{"id":384134,"date":"2026-09-14T21:35:23","date_gmt":"2026-09-14T19:35:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/kirigami-facile\/"},"modified":"2026-09-16T15:41:23","modified_gmt":"2026-09-16T13:41:23","slug":"easy-kirigami","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/en\/easy-kirigami\/","title":{"rendered":"Easy kirigami: a free printable template"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<style>body:has(.pcpaper) .entry-header h1.entry-title{text-align:center}\n\n.pcpaper{--ink:#173d31;--warm:#f6f2ea;--accent:#b84d2b;color:#263b34;max-width:1100px;margin:0 auto 56px;font-size:17px;line-height:1.7}.pcpaper *{box-sizing:border-box}.pcpaper a{color:var(--ink);text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px}.pcpaper a:focus-visible{outline:3px solid var(--accent);outline-offset:4px}.pcpaper-intro{display:grid;grid-template-columns:minmax(0,1fr) minmax(0,.9fr);gap:32px;align-items:center;padding:32px;background:var(--warm);border-radius:18px}.pcpaper-kicker{font-size:12px!important;letter-spacing:.13em;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:700;color:#665445}.pcpaper-lead{font-size:24px;line-height:1.45;font-weight:500;margin:14px 0 22px}.pcpaper-actions{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:10px}.pcpaper a.pcpaper-button{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;min-height:48px;padding:12px 18px;background:var(--ink);color:white;border:2px solid var(--ink);border-radius:8px;font-weight:650;line-height:1.3;text-decoration:none}.pcpaper a.pcpaper-button.secondary{background:transparent;color:var(--ink)}.pcpaper-meta{font-size:13px;line-height:1.6;margin:14px 0 0}.pcpaper figure{margin:0}.pcpaper img{max-width:100%;height:auto;display:block;border-radius:10px}.pcpaper figcaption{font-size:12px;line-height:1.5;color:#5b655f;margin-top:7px}.pcpaper-jump{margin:24px 0 32px;display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:8px 20px;font-size:14px}.pcpaper-prose{max-width:780px;margin:auto}.pcpaper-prose h2{font-size:29px;line-height:1.25;color:var(--ink);margin:42px 0 18px;scroll-margin-top:110px}.pcpaper-prose h3{font-size:21px;line-height:1.35;margin:28px 0 12px}.pcpaper-prose p{margin:0 0 18px}.pcpaper-prose ul,.pcpaper-prose ol{margin:0 0 24px 24px;padding:0}.pcpaper-prose li{margin-bottom:10px}.pcpaper-table{overflow-x:auto;max-width:100%;margin:24px 0}.pcpaper table{width:100%;font-size:15px;border-collapse:collapse;margin:0}.pcpaper th,.pcpaper td{padding:13px;border:1px solid #d7dfd8;vertical-align:top;min-width:115px}.pcpaper th{background:#eef3ee;text-align:left}.pcpaper-pattern{margin:30px 0!important;padding:20px;border:1px solid #d7dfd8;border-radius:12px;background:#fff}.pcpaper-pattern img{width:100%;max-height:440px;object-fit:contain}.pcpaper-tools{padding:26px;background:var(--warm);border-radius:14px;margin-top:36px}.pcpaper-tools h2{margin:0 0 16px;font-size:25px}.pcpaper-products{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(2,minmax(0,1fr));gap:18px}.pcpaper-product{display:grid;grid-template-columns:90px minmax(0,1fr);gap:14px;align-items:center;background:#fff;padding:16px;border-radius:10px;text-decoration:none!important;line-height:1.4}.pcpaper-product img{width:90px;height:90px;object-fit:contain}.pcpaper-product strong{font-size:15px}.pcpaper-product span{display:block;font-size:13px;text-decoration:underline;margin-top:8px}.pcpaper-next{border-top:1px solid #d7dfd8;padding-top:26px;margin-top:38px}.pcpaper-next h2{margin:0 0 16px;font-size:25px}.pcpaper-next ul{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;list-style:none;margin:0;padding:0;gap:10px 24px}.pcpaper-next li{font-size:15px;margin:0}.pcpaper-note{background:#eef3ee;border-left:4px solid #55795c;padding:16px 20px;margin:24px 0}.pcpaper-note p:last-child{margin:0}@media(max-width:700px){.pcpaper{font-size:16px}.pcpaper-intro{grid-template-columns:minmax(0,1fr);padding:22px;gap:24px}.pcpaper-lead{font-size:21px}.pcpaper-prose h2{font-size:25px}.pcpaper-products{grid-template-columns:minmax(0,1fr)}.pcpaper-tools{padding:20px}.pcpaper-pattern{padding:10px}.pcpaper-jump{gap:8px 16px}.pcpaper-intro figure img{max-height:280px;object-fit:contain}.pcpaper-actions{align-items:stretch}.pcpaper a.pcpaper-button{font-size:15px}.pcpaper-product{grid-template-columns:75px minmax(0,1fr)}.pcpaper-product img{width:75px;height:75px}}\n<\/style>\n<div class=\"pcpaper\" data-pc3d-paper=\"kirigami-facile\">\n<section class=\"pcpaper-intro\" aria-label=\"The model and its files\">\n<div><p class=\"pcpaper-kicker\">The paper workshop<\/p><p class=\"pcpaper-lead\">Two cuts, a few folds, and the paper lifts. Start with a one-step card.<\/p><div class=\"pcpaper-actions\"><a class=\"pcpaper-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/atelier-papier\/2026-09\/kirigami-carte-palier-patron-fr.pdf\" download=\"kirigami-carte-palier-patron-fr.pdf\">Download the PDF<\/a><\/div><p class=\"pcpaper-meta\">Free template for personal use \u00b7 A4 PDF, 2 pages, 46 KB<br>Open card 160 \u00d7 200 mm \u00b7 1 step. Print at 100%.<\/p><\/div>\n<figure><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/atelier-papier\/2026-09\/papercraft-trois-techniques-hero.webp\" width=\"1440\" height=\"960\" fetchpriority=\"high\" alt=\"Papercraft-3D workshop illustration: lightbox, pop-up card and sliceform sculpture\"><figcaption>Three techniques for giving paper depth. Mood illustration.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/section>\n<nav class=\"pcpaper-jump\" aria-label=\"On this page\"><a href=\"#etape-1\">Tell cutting lines from fold lines<\/a><a href=\"#etape-2\">Prepare the paper and cutting mat<\/a><a href=\"#etape-3\">Cut cleanly without damaging the surface<\/a><a href=\"#etape-4\">Score before folding<\/a><a href=\"#etape-5\">The step: a first relief exercise<\/a><a href=\"#etape-6\">Adapt the technique to age<\/a><\/nav>\n<div class=\"pcpaper-prose\"><figure class=\"pcpaper-pattern\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/atelier-papier\/2026-09\/kirigami-carte-palier-apercu.svg\" width=\"960\" height=\"580\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Technical plan of the template: open card 160 \u00d7 200 mm \u00b7 1 step\"><figcaption>Technical preview of the download file. Open card 160 \u00d7 200 mm \u00b7 1 step.<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>Kirigami combines cutting and folding paper to create relief. This page covers the essential basic moves before you start a simple first model: a single step to print and cut yourself.<\/p><h2 id=\"etape-1\">Tell cutting lines from fold lines<\/h2><p>On a kirigami template, two kinds of lines almost always sit together. The <strong>cut line<\/strong> goes all the way through the paper and separates two areas. The <strong>fold line<\/strong> does not cut anything: it only marks where the paper must fold, one way or the other depending on the result you want.<\/p><p>Before cutting anything, locate both line types on your template. Mixing them up is the most common beginner mistake, and it is often impossible to fix once the cut is made.<\/p><h2 id=\"etape-2\">Prepare the paper and cutting mat<\/h2><p>Paper that is too thin tears easily at small motif tips, while paper that is too thick resists a crisp fold. For this one-step template, start with <strong>160 \u00e0 200 g\/m\u00b2<\/strong>, as stated in the notes, and test the fold on a scrap. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/en\/collections\/origami-paper\/\">origami paper collection<\/a> offers several weights suited to this kind of precise folding.<\/p><p>Always work on a dedicated cutting mat, never directly on a table: the blade needs to sink slightly without damaging the surface underneath.<\/p><h2 id=\"etape-3\">Cut cleanly without damaging the surface<\/h2><p>Hold the knife at an angle and make several light passes rather than one hard press: the paper cuts more cleanly and corners stay sharp. On the finest parts of the motif, slow down so you slice the paper instead of tearing it.<\/p><h2 id=\"etape-4\">Score before folding<\/h2><p>Scoring means lightly marking the fold line before you actually fold, using a <strong>non-cutting tool with a rounded tip<\/strong>, such as a bone folder or scoring stylus. This step makes a clean fold and stops the paper from crumpling unevenly along the crease.<\/p><h2 id=\"etape-5\">The step: a first relief exercise<\/h2><p>The PDF model on this page uses a single step: a raised tab created by two small cuts and a set of reverse folds in the centre of the card. When the card is closed, the step folds flat inside; when reopened, it pops into relief.<\/p><p>The mechanism looks simple, but the fold order must be exact. For the full step mechanics, exact measurements and the sequence to follow, see our page on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/carte-kirigami-pop-up\/\">kirigami pop-up card and its raised step<\/a>.<\/p><h2 id=\"etape-6\">Adapt the technique to age<\/h2><h3>Can a child cut this model alone?<\/h3><p>With round-tipped scissors and a simplified motif, a child can join the folding steps fairly easily. Fine cuts with a craft knife, however, need an adult, especially on short incisions and tight corners.<\/p><h3>Which tools are best to start with?<\/h3><p>A fine craft knife with a fresh blade, a metal ruler for straight lines, and a cutting mat are enough for most first models. You will find these tools in our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/en\/collections\/papercraft-accessories\/\">papercraft accessories collection<\/a>.<\/p><p>To go further into broader kirigami uses, our article <a href=\"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/en\/blog\/kirigami-the-art-of-cutting-and-folding-paper-in-3d\/\">kirigami, the art of paper cut and folded in 3D<\/a> adds to this practical introduction.<\/p><\/div>\n<section class=\"pcpaper-tools\"><h2>Set up your workspace<\/h2><div class=\"pcpaper-products\"><a class=\"pcpaper-product\" href=\"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/en\/produit\/origami-rotary-cutting-mat\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/tapis-de-decoupe-pour-papercraft-et-origami-3dv1.jpg\" alt=\"Cutting mat\" width=\"90\" height=\"90\" loading=\"lazy\"><div><strong>Cutting mat<\/strong><span>View product<\/span><\/div><\/a><a class=\"pcpaper-product\" href=\"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/en\/produit\/essential-material-kit-papercraft\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/accessoires-papercraft-3d-rotated.jpg\" alt=\"Essential toolkit (glue, brush, bone folder, ruler, craft knife)\" width=\"90\" height=\"90\" loading=\"lazy\"><div><strong>Essential toolkit (glue, brush, bone folder, ruler, craft knife)<\/strong><span>View product<\/span><\/div><\/a><\/div><p class=\"pcpaper-meta\">Complete your kit with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/en\/collections\/origami-paper\/\">origami and papercraft paper<\/a>. Match its thickness to the template.<\/p><\/section>\n<nav class=\"pcpaper-next\" aria-label=\"Other paper projects\"><h2>Your next project<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/carte-kirigami-pop-up\/\">Build a pop-up card<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/en\/sliceform\/\">Discover sliceform<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Un mod\u00e8le kirigami gratuit \u00e0 imprimer pour apprendre \u00e0 distinguer coupe et pli, pr\u00e9parer le papier et r\u00e9ussir votre premier palier en relief.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":384125,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"template-fullwidth.php","meta":{"_seopress_titles_title":"Easy kirigami: a free printable template","_seopress_titles_desc":"A free printable kirigami template to learn cut vs fold lines, prepare the paper and succeed at your first raised step.","_seopress_robots_index":"","_seopress_robots_follow":"","_seopress_robots_imageindex":"","_seopress_robots_snippet":"","_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_robots_breadcrumbs":"","_seopress_robots_freeze_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_custom_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_canonical":"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/en\/easy-kirigami\/","_seopress_social_fb_title":"Kirigami facile : un mod\u00e8le gratuit \u00e0 imprimer","_seopress_social_fb_desc":"Un mod\u00e8le kirigami gratuit \u00e0 imprimer pour apprendre \u00e0 distinguer coupe et pli, pr\u00e9parer le papier et r\u00e9ussir votre premier palier en relief.","_seopress_social_fb_img":"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/og-kirigami-1200x630-1.jpg","_seopress_social_fb_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_height":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_title":"","_seopress_social_twitter_desc":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img":"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/og-kirigami-1200x630-1.jpg","_seopress_social_twitter_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_height":0,"_seopress_redirections_value":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled_regex":"","_seopress_redirections_logged_status":"","_seopress_redirections_param":"","_seopress_redirections_type":0,"_seopress_analysis_target_kw":"","_seopress_news_disabled":"","_seopress_video_disabled":"","_seopress_video":[],"_seopress_pro_schemas_manual":[],"_seopress_pro_rich_snippets_disable_all":"","_seopress_pro_rich_snippets_disable":[],"_seopress_pro_schemas":[],"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-384134","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/384134","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=384134"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/384134\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":384179,"href":"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/384134\/revisions\/384179"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/384125"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.papercraft-3d.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=384134"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}