The Complete Guide to Iris Folding (+ Free Patterns!)

Free Iris Folding Patterns

View all free iris folding patterns

What is iris folding?

Iris folding is a card making technique that involves layering paper strips across a cutout shape following a printed template.

Traditionally the paper strips form a 'swirl' shape similar to the iris of a camera, which is where the technique gets its name.

Iris folding has evolved in recent years and there are now different variations including advanced iris folding, fancy folding and paper piecing. These newer patterns may not have the spiral shape, but still feature the traditional paper strips and numbered pattern.

It can look a little bit complicated when you first see an iris folding card, but don't worry - it's actually super simple to make and only needs basic card making supplies that you probably already own!

Try iris folding today!

How to Iris Fold

My Top 15 Printable Iris Folding Patterns

One of the great things about purchasing printable iris folding patterns is that you only have to buy it once and you can print it as many times as you choose.

That means for only one low-cost purchase price you can create unlimited cards using that pattern.

I’ve collected together fifteen of my favourite iris folding patterns which you can buy as instant downloads for only 80p each. A bargain price for some beautiful craft projects that you can enjoy time and time again.

Disclaimer: the ‘buy pattern’ links will take you through Craftsuprint.com. As they are my pattern designs, I will receive a commission for each sale at no extra charge to you.

Elegant lady iris folding pattern

This is one of the first iris folding cards I ever made. Using two different shades of orange paper helps to show the different folds and brings depth to the pattern. Fancy folding is used to create the belt around her waist and paper piecing techniques create the head, hair and neck.

Card by Sarah Edwards (me!)

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Tool kit iris folding patterns

These workman’s tools are perfect for the handyman (or woman!) in your life. I love how the patterns have been combined with a similar themed decoupage topper in the card below, along with a ‘Mr Fix-it’ patterned background.

Card by Chris Williams

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Beer pint glass iris folding pattern

Who’s up for a pint of Guinness? This pattern would work great for St Patrick’s Day or for birthday cards. Change the colours to orange for a pint of beer or lager, yellow for cider or brown for a good old fashioned pint of ale.

Card by Jose Hopkins

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Christmas robin iris folding pattern

This is one of my all-time favourite iris folding patterns because the robin looks so realistic. The folds mimic the look of feathers to create a cute little robin for your iris folding Christmas cards. This is quite a complex pattern so perhaps not the one to start with if you are new to iris folding.

Card by Handmade by Carol

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Handbag iris folding pattern

One for the ladies! This pretty handbag card uses patterned iris folding strips to create a wonderfully fashionable handbag that any woman could be proud to wear on her arm. Peel-off stickers have been cleverly used to create the bag’s strap.

Card by Susan James

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Easter chick iris folding pattern

This card is so clever! The card maker has cut the iris folding pattern out of an egg-shaped background and used it to create an over-the-edge Easter card which has so much character. I love it!

Card by Gillian Mahoney

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Football iris folding pattern

This is an unusual pattern because the folds don’t follow the traditional ‘spiral’ shapes commonly found with iris folding. Instead, fancy folding techniques are used to create the shapes on the football. Cutting the football shape from a photo of grass makes it look really realistic.

Card by Suzi Cooper

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Butterfly iris folding pattern

I am a huge fan of the colour pink, so this card certainly stands out for me. The combination of pastel and bright pink along with some lovely lilac shades created a very feminine, beautiful butterfly. You could use a wide range of colours on this pattern to create lots of different butterflies – why not try a bright coloured one with yellows and oranges?

Card by Vivienne Burke

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Scalloped Christmas tree iris folding pattern

This is a great pattern for your Christmas cards. The gaps between the tree give it a contemporary feel, yet it can still be traditional as shown in the card below. Using silver patterned paper combined with silver peel-off stickers makes this card feel even more Christmassy.

Card by Lorraine Wilson

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High heeled shoe iris folding pattern

This is a fairly straightforward pattern so it’s perfect for beginners. You could try combining different papers to create a patterned design – or perhaps even leopard print strips for a walk on the wild side!

Card by Chris Williams

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Parrot iris folding pattern

This card is sure to impress whoever receives it! Metallic sheen papers have been used to mimic the natural colours of the parrot’s features. The leafy green background places the bird firmly in his natural rainforest habitat and the dark colours of the background make the parrot stand out.

Card by Peggy Stogdill

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Christmas bells iris folding pattern

Here’s another of my favourite iris folding patterns for Christmas. Completing this pattern with golds and shiny paper strips makes it look luxurious and traditional. I love the extra embellishments in the card below of the red bows, glitter background and peel-off stickers.

Card by Suzi Cooper

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Easter animals iris folding patterns

Get three patterns for the price of one with this download – you get a rabbit, chick AND lamb for just 80p. Jane has made a wonderful card with the rabbit pattern. Her folds are super crisp and use perfectly coordinating papers to make a lovely little chocolate rabbit guarding his Easter basket.

Card by Jane Amber

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Elegant lady iris folding pattern

Another elegant lady pattern! I’ve designed many different ladies over the years because I think floor-length dresses and vintage glamour work so well with this technique as the folds accentuate the natural shapes of the clothing.

Laine has turned this lady into a sparkly ice queen for her modern-looking Christmas card.

Card by Laine Hadlow

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Cat iris folding pattern

I saved this cheeky little fella for last. The expression on his face always cracks me up. This card is great for cat lovers and it would suitable for any occasion. The tiger striped paper that Donna used in the card below is simply purr-fect.

Card by Donna Ritchie

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