Complete Guide to Basic Quilling Shapes for Beginners (With Video Tutorial)
Complete Guide to Basic Quilling Shapes for Beginners (With Video Tutorial)
If you are new to quilling, learning these foundational shapes is the first step toward mastering this beautiful paper craft. In this guide, you will discover the most important basic quilling shapes and how to make them.
Watch the Full Basic Quilling Shapes Video Tutorial
Materials Needed
Before starting, you will need:
- Quilling paper strips (3mm or 5mm recommended)
- Quilling tool (slotted tool is best for beginners)
- Glue
- Scissors
1. Tight Coil
The tight coil is the most basic shape in quilling.
How to Make:
- Insert the end of the paper strip into the quilling tool.
- Roll the strip tightly.
- Apply a small amount of glue at the end.
- Press gently to secure.
Uses:
- Flower centers
- Small decorative details
- Eyes in character designs
A tight coil should not loosen after removing it from the tool.
2. Loose Coil
The loose coil is the base shape for many other designs.
How to Make:
- Roll the paper strip using the quilling tool.
- Remove it carefully and allow it to loosen naturally.
- Glue the end to secure the shape.
Uses:
- Base shape for petals
- Leaves
- Decorative patterns
Most advanced shapes begin as loose coils.
3. Teardrop Shape
The teardrop shape is created from a loose coil.
How to Make:
- Create a loose coil.
- Pinch one side gently using your fingers.
This creates one pointed end and one rounded end.
Uses:
- Flower petals
- Small leaves
- Decorative borders
This is one of the most commonly used shapes in quilling flowers.
4. Marquise Shape (Eye Shape)
The marquise shape looks like an eye.
How to Make:
- Create a loose coil.
- Pinch both sides evenly.
Make sure both points are aligned for a neat finish.
Uses:
- Leaves
- Flower petals
- Pattern designs
It gives a sharp and elegant look to your artwork.
5. Shaped Marquise
A curved marquise shape used for decorative floral effects.
- Create a loose coil.
- Pinch and curve both sides evenly.
Uses:
- Leaves
- Flower petals
6. Petal Shape
A slightly curved version of the teardrop, giving a soft floral look.
How to Make:
- Create a loose coil.
- Pinch and curve one side while keeping the other side rounded.
Uses:
- Leaves
- Flower petals
- Decorative patterns
7. Square Shape
This shape adds structure to your designs.
How to Make:
- Create a loose coil.
- Pinch two opposite sides.
- Then pinch the other two sides to form corners.
Uses:
- Geometric designs
- Borders
- Modern quilling art
8. Rectangle Shape
Similar to a square but slightly longer on two sides.
How to Make:
- Create a loose coil.
- Pinch two opposite sides.
- Then pinch the other two sides to form corners while keeping these sides longer than the other two.
Uses:
- Geometric designs
- Borders
- Modern quilling art
- Abstract designs
9. Triangle Shape
This shape adds structure to your designs.
How to Make:
- Create a loose coil.
- Pinch three corners evenly.
Uses:
- Geometric designs
- Modern quilling art
- Abstract designs
10. Half Circle
This shape looks like a “D”.
How to Make:
- Create a loose coil.
- Press one side flat while keeping the other side rounded.
Uses:
- Decorative patterns
- Flower layers
- Abstract designs
11. Half Circle Shaped
This shape looks like a crescent
How to Make:
- Create a loose coil.
- Press one side curve while keeping the other side rounded.
Uses:
- Decorative patterns
- Flower layers
- Abstract designs
12. Diamond Shape
This shape starts with a square.
How to Make:
- Create a loose coil.
- Create a square
- Press opposite corners while keeping other sides pointed
Uses:
- Flower petals
- Decorative patterns
- Abstract designs
13. Arrow Shape
This shape can be used as flower petals.
How to Make:
- Create a loose coil.
- Pinch one end deeply to create a pointed arrow look.
Uses:
- Flower petals
- Decorative patterns
14. Star Shape
This shape looks like a four-pointed star.
How to Make:
- Create a loose coil.
- Create a square.
- Press all the edges while keeping the corners pointed.
Uses:
- Decorative patterns
- Abstract designs
15. Heart Shape
This is a bit tricky shape. You can also create a heart by combining two teardrops.
How to Make:
- Create a loose coil.
- Press one side of the loose coil make the top of the heart while keeping the other sides pointed.
Uses:
- Flower petals
- Decorative patterns
16. Scroll Shapes
Scrolls are created by rolling only part of the paper strip and leaving the rest unglued.
Examples include:
- V-Scroll
Fold the strip in half and roll both ends outwards forming a “V” shape.- S-Scroll
Fold the strip in half and roll one end forward and the other backward, forming an “S”.
- C-Scroll
Fold the strip in half and roll one side inward forming a “C” shape.
- Open Heart
Fold the strip in half and roll both ends inward.
Uses:
- Fill empty spaces
- Add elegance
- Create decorative patterns
Scrolls give movement and beauty to your design.
Tips for Perfect Quilling Shapes
✔ Allow loose coils to loosen naturally.
✔ Use very little glue to avoid messy edges.
✔ Practice each shape multiple times.
✔ Keep your fingers relaxed while pinching.
✔ Use tweezers for better precision.
✔ Work on a clean, flat surface.
Final Thoughts
Learning basic quilling shapes is the foundation of creating beautiful quilling art. Once you master tight coils, loose coils, teardrops, and marquise shapes, you can combine them to create endless designs.
Start simple, practice regularly, and experiment with different colors and sizes. With patience and creativity, you will soon be able to create stunning handmade artwork.
Stay connected with CraftZone for more quilling tutorials and creative inspiration.
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