Kirigami Pattern

A Kirigami pattern is any pattern in which a combination of folds and cuts create an object or design. Kirigami is quite similar to origami except that in the art of Kirigami, the paper may be cut. In origami, no cuts are made to create the shape. The creator may only use folds of the paper instead.

Learn Kirigami instructions.

Florence Temko first used the term "Kirigami" to describe the art of paper cutting. With the publication of her book in 1962, the word became synonymous with paper cutting and stuck. The Japanese word "kiru" means, "to cut." The word "gami" is the Japanese word for "paper." Hence, the word Kirigami means to cut paper. It sounds simple, but Kirigami is really anything but in some patterns.

You can purchase a pattern for Kirigami or download them from the web. The key is to follow them very closely. You must perform cuts and folds at the right time, in the right sequence, to create the object or the image. Most patterns provide step-by-step instructions to help you through this process.

Many Kirigami patterns are very intricate. They require a great deal of time to create and may include numerous, small cuts into folded paper. The most popular form of Kirigami is not an actual pattern. In many ways, the paper snowflake is the ideal form of Kirigami and no pattern is necessary. Uniqueness is even encouraged.

One of the best resources for Kirigami pattern and diagrams is the web. While some creators of Kirigami do not share their secrets, others are pleased to do so. Consider the following books and other resources for patterns:

• 3D Pop Up Greeting Cards: Use the book, 3D Pop Up Greeting Cards, written by Keiko Nakazawa, this book provides readers with numerous Kirigami designs including flowers, snowflakes, angels and animals. There are 60 cut out templates included.
• The Pop-Up Book: Another excellent resource is The Pop-Up Book: Step-by-Step Instructions for Creating Over 100 Original Paper Projects, written by Paul Jackson. This book provides a number of Kirigami pattern projects, all of which can be complete by beginners of Kirigami.
• The Secrets of Kirigami: The book written by Aitoh Co called, The Secrets of Kirigami provides not only patterns for use, but also 58 sheets of origami paper to use to create the images. This 20-page guide is ideal for ages eight and up.
• Origami and Kirigami: Origami and Kirigami go hand-in-hand, and this book, written by Florence Temko, called Origami and Kirigami: 75 Fun-to-Do Projects is a definite resource to have. The instructions are simplistic and there are some 365 drawings included.
• Kirigami Book Series: The Kirigami Book Series written by Joyce Hwang provides a number of patterns for users. Book one provides readers with basic design while book two adds to those designs. In book three, flowers come into play. Other Kirigami books in the series include themes such as sweethearts, Christmas and the alphabet.

If you have downloaded, bought or created a Kirigami pattern, you may think you have the hardest part complete. Kirigami is a challenge and that is what makes it so much fun. Keep the following tips in mind as you create unique Kirigami creations from your pattern.

• Do invest in origami paper to create Kirigami patterns. The thickness and size are ideal for most projects. Anything thicker is hard to fold properly. Nothing that is thinner may hold up to the folds.
• Purchase a bone folder if possible. This will increase the edge stiffness and improve the overall look.
• When creating Kirigami projects from a pattern, have more than one copy of the pattern if possible. This will enable you to create the project several times even if you make a mistake along the way. Many do make mistakes their first time out.
• Kirigami patterns are not the only option for making designs. Remember that the most common form of Kirigami is the snowflake. Be creative and design your own projects.

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