How to Make a Paper Snowflake - 10 Free Designs

Each year, I cut dozens of homemade paper snowflakes with my children and cover our windows. Making our home feel like a snow globe is one of our favorite traditions!

In this post, I will show you how to cut elaborate paper snowflakes in easy, simple steps. All you need to get started is some paper and a pair of scissors.

Below you will find PDF files that you can download to print. We’ve included 10 designs with instructions. There is also a lighter ink download option if you prefer to print the paper (and follow along directly on the paper) instead of using it as a template.

You can use our designs to get started and then have fun designing and making your own!

Looking for more printable templates?

How to Use These Snowflake Templates:

This template is for personal and educational use only. Feel free to use it at home or in your classroom. It is not intended for commercial use. If you use our template, please link back to this page.

Supplies Needed:

Snowflake template of choice (available at the bottom of this post) and instructions (or follow along below)
Basic white printer paper
Scissors
For the snowman template you will need a hole punch tool.

How to Make a Paper Snowflake:

While you can download and print this basic instruction guide, below is a step-by- step walkthrough of how to make a paper snowflake following our basic template.

Fold the paper in half.
Fold in half again.
Fold diagonally so that the folded edges meet.
Trim the excess paper off the top.
Cut circles, triangles, and other shapes to create unique snowflakes.

Steps for folding paper and then cutting it to make a paper snowflake.

Practice is essential for learning to create elaborate snowflakes. These templates will help you get started and they are only the beginning for what you will be able to create.

paper folded into shapes and cut into paper snowflakes.

When creating snowflakes with children, it is normal for many of the snowflakes to come out in unexpected ways. Cheer them on and encourage this! Encouragement is a huge part of building your child’s attention span for this project. This is a great way to practice scissor skills.

Tips for Cutting and Displaying Paper Snowflakes:

If paper is too hard for your children to cut, coffee filters are thinner and easier to cut. Lightweight paper and tissue paper are easier to cut—just keep in mind it’s not as sturdy as cardstock or heavier paper.
I hang our snowflakes using one to two pieces of rolled scotch tape. I find this easiest to remove at the end of the season. I do not recommend double sided tape as it can leave a mess on your windows.
At the end of the season, save as many snowflakes as you can for next year. I like to save all the ones that don’t rip when I am pulling them down.