Paper Strip Weaving

Cut a base sheet with parallel slots, then hand your child strips of paper to weave through: over, under, over, under: until the base is filled in with a woven pattern.

How to do it

1. Cut a base sheet: start with an A4 piece of cardstock or thick paper. Fold it in half, then cut parallel slits from the fold toward the open edge, stopping 2-3cm from the open edge. Unfold: you have a slotted base.
2. Cut contrasting-color paper into strips roughly 2cm wide and slightly longer than the base is wide.
3. Show your child the over-under pattern with one strip: go over the first slot strip, under the second, over the third. Pull it to one edge.
4. For the next strip, reverse the pattern: under the first, over the second, under the third. This locks the weave.
5. Let your child take over. Support as needed; the over-under sequence takes a few tries to feel natural.
6. When all slots are filled, fold or tape the strip ends to the back.

What you need

• Cardstock
• Colored paper
• Scissors
• Tape

Make it yours

Younger, 3-4 years: Parent weaves, child threads each strip through the first slot. Even minimal participation is enough. Older, 5-7 years: Use thinner strips for a tighter, more intricate result; try alternating colors in a planned pattern. Simplified version: Use a woven placemat or basket as a visual reference to show what they're trying to make before starting. Open-ended extension: Once the base pattern is done, try it your way: there is no wrong answer. Let your child weave strips in any order, skip slots, layer colors, or invent a completely different pattern. The finished piece is uniquely theirs. For 4-5 years: 5-10 minutes of weaving is a complete session; follow the child's lead and stop before frustration sets in: a half-finished piece is fine.