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2nd level

Make paper fringes - zigzags

Part of Art and DesignDesign activity

Learn how to cut zigzag fringes for your artwork

Zigzag fringes add sharp shapes and spiky texture to your artwork.

They are also pretty simple to make. Read on to give your artwork a zigzag boost!

Header that says 'What you will need'

Paper or card
Pencil
Scissors

If you want to rub out your pencil marks you will need a rubber. When putting your piece together you might also need glue*.

*(sticky tape and pva glue can also work)

Header that says 'How to do it'

For a quick overview, check out the video: Make your own paper fringes
To work at your own pace, follow the slideshow instructions below:

Skip image gallery

Image caption,
Decide how long and wide a zigzag fringe you want and choose your paper
For example, use long, thin zigzags for grass, shorter points for a crown or chunkier zigzags for a fence shape.
Image caption,
Draw straight lines along the side where you want your zigzag fringe
Each zigzag will fit between three lines - the middle line will be the tip. For a long, thin zigzag draw the lines long and close together. For a short, chunky zigzag draw the lines short and far apart.
Image caption,
Draw a straight line from one side of the paper down to the bottom edge of the next line
If you are left-handed you might want to start from the other end of your paper and move in the opposite direction.
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Draw a straight line back up to the top of the next line
These two lines should form a 'V' shape.
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Repeat: Draw 'V' lines all along your paper
Zigzag up and down from the top of one line to the bottom of the next line.
Image caption,
Put your open scissors at the tip of the first zigzag and cut along the first line
Keep the fingers of your other hand far away from the scissors!
Image caption,
Move the paper around using your other hand so your scissors can now cut the next line
Always cut from the tip of the zigzag. Use your other hand to move the paper around rather than turning your scissors. This will make it easier and more comfortable to cut along the line.
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Repeat: Cut along the paper until you reach the end
Image caption,
Rub out the pencil marks, rubbing from the paper down toward the edge of the fringe
Don't rub upwards! This might crease or tear your zigzag fringe.
Image caption,
Finished! ...What will you make?

Zigzags in 3D work

Add tabs to your zigzags to make them stand up:

One long tab makes a straight zigzag fringe:

A tabbed zigzag strip

Lots of tabs makes a curvy zigzag wave fringe:

A tabbed curvy zigzag

(For more help with making tabs check out our guide to making strip fringes.)

Artwork examples

A piece of paper with a zigzag pattern — Image caption,
Try using zigzags in pattern work.

A paper landscape made out of zigzags — Image caption,
In this picture the grass, rooftops and mountain range are made from zigzag fringes.

A 3D crown and staff with zigzag details — Image caption,
Folding or curling tabbed zigzags can create interesting 3D objects like this paper crown and staff.

Learning recap

Header that says 'Remember!'

You can change the length and width of your zigzags to create different looks.
You can also add tabs to your zigzag fringe to build sturdy 3D forms that keep their shape.
(For more help with making tabs check out our guide to making strip fringes.)

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