In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to create adorable origami gloves and stockings that transform simple paper into charming Christmas decorations. These paper crafts are perfect for parents, teachers, and kids who want budget-friendly holiday projects that actually look cute. Plus, the simple folding techniques make them ideal for crafters of all skill levels.
Perfect for Christmas tree ornaments, gift wrapping accents, holiday cards, garland decorations, or classroom activities that won’t break the budget.
Difficulty Level: Beginner-friendly
Cost: Under $2 for 8 pieces (using basic craft supplies)
Time: 10-15 minutes per piece
Ages: 7+ years (younger kids may need help with precise folds)
Perfect for:
- Parents looking for affordable holiday crafts to do with kids
- Teachers needing quick classroom activities before winter break
- Beginners who want to try origami without complicated patterns
- Anyone wanting handmade decorations that feel personal and special
How to Make Origami Gloves and Stockings
Things You’ll Need
Materials
- Origami paper in holiday colors (recommend red, green, white, or gold – regular printing paper is too thick and fights the folds, while tissue paper tears too easily during folding)
- White paper for cuff accents (copy paper works great – adds that classic winter mitten look and creates nice contrast against colored paper)
Tools
- Sharp craft scissors (dull scissors create ragged edges that show on the white cuff strips and ruin the clean look)
- Craft glue or glue stick (liquid glue works but can wrinkle paper if you use too much – glue sticks give cleaner results for attaching cuff strips)
- Ruler for measuring cuff strips (optional but helps create uniform white strips – eyeballing works fine if you’re okay with slightly varied looks)
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Step by Step Instructions for Origami Gloves
Step 1: Create the Base Rectangle and Center Crease
Start with a rectangle paper measuring 1:2 ratio (try 7cm x 14cm for medium-sized gloves). Fold the longer length in half horizontally, then unfold to create a center guideline.
This center crease becomes your reference point for later folds, so press it firmly.
Step 2: Form the Cuff Foundation
Fold the paper in half along the shorter width, then unfold. Now fold just 1cm along one short edge.
This small fold creates the glove’s cuff area where you’ll add the white border strip later.
Step 3: Flip to Working Side
Keep that 1cm fold intact and turn the entire pattern over to the blank side.
You’ll be doing the main glove shaping on this side while the cuff fold stays tucked on the back.
Step 4: Begin Shaping the Glove Body
Fold one longer edge inward until it meets the center crease line you made in Step 1.
Press this fold down firmly because loose folds here make the glove look lumpy instead of smooth.
Step 5: Complete the Glove Body Shape
Fold the opposite longer edge inward to meet the center, matching your first fold.
Your paper should now look like a long, narrow rectangle about one-third its original width.
Step 6: Create the Glove Length
Fold the pattern in half horizontally along that original center crease from Step 1.
This fold determines your glove’s final length, so align the edges carefully for a neat look.
Step 7: Form the Thumb Section
Hold the left open corner (the one you can separate into layers) and fold it diagonally to meet the opposite closed corner on the right side.
This diagonal fold creates the thumb sticking out from the glove. Make sure the fold is crisp here.
Step 8: Create the Thumb Definition
Fold the left closed edge inward about 1cm to create a sharp crease line.
This fold helps define where the thumb separates from the rest of the glove fingers.
Step 9: Shape and Flatten the Thumb
Gently unfold the pattern along those last creases and open it slightly. Now flatten that section to create a neat pocket shape for the thumb.
This step takes a bit of patience. If it looks messy, unfold and try again with more deliberate creases.
Step 10: Round the Fingertips
Make small diagonal folds on the top two corners to round out the finger area and thumb tip.
These tiny folds make the glove look more realistic instead of having pointy, sharp corners.
Step 11: Reveal the Front Design
Flip your origami pattern over to show the front side with your colored paper.
The side with the 1cm fold should now be facing you, ready for the white cuff.
Step 12: Add the Finishing Touch
Cut a white paper strip about 1cm wide and glue it along the folded cuff edge to complete your origami glove.
This white strip gives that cozy winter mitten look everyone loves.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Origami Stockings
Step 1: Start with the Vertical Base Fold
Take a square piece of paper (14cm x 14cm works well). Fold it in half vertically to find the center line, then unfold.
This center crease guides your symmetrical folds throughout the project.
Step 2: Create the Stocking Cuff Edge
Make a 1cm horizontal fold along any one of the open edges.
This becomes the top cuff of your stocking where the white border goes.
Step 3: Position for Working
Keep that 1cm fold in place and flip the paper to the other side.
You’ll shape the stocking body on this side while keeping the cuff fold on the back.
Step 4: Fold the First Vertical Side
Fold one vertical edge inward to meet the center crease you made in Step 1.
Press this fold down firmly for a clean line.
Step 5: Complete the Narrow Body Shape
Fold the opposite vertical edge inward to also meet the center crease.
Your paper should now be about one-third its original width, forming the stocking’s body.
Step 6: Create the Stocking Length
Valley fold the pattern in half along the vertical center crease so the colored side shows.
This fold sets the stocking’s height and brings both sides together.
Step 7: Mark the Foot Section
Fold one-third of the pattern (the section with the 1cm cuff fold) down toward the opposite end.
This fold line marks where the stocking leg ends and the foot begins.
Step 8: Form the Diagonal Foot Angle
Unfold that last fold. Now take the edge next to that crease line and fold it diagonally at a 45-degree angle along the crease.
This diagonal creates the L-shape that makes a stocking look like a stocking instead of just a tube.
Step 9: Shape the Foot Pocket
Keep the top one-third (with the cuff) flat. Carefully open the bottom two-thirds section and refold it along those diagonal creases you just made. Flatten it into position.
Take your time here. This step forms the actual foot shape, and rushing makes it look crooked.
Step 10: Position the Toe Area
Fold the top square section (the loose part) over to the opposite side.
This starts shaping the toe portion of your stocking’s foot.
Step 11: Define the Foot Shape
Fold this top section in half along the center crease to complete the foot profile.
Now your stocking should have that classic bent-foot look.
Step 12: Round the Toe
Fold in the two corners of the foot section to soften the pointed look.
These small folds make the toe look rounded and more realistic.
Step 13: Add the White Cuff Border
Cut a white paper strip about 1cm wide and glue it over the cuff fold at the top of your stocking.
This white trim completes the classic Christmas stocking appearance.
Watch the Origami Christmas Crafts Video Tutorial
If you’re having trouble following the picture steps, don’t worry! We’ve prepared a complete video tutorial on our YouTube channel where you can watch each fold in real time.
Pro Tips for Perfect Origami Gloves and Stockings
Use the Right Paper Weight – Origami paper (around 70gsm) folds beautifully without being too flimsy. Regular copy paper is too thick and cardstock won’t fold crisply at all. If you only have printer paper, it’ll work but expect stiffer, bulkier results.
Press Every Single Crease Firmly – Weak creases make your gloves and stockings look sloppy and they won’t hold their shape. Run your fingernail or a ruler edge along each fold to really set it. This one habit makes the biggest difference between beginner-looking and polished origami.
Start with Larger Paper for Practice – If you or your kids struggle with small folds, use bigger paper first. Once you understand the folding sequence on a 20cm piece, scaling down to 14cm becomes much easier.
Keep Edges Aligned Perfectly – When folding sides to the center or folding in half, take an extra second to line up the edges exactly. Misaligned folds throw off every step that follows, and you’ll end up with lopsided gloves or stockings.
The Thumb is Trickier Than It Looks – For the glove thumb section (Steps 7-9), go slowly and don’t be afraid to unfold and redo it. Getting that pocket to flatten neatly takes practice. If it still looks weird after a few tries, just move on – handmade charm includes little imperfections!
Make the Stocking Foot Deliberate – The diagonal fold that creates the foot angle (Step 8) determines whether your stocking looks realistic or confusing. Take time to crease that 45-degree angle sharply before you open and flatten in Step 9.
Cut Cuff Strips Consistently – For a matching set, measure and cut all your white strips at once using a ruler. Eyeballed strips work fine for a more homemade look, but uniform strips look more polished if you’re decorating a tree or making a garland.
Glue Sparingly on the Cuff – Too much liquid glue will wrinkle your paper and seep through. Use a glue stick or put tiny dots of craft glue along the strip instead of coating the whole thing. Less really is more here.
Make Extras for Mistakes – Paper is cheap. Cut several sheets before you start so when (not if) you mess up a fold, you can grab a fresh sheet without interrupting your crafting flow.
Frequently Asked Questions: Origami Gloves and Stockings
Can I use regular printer paper instead of origami paper?
Yes, but it’s thicker and harder to fold neatly. Printer paper works better for larger sizes (like 20cm pieces) where the bulk is less noticeable. For smaller, delicate ornaments, origami paper gives much cleaner results.
What age is appropriate for these origami projects?
Kids around 7 and up can usually handle these with some guidance, especially the gloves. The stocking’s diagonal foot folds are trickier, so younger kids (ages 5-7) will need an adult to help with Steps 7-9. Older kids and teens can do both projects independently.
How long does it take to make one glove and one stocking?
For beginners, expect about 15 minutes per piece as you figure out the folds. Once you’ve made a few, you can finish each one in about 5-7 minutes. Making a whole set of 8 pieces takes roughly an hour if you’re working at a relaxed pace.
Can I make these bigger or smaller than the suggested sizes?
Absolutely! Just keep the glove ratio at 1:2 (like 10cm x 20cm or 5cm x 10cm) and the stocking as a square (any size works). Smaller pieces get harder to fold precisely, while very large ones don’t hold their shape as crisply. The 7cm x 14cm glove and 14cm x 14cm stocking sizes are the sweet spot for both ease and appearance.
What if my stocking foot looks crooked or weird?
The foot section (Steps 7-9) trips up most beginners. If it looks off, unfold back to Step 6 and redo the diagonal fold in Step 8 more carefully. Make sure that 45-degree angle is sharp and symmetrical before you flatten it in Step 9. Sometimes it takes two or three tries to get it right.
How do I attach these to a Christmas tree or garland?
Punch a small hole at the top of each piece and thread ribbon or string through it. You can also tape a small loop of thread to the back. For garland, glue them directly onto ribbon or string, spacing them evenly. They’re lightweight so regular craft glue holds them fine.
Can I decorate these with markers or glitter?
Yes! Add patterns with colored markers, stick on tiny sequins or gems with craft glue, or brush on glitter glue for sparkle. Just decorate after you finish folding, not before, because markers can make the paper harder to fold and wet glue will warp your creases.
What’s the best way to store these after Christmas?
Lay them flat in a storage box between sheets of tissue paper to prevent crushing. Don’t stack heavy items on top. Origami flattens easily but bounces back if stored carefully. You can reuse them for years if you protect them from getting squashed or torn.
Can I use patterned scrapbook paper instead of solid colors?
You can, but choose patterns carefully. Busy patterns can hide the glove and stocking shapes, making them look cluttered. Simple patterns (like small dots, tiny stars, or subtle plaids) work better than bold graphics. Also check that the paper weight is similar to origami paper (around 70-80gsm).
Do I need to seal or spray these to make them last longer?
Not necessary for indoor decorations, but if you want extra protection, a light coat of clear acrylic spray helps. Test on a scrap piece first since some sprays can wrinkle or discolor paper. For most people, just keeping them dry and storing them flat is enough for several years of use.
More Christmas Origami and Holiday Crafts You’ll Love:
Looking for more festive paper folding projects? These tutorials pair beautifully with your gloves and stockings:
- How to Fold an Origami Snowflake – Create delicate paper snowflakes that look stunning hanging alongside your stockings
- How to Make an Origami Heart Envelope – Perfect for Christmas cards or tucking holiday notes inside your paper stockings
- How to Make Origami Bear – Add cute paper animals to your holiday decor collection
- How to Make Origami Heart – Sweet additions for Valentine’s Day or anytime love-themed crafts
- How to Make Origami Bunny – Great for learning basic origami before tackling holiday projects
For even more Christmas craft inspiration, explore our complete collection of holiday tutorials with projects for every skill level!
We absolutely love seeing your creative interpretations! When you complete your origami Christmas decorations, share them on social media and tag us with #thecraftaholicwitch so we can celebrate your creativity.
