How to make a paper Christmas tree (pleated)
Paper Christmas Tree (Pleated): try all 8 steps in the 3D player. Turn and replay every move. Print the complete diagram sheet or save it as PDF.
An accordion Christmas tree with a pointed top, broad base and six pleated panels. Cut a triangle from a green rectangle, fold the pleats and open them into a zigzag decoration.
- You need
- One 12 × 18 cm rectangle of paper that is green on both sides, a ruler, a pencil and scissors. Thread optional for hanging.
- Start
- Begin with a 12 × 18 cm rectangle of paper that is green on both sides, with a short edge at the top. Mark the middle of that edge.
- Tips
- Keep each pleat straight and level across the tree.
- Press each fold firmly so the zigzags stay crisp when opened.
Your model is ready
Your pleated Christmas tree is ready. Keep its zigzag folds open, or add a loop of thread at the point to hang it.
Step-by-step diagrams
- 1
Cut the left slope
Cut a straight line from the middle of the top edge to the bottom left corner. Keep the broad piece on the right.
- 2
Cut the right slope
Cut from the same top point to the bottom right corner. Keep the tall triangle in the middle.
- 3
Fold pleat 1 over
Fold the whole upper packet over along the next level line. Keep the new fold parallel to the bottom edge.
- 4
Fold pleat 2 behind
Fold the whole upper packet behind along the next level line. Keep the new fold parallel to the bottom edge.
- 5
Fold pleat 3 over
Fold the whole upper packet over along the next level line. Keep the new fold parallel to the bottom edge.
- 6
Fold pleat 4 behind
Fold the whole upper packet behind along the next level line. Keep the new fold parallel to the bottom edge.
- 7
Fold pleat 5 over
Fold the whole upper packet over along the next level line. Keep the new fold parallel to the bottom edge.
- 8
Spread the accordion canopy
Gently ease all five pleats apart. Keep each panel flat and leave an even zigzag between the pointed top and the wide base.
- ✓
Finish
Your pleated Christmas tree is ready. Keep its zigzag folds open, or add a loop of thread at the point to hang it.
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