Cutting circular and curvy holes using a swirl

Learn how to cut circular and curvy holes

Cutting outward in a swirl is a great way to cut a neat circular, curved or curly hole in paper.

Paper or card
Pencil
Putty *
Scissors

*(You could use something similar - it just needs to be something squishy that won't leave a mark on your paper)

If you want to create a perfect circle use a template to draw around. If you are worried about making a mistake when drawing, you'll need a rubber too.

This option is fiddlier than cutting folded paper but you will keep your paper crisp and free from fold marks

For a quick overview, check out the video: Cut different types of holes
To work at your own pace, follow the slideshow instructions below:

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Decide how big you want the hole to be and choose your paper
What will you be using it for? Will it frame something behind it?
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Draw the hole on a piece of paper
If you want a perfect circle shape use a template to draw around.
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Put a bit of putty under your piece of paper in the middle of the circle
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Poke your pencil through the middle of the circle into the putty underneath
Give it a wiggle to make the hole a little bigger.
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Slot your open scissors into the hole
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Cut out towards the circle in a swirling movement
This will help you reach the line without having to turn your scissors sharply, which could tear the paper.
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Use your other hand to move the paper as you cut along the circle line
Keep your scissors in the same comfortable position in front of you. Using your other hand to move the paper around will make it easier to cut along the line.
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Keep on cutting until you have cut the whole shape out
Take your time cutting and moving the paper around, and remember to keep your other hand far away from the scissors!
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Finished! ...What will you use it for?

You can use the same technique to cut out curvy holes too:

Pink dots show the path scissors should cut to reach a curvy shape on a piece of paper — Image caption,
Remember to cut out to your line in a swirl

Scissors cut in a swirl outwards to a curvy shape on a piece of paper — Image caption,
Turn the paper as you cut along the line

A curvy shape cut out of paper using the swirl technique — Image caption,
Finished!

Artwork examples

The word "Ooh!" cut from paper — Image caption,
Being able to cut holes neatly is useful when making words

A 2D eyeball made from paper — Image caption,
Layering differently-sized holes on top of each other can create a dramatic look

A 2D sun made from paper with a hole in the middle — Image caption,
The centre hole in this sun is made using the swirl cutting technique

Is your paper getting in the way?

The swirl of paper that you've made can sometimes get in the way of your scissors as you cut along your pencil line.

Tip: Cut off the swirl in chunks as you go along.

Scissors cutting a shape out by cutting the hole in sections

A round hole in a piece of paper with the sections cut out at the side

Learning recap

You can create rounded holes by cutting folded paper or by cutting outwards in a swirl. One is simpler and the other is neater.
If cutting your shape is difficult try cutting in chunks.

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Cut circular and curvy holes using a swirl