the snowflake flat under a heavy book for an hour.

Why six points

Real snow crystals grow with six arms because of the way water molecules join when they freeze. Folding into thirds instead of quarters is what gives a paper snowflake the same six-fold look.

Tips for clean cuts

• Thin paper folds and cuts best: copy paper, origami paper or tissue paper. Card is too thick for 12 layers.
• Use small, sharp scissors and cut the small inner holes first, the edges last.
• For a big window snowflake, choose the 11 in square and print on 11 x 17 in paper, or tape two pages together.
• Hang them with thread from a window frame, or glue them on dark card for winter cards.