Crafts

Paper Flower Templates for Cricut: Cut, Shape and Assemble

By Crafts editorial team · Updated

A paper flower is a stack of cut layers: a few sizes of petals, shaped by curling, glued from the largest to the smallest, around a rolled center. A cutting machine makes the layers identical every time, which is the hard part by hand. This guide takes you through a 12 inch wall flower from template to display.

What you need

Step 1: Pick a template

Choose a flower with layers: three to four rings of petals in graded sizes, plus a center. Size the largest layer to about 12 inches for a wall flower, or to about 3 inches for small gift flowers. Check that the template fits your mat or reduce its size.

Searchable SVG design library with category filters on a phone, laptop and tablet

Step 2: Cut

  1. Choose the cardstock setting.
  2. Cut 3 sets of each petal size for a full bloom.
  3. Run a test cut on one layer to check the blade and pressure.

Pay attention to the grain. Petals curl best across the grain.

Step 3: Shape

Place each petal on a soft surface and roll a pencil across it from the tip to the base so the edges curl. Add a slight inward fold at the base so the petals cup. Natural curves make the flower look real.

Step 4: Assemble

  1. Glue the petals of one ring together, overlapping the bases a little, to form a cup.
  2. Glue the smaller ring inside the larger one, turning it slightly so the petals fall between those below.
  3. Continue to the smallest ring.
  4. Roll a strip of paper into a tight coil for the center and glue it in.
  5. Use small dots of glue. Too much leaves visible marks.

Step 5: Add a stem or backing

Attach a wire for a bouquet, or glue a flat backing for a wall display. Let it rest for an hour before moving it.

Common problems

ProblemCauseFix
Flat flowersNo shapingCurl each petal
Visible glueToo much glueUse small dots
Petals breakCurled against the grainTest the grain direction
Clashing colorsNo planPick three shades before cutting
Wobbly stemShort drying timeRest it for an hour

Ideas for what to make

Floral wreath design on a T-shirt and a mug, with a wood panel, stickers and gift boxes

Keep paper flowers dry and out of direct sun. A light coat of matte sealer helps in humid places.

Cut files built for this

CutNest Design Library includes a project guide called Paper Flowers, which covers the materials, a time plan, the steps and the usual mistakes. It also has floral designs and mandalas among its 60 categories of SVG cut files, each with a DXF version for software that cannot open SVG. The CutNest Finder web app lets you preview the real file before you download it. The CutNest Commercial License in the package covers making and selling physical products from the designs.

For more floral ideas, see floral and botanical SVG cut files. Like stencils too? Try the Cricut stencil guide. If you sell your flowers, read Cricut projects to sell.

CutNest is not affiliated with Cricut. Brand names appear only to describe compatibility and the topic searched.

Frequently asked questions

What paper is best for paper flowers?

Cardstock between 65 and 80 lb holds its shape and curls well. Lighter paper wilts, and heavier card is hard to shape.

Why do my paper flowers look flat?

Petals need shaping. Curl each petal over a pencil or roll it with a bone folder before gluing.

What is the difference between a printable template and a cut file?

A printable template is a pattern you trace and cut by hand. A cut file is read by your cutting machine, which cuts every layer for you, with the same size each time.

Which direction should I curl petals?

Petals curl best across the grain of the paper. Do a quick test on a spare petal.