Already an expert?

Share your knowledge!

birds, art, story

Kirigami

as a hobby

Kirigami, the Japanese art of paper cutting and folding, offers a creative outlet that combines precision and imagination. This hobby enhances fine motor skills, spatial awareness, and patience while producing intricate designs. Beginners can start with simple patterns using basic materials like paper, scissors, and a craft knife. As skills develop, practitioners can progress to more complex architectural models and 3D designs. Kirigami provides a meditative and rewarding experience, suitable for all ages and skill levels.

Helpful content to get started

We curated content to familiarize you with kirigami as a hobby and to inspire and help you get started.

We strive for accuracy, but errors may occur. Always use your judgment.

Refer to the listed resources for further research.

Short visual inspiration.

What is Kirigami
YouTube | What is Kirigami
What is Kirigami?
YouTube | What is Kirigami?
More videos

Play an episode while exploring the page.

More podcasts

Basic lingo for orientation.

  • Kirigami: A Japanese art form that combines folding and cutting paper to create intricate designs.
  • Kiri: The Japanese word meaning “to cut.”
  • Kami: The Japanese word meaning “paper.”
  • Pop-Up: A type of kirigami that creates three-dimensional images when opened.
  • Template: A pre-designed pattern used as a guide for cutting and folding.

Cutting

  • Scoring: Creating shallow lines in paper before cutting to guide the blade.
  • Intricate Cuts: Detailed and delicate cuts that require precision and skill.
  • Silhouette Cutting: Cutting out shapes that leave a silhouette against a background.
  • Layered Cutting: Creating multiple layers of paper that can be arranged to form a three-dimensional scene.

Folding

  • Mountain Fold: A fold that creates a peak, where the paper is folded away from you.
  • Valley Fold: A fold that creates a dip, where the paper is folded towards you.

Paper Types

  • Cardstock:  Thick paper heavier than standard writing or printing paper but lighter than cardboard. It typically ranges from 200 to 400 gsm (grams per square meter) in weight.
  • Construction Paper:  (also known as sugar paper) A type of colored cardstock that has a slightly rough texture and an unfinished surface. It is typically made from wood pulp and is available in a wide range of vibrant colors.
  • Specialty Paper: Papers with unique textures or patterns, such as metallic or textured paper.

Term Videos

How to break the ice and make a start.

First Steps Videos

Get read-y.

Step-by-step tutorials.

How-To Videos

Ullagami tutorial : How to make a geometric pop-up card - origamic architecture
YouTube | Ullagami tutorial : How to make a geometric pop-up card – origamic architecture
How to make Kirigami Squid
YouTube | How to make Kirigami Squid
More how-to videos

Essentials to have.

Product Demos

Further reading.

Video Articles

More video articles

Go-tos for information.

Website Previews

More website previews

Nothing like a film for inspiration.

Movie Trailers

Vimeo | Between The Folds Official Trailer
More movie trailers

Get a clue.

What’s the difference between kirigami and origami?

Kirigami involves both cutting and folding paper, while origami only involves folding.

What supplies do I need to start kirigami?

Basic supplies include paper, a cutting mat, a craft knife or scissors, and a ruler.

What type of paper is best for kirigami?

Cardstock, construction paper, and origami paper are best for kirigami.

FAQ Videos

Smart assistance.

App Trailers

More app trailers

Get smart.

Video Courses and Trailers

Get together.

Related Videos

Subscribe for inspiration.

Newsletter Previews

Additional advice for beginners.

Video Tips

Suggestions?

Let us know!

Related Hobbies