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Make a Basic Teardrop Coil
Learn to make a basic quilled shape - the rolled paper teardrop coil with quilling expert Ann Martin from AllThingsPaper.net. Put your new skill to the test by making her Quilled Asymmetric Heart Necklace.

Posted by Ann Martin Published See Ann Martin's 11 projects »
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  • How to make a papercraft. Make A Quilled Coil - Step 1
    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.

  • How to make a papercraft. Make A Quilled Coil - Step 2
    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.

  • How to make a papercraft. Make A Quilled Coil - Step 3
    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

  • How to make a papercraft. Make A Quilled Coil - Step 4
    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.

  • How to make a papercraft. Make A Quilled Coil - Step 5
    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.

  • How to make a papercraft. Make A Quilled Coil - Step 6
    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.

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Comments

Rainbow Wyvern
Rainbow Wyvern · Erie, Pennsylvania, US
I love this, they look so cool, I have to try this!
Ann Martin
Ann Martin · 17 projects
I'm glad you feel inspired to give it a try, Rainbow. Enjoy!
Reply
Cat Morley
Cat Morley · London, GB · 1432 projects
I love this technique - so helpful!
Ann Martin
Ann Martin · 17 projects
Thanks Cat!
Reply

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