How-To Make A Quilled Coil

Learn how-to make a quilled coil with Ann Martin from All Things Paper and then use your new skill to make her Asymmetric Heart Necklace.

Step 1
Choose from two types of quilling tools - a slotted tool or a needle tool. The tool pictured here is the slotted type. It is very easy to use because the slot grips the end of a paper strip, which makes rolling a breeze. The only drawback is that the coil will have a tiny crimp in the center.

Tip: The most common quilling strip width is 1/8 inch (3mm). You can cut practice strips from a sheet of computer paper as it is similar in weight to quilling paper.
Step 2
While a needle tool takes a bit more practice, the coil it produces will be perfectly round with no center crimp. You can use any stiff wire, corsage pin, or even a cake tester from your kitchen drawer as a substitute needle tool. Roll the strip smoothly around the needle with the thumb and index finger of whichever hand feels most comfortable. Apply even finger pressure on the strip while you hold the tool handle steady with the other hand. Tip: Be sure to roll the paper, not the tool.
Step 3
No matter which tool you use, when the strip is fully rolled, release the end and allow the paper to relax into a loose coil
Step 4
Slide this loose coil off the tool and compress it gently between your thumb and index finger. You might want to use a T-pin to distribute the coil rotations evenly for a neat look. Use the pin to pull the coil center to one end.
Step 5
Pinch a sharp point at the opposite end. Use the tip of a pin to apply a small amount of glue to the point and press strip end in place. Trim excess paper.
Step 6
Perfect your skill by practicing making teardrop coils of the same size, then put them together to make flowers, hearts, or even a mandala-style design.