How to Make a Accordion Garland

A decorative paper garland made from connected accordion-folded sections that stretches wide.

Beginner10 min10 stepsUniversal

Multiple Accordion Garland crafts from above

Quick answer

To make a accordion garland, you need paper, scissors and about 10 minutes. Start by start with a4 paper in landscape orientation. This activity has 10 steps and is rated beginner. Clean activity — no mess!

What you need

paperscissors

✨ Clean activity — no mess

Step-by-Step Instructions

1
Start with A4 paper in landscape orientation.
2
Cut the paper into 4 strips, each about 5cm tall, running the width of the paper.
3
Take one strip. Make accordion folds (alternating valley and mountain) about 2cm wide across the entire strip.
4
Press the accordion flat. Draw a simple shape on the top layer that touches BOTH folded edges: a person, star, or heart. The shape must connect to both edges so the cutouts remain linked.
5
Cut out the shape through all layers, keeping the connections at both edges intact.
6
Carefully unfold. You should have a chain of connected shapes stretching across the strip.
7
Repeat steps 3-6 with the remaining three strips.
8
Connect the four chains end to end by folding the last figure of one chain over the first figure of the next chain.
9
Gently stretch the completed garland to its full length.
10
Your accordion garland can span several feet and is ready to hang as party decoration.