Make paper fringes - scallops

Learn how to cut scallop fringing from paper or card

Scallop fringes add rounded shapes and soft texture to your artwork.

This is the fiddliest of the fringing types but with our top tips and a bit of practice you too can master it!

Paper or card
Pencil
Scissors

If you want to rub out your pencil marks you will need a rubber. When putting your piece together you might also need glue*.

*(sticky tape and pva glue can also work)

For a quick overview, check out the video: Make your own paper fringes
To work at your own pace, follow the slideshow instructions below:

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Decide how long and wide you want your scallop fringe to be and choose your paper
For example, you might cut long, thin scallops for feathers but short, chunky scallops for a bumpy path or scales.
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Draw straight lines along the side of the paper that you want to turn into a scallop fringe
Each scallop will fit between two lines. For a thin, long fringe draw the lines long and close together. For a short, chunky fringe draw the lines short and far apart.
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Draw a curvy line from one side of the paper down to the bottom edge, stopping halfway to the next line
If you are struggling to find the halfway point, you could add an extra line or mark to show it. If you are left-handed you might want to start from the other end of your paper.
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Draw that curvy line back up to the top of the next line
Your curve should look like a 'U' shape.
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Repeat: Draw 'U' curves between the lines all along your paper
Don't worry about making them all exactly the same - the fringe will still look good!
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Turn your paper around and put your open scissors at the start of the first curve
Keep the fingers of your other hand far away from the scissors!
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Move the paper around using your other hand as you cut along the curvy line
Keep your scissors in the same comfortable position in front of you. Using your other hand to move the paper around will make it easier to cut along the line.
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Keep on going until your scissors reach the middle bit between two scallops
Stop with your scissors half closed to keep the end of the cut neat. Sometimes you can tear the paper if you snip the scissors fully shut.
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Gently turn the paper back around so the scissors are facing the next curve and start cutting again
Keep your scissors still and move the paper with your other hand.
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Repeat: Cut along the paper until you reach the end... Finished!
What will you you use it for?

Scallops in 3D work

You can also add tabs to your scallops to make them stand up:

One long tab makes a straight scallop fringe

A tabbed straight scallop fringe, standing upright

The back of a tabbed straight scallop fringe, standing upright.

Lots of tabs makes a curvy scallop fringe

A tabbed curvy scallop fringe, standing upright

The back of a tabbed curvy scallop fringe, standing upright

(For more help with making tabs check out our strip fringing article.)

Artwork examples

A paper fish with scallop pattern — Image caption,
Try layering scallops to make fish scales or other textures.

A paper monster with scallop fringing detail — Image caption,
Try using scallops to make teeth, fingers and toes or hair.

A 3D paper ice cream with scallop detail in the cone — Image caption,
Folding or curling scallops can create interesting 3D objects.

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In this volcano landscape tabbed scallops help to create a 3D space.

Here are a few common problems and how to fix them:

Tip 1: Is your paper tearing?

It can be hard to cut the middle bits between each scallop without tearing the fringe.

Tip: Cut along the straight lines between the scallops and then cut the curves.

Scissors cut along the straight lines of a scallop fringe

Tip 2: Do you have pencil marks?

If you have pencil marks left on your scalloped fringe after you cut it, there are two options:

Flip it over to hide the marks (but this is only useful if you won't see the other side)
Use a rubber

Tip: If you use a rubber, only rub in one direction: from the paper out to the edges of the fringe.

This will prevent you from creasing or tearing your fringe.

A scallop fringe cut out, with the pencil lines showing

A rubber rubs the pencil lines off a scallop fringe. Arrows point away from the scalloped edge.

Learning recap

You can change the length and width of your scallops to create different looks.
You can also add tabs to your scallop fringe to build sturdy 3D forms that keep their shape.
For more help with making tabs check out our guide to making strip fringes.