Keep the crease uncut
Treat the folded edge as the central body. Wing openings should approach it without cutting through it.
Mirror-fold butterfly resource
Paper Cutting Butterfly Template
The fold becomes the butterfly body, so every wing cut is made on one side and repeated on the other. Keep a continuous band beside the crease from the head to the lower body.
Fold / Cut / Reveal
DifficultyBeginner
Time20 minutes
Age8+
Wing planning
Balance open markings with a strong body
Start with broad markings
Teardrops and rounded openings are easier to turn than narrow hooks and leave stronger bands between cuts.
Check both wing zones
Place at least one opening in the upper and lower wing while keeping an uncut path back to the body.
Finishing choices
Keep the butterfly flat or add a gentle lift
For a window
Press the butterfly flat and attach it at the strongest body and wing bridges.
For a card
Fold only along the body crease and lift the wings slightly without bending the cut edges.
For young makers
Remove the smallest interior markings and keep the outside wing curves broad.
Mirror-fold sequence
Shape one wing to reveal two
Complete the inside wing markings before trimming the outside silhouette, where the paper has less support.
- 01
Fold for the body
Fold the paper in half; the crease becomes the butterfly body.
- 02
Shape one wing
Trace the upper and lower wing on one side of the fold.
- 03
Add broad markings
Cut teardrops and circles while leaving strong bands between them.
- 04
Open the pair
Unfold to reveal matching wings and gently curve them upward.
Asked at the craft table
Paper Cutting Butterfly Template questions
Why are the wings uneven after opening?+
The folded layers may have shifted. Sharpen the crease, secure the guide, and keep the paper aligned while turning it.
Can I cut through the body fold?+
No. The fold forms the central connection between both wings. Cutting through it can divide the butterfly.
Which cuts should a beginner omit?+
Skip tiny antenna gaps and narrow interior hooks. The broad wing silhouette and one or two openings are enough to show symmetry.
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