What is Quilling?

Quilling is an art technique that involves the winding and shaping of narrow paper strips, creating original designs. One of the key things to know about quilling is that it requires a lot of patience, as the work is delicate.

Quilling projects can be used for decorating cards, boxes, gift bags, picture frames or even made into standalone 3D items.

The History of Quilling

The origin of this art form is unknown. Some people believe that quilling began in China after the invention of paper, while others think the craft originates from the 13th century.

Nuns and monks during the Renaissance mimicked iron decorations used as metal ornaments in home decor. They wound leftover strips of gold and gilded paper, cut from books. These paper designs were then used to decorate books and religious objects. This was an alternative to the expensive gold filigree.

Later, quilling became a pastime for young ladies in 18th and 19th century England, who decorated parts of their furniture with paper filigree. They believed that practicing this art fully suited their aristocratic lineage without tiring them.

The art of quilling spread from Europe to America and was preferred by American colonists as a method of decoration. Quilling has increased in popularity, and today it has been elevated to a form of art.

The process itself hasn’t changed much over the years, rather it has remained almost entirely the same, only some of the quilling designs naturally have modernized. Today, some hobbyists focus on creating more detailed 3D figures, while others prefer museum installations the size of an entire wall.

Types of Quilling Forms

In quilling, two main types of shapes are used:

• Closed swirls – in this type of form, quilling strips are wound, folded, and glued in parts where there is no protruding end. These are basic elements used mainly in the creation of flowers and animals. This style is suitable for beginners, as it uses clear shapes like circle, triangle, square, and others.
• Open swirls – in this style, quilling displays protruding ends of paper strips, which appear quite more free.

Quilling Tools and Materials

• Paper

  We can cut paper strips ourselves to a thickness of no more than 1 cm or use pre-cut paper. The latter option is of course more convenient, as the paper strips will always be of uniform width and of course, it saves time.

• Quilling tool

  This tool has a tip with two plates, between which the strip is placed. This is one of the main tools in quilling.

• Cork pad

  This is very useful in quilling. Its main application is as a base on which already made segments are pinned next to each other and thus the figure can be composed in a certain position without needing to be glued. This is very convenient, as it can be changed later.

• Quilling template

  Used to ensure segments are of precisely determined size. Extremely convenient in cases where we want to create entirely uniform-sized shapes.

• Quilling glue

  Perhaps the most preferred glue for quilling is C200. It is ideal for gluing paper, as it provides a very stable result, although it requires a bit more time to set.

The most basic tools you need to start quilling are paper strips, some glue, and a lot of imagination. Of course, there are many more quilling materials and tools, which you can incorporate once you master the basic techniques and tricks.

Types of Paper for Quilling

Quilling paper is available on the market in over 250 different colors and sizes. It can be divided into various categories, such as entirely colored, graduated, two-tone, acid-free, and others. It is offered in different sizes like 1/8”, ¼” and 3/8” or 3 mm, 5 mm, 7 mm, and 10 mm, but the most widely used size is 5 mm.

Acid-Free

This is paper processed without the use of acid, as its name indicates. The quality of this type of paper is high and it is often used in the creation creation of notebooks and picture frames.

Gradient

This type of paper provides an exceptional look to decorative quilling projects. Its edges have a solid color that gradually fades to white.

When using gradient paper, the curling process starts with a dark shade but eventually fades to a lighter shade. Some gradient papers start with a white or lighter shade and then slowly change to a solid, darker color.

Double Sided Color Paper

This type of paper is quite similar to gradient quilling paper in its use. The paper has a specific color on one side and a lighter tone of the same color on the other side.

The double sided color paper provides the desired level of softness to the processed quilling element.

How is Quilling Done?

Choose a colored strip and attach one end to the winding tool. Place the upper end on the quilling needle to prevent the quilling strip from slipping and start winding.

Depending on the figure we want to obtain, we can make a tighter or looser coil. Once the strip is rolled, we glue its end. After making several quilling figures, we can create an entire composition.

Quilling Techniques

For a tight coil, we remove the paper from the quilling tool and glue the end to close the circle. Use a cocktail stick to apply dots of glue.

For a loose coil, we remove the paper from the tool and place it on a flat surface to slightly expand, then glue the end to close the circle.

To make a teardrop shape, create a loose coil and pinch one end.

Create a heart shape by folding the strip in half and making a sharp fold, then roll each end inward.

Over time, by mastering different techniques and movements, you will learn to make various shapes and figures.

Quilling is an incredible art, bringing tranquility and joy. So let your imagination flow. If you are patient and consistent, you will surely achieve a great result in the end.

Price Range

On our website, you can find all the materials you need for creating quilling art pieces at accessible prices.

Why Choose EM ART?

Check out our extensive selections of craft materials in the Quilling section! You will find a wide range of paper strips and patterns, which will facilitate the entire crafting process. There is also a wide variety of tools and glues you will need to start quilling.

Our products are not suitable for children under 3 years old. Please follow the usage instructions carefully. If used by children, adult supervision is required.

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