How to Cut a Six-Pointed Paper Star (Star of David) - Easy DIY Guide
Learn to easily fold and cut a six-pointed paper star (Star of David) with this step-by-step DIY guide. Perfect for crafts and Jewish holiday decorations.
What You'll Need
- One square piece of paper (any size or color – printer paper, construction paper, or origami paper works well)
- Sharp scissors
- Pencil
The six-pointed star, often recognized as the Star of David (Magen David), is a powerful symbol with deep historical and cultural significance. This guide shows you how to fold and cut one from a single square of paper.
Prepare Your Paper: The First Diagonal Fold
Place your square paper in front of you. Fold it diagonally in half to form a perfect triangle. Make sure the corners and edges align precisely, then press the fold firmly.
Create the Six-Pointed Fold Base: Folding into Thirds
With the triangle pointing upwards, take one of the acute angles (the sharp corners at the base) and fold it up to the opposite side, dividing the triangle into thirds. Repeat with the other acute angle, overlapping the first fold. The result should be a smaller, layered triangle with a pointed top. This is the critical step for achieving the six-pointed structure.
Folding into Thirds
Achieving this perfect fold can be tricky. If you're unsure, search for a visual guide on 'how to fold a paper into thirds for a 6-pointed star' on YouTube or a craft site. Practice with scrap paper first.
Mark and Draw Your Cutting Line
Examine your folded small triangle. Identify the side with open, loose edges – this is the side you will cut. The opposite side will be a solid fold. Using a pencil, draw a line from the open edge toward the solid fold, at an angle. The line should start near the base of the open edge and go up toward the point, but not all the way to the point.
Cutting Line Placement
For sharper star points, draw your cutting line closer to the base of the open edge. For broader points, draw it slightly further in. Practice on scrap paper first.
Carefully Cut Out Your Star
Using your sharp scissors, cut along the penciled line. Ensure a clean, smooth cut through all layers of the folded paper. Discard the smaller piece that falls away.
Unfold Your Six-Pointed Star
Carefully unfold the remaining paper. You should now have a six-pointed star (Star of David). Flatten it gently with your hands or a book.
