How to Make Quilling Scrolls the Same Size

Use a paper cutter to accurately cut paper strips for quilling scrolls of the same size.

Using colorful paper strips, quilling scrolls are made by rolling paper into loose, airy coils. These coiled scrolls are rolled to form hearts, C-shapes, V-shapes, S-shapes or basic scroll shapes. As a highly affordable paper craft, quilling scrolls are used to decorate invitations, greeting cards, announcements, scrapbooks and picture frames. Replicating your work and making quilling scrolls that are the same size takes time and some tools to assist you in your symmetry.

Measuring and Cutting

When making intricate designs that require symmetry, quilling scrolls need to be the same size to create balance. Measure and cut your craft paper so it is of equal length, width and thickness. While your local craft store will have pre-cut paper strips that are equal in size, some people prefer to cut their own paper strips. Use a ruler or tape measure and a paper cutter when cutting paper strips at home. Paper strips of the same size help you achieve scrolls of the same size.

Measuring and Rolling the Paper

Before you beginning rolling the paper to create coils for your quilling scrolls, establish the point at which the coil will stop, leaving a tail-strip of paper for your scroll. It is important to measure for accuracy. Work toward this same point on each strip of paper. A light pencil mark provides a visual cue for your measurement. Roll the paper evenly until you reach the mark on each strip of paper to achieve scrolls of the same size.

Craft Mat

While people with experience may be advanced enough to eye their coils and scrolls to create equal sizes, beginners may find this accuracy difficult to achieve. A craft mat with inch and centimeter markings provides a guide as you begin to create your coils. Create a sample scroll on your craft mat. Count the number of times that you roll the paper, observing the measurement of your paper as you roll. The measurements on your craft mat will let you know if your sample scroll is the same size as the subsequent scrolls you create.

Circle Templates

A circle template is a plastic sheet with different sized circles punched out of the plastic. This is a handy tool for people creating quilling scrolls. Place your tightly wrapped coil into one of the circles on the template and allow the paper to loosen to the size of the circle. Use the same circle on the template to create all of your coils. Circle templates allow you to create consistent coils of the same size. With same-sized coils, your scrolls will appear even and balanced.

Other Tools for Accuracy

A slotted quilling tool or quilling needle helps you roll paper strips evenly and accurately to create coils of the same size. Traditionally, quilling coils are held together with glue, while quilling scrolls are left loose without glue. However, when attempting to create quilling scrolls that are equal in size, a dab of clear glue will hold the paper in place so you can achieve even, balanced coils. Use a toothpick to apply clear glue to your craft paper.

References

• Origami Resource Center: Quilling Scrolls
• Creative Quilling: Beginners Basics
• Origami Resource Center: Quilling Supplies and Tools