Swedish hearts, or julhjärta, are traditional woven paper ornaments from Sweden, typically made at Christmas but lovely year-round. They are made by weaving two strips of paper (often red and white) into a three-dimensional heart shape that can be hung on a tree, strung as a garland, or used as a gift tag. All you need is paper, scissors, and a few minutes—no glue or tape required.
What You’ll Need
- Two strips of paper, each about 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide and 12 inches (30 cm) long. Use origami paper, cardstock, or any sturdy paper. Contrasting colors work best.
- Scissors
- Optional: a ruler and pencil for measuring, a hole punch, and string or ribbon for hanging.
Step-by-Step
- Cut two identical strips. If your paper is not already cut, measure and cut two strips of equal length and width. For a classic heart, use red and white, but any colors work.
- Fold each strip in half lengthwise. Bring the short ends together and crease firmly. You now have two folded strips, each with a loop at the top and two loose ends at the bottom.
- Position the strips. Place the two folded strips perpendicular to each other, forming a cross. The folded loops should be on the top and bottom, and the loose ends should point left and right. Make sure the folds are on the outside (left and right) and the open ends are at the top and bottom.
- Start the weave. Take the top strip (the one with the fold at the top) and fold its two loose ends down over the bottom strip, one on each side of the bottom strip’s fold. This creates the first interlocking.
- Weave the bottom strip. Now take the bottom strip’s two loose ends and fold them up over the top strip, one on each side of the top strip’s fold. This creates a tight weave at the center.
- Continue weaving. You will now have four loose ends pointing in four directions (up, down, left, right). Take the left strip’s two ends and fold them to the right, over the vertical strips, one above and one below the center. Then take the right strip’s two ends and fold them to the left, over the vertical strips, again one above and one below. Pull gently to tighten.
- Repeat the weave. Now take the top strip’s two ends and fold them down, over the horizontal strips, one left and one right of the center. Then take the bottom strip’s two ends and fold them up, over the horizontal strips, one left and one right. Pull tight.
- Shape the heart. You should now have a woven square in the center with four loose ends. Gently separate the four ends into two pairs: the top pair and the bottom pair. These will form the two lobes of the heart.
- Weave the top lobe. Take the top pair of strips (they come from the top of the square) and weave them together in a simple over-under pattern, just like you did in the center, but only with these two strips. Fold one over the other, then the other over the first, alternating until you reach the ends. You should have a narrow woven strip.
- Weave the bottom lobe. Repeat the same over-under weave with the bottom pair of strips.
- Finish the ends. When you reach the end of each woven lobe, tuck the last strip end into the weave to secure it. You can also trim the ends to a point or leave them as is.
- Shape the heart. Gently push the two lobes apart to form the classic heart shape. The center square becomes the bottom point of the heart.
- Add a hanger (optional). Use a hole punch to make a small hole at the top of one lobe, then thread a ribbon or string through and tie a knot.
Common Mistakes
- Using flimsy paper: Thin paper tears easily when pulled. Use cardstock or origami paper for best results.
- Not folding precisely: If your folds are off-center, the heart will be lopsided. Measure and fold carefully.
- Weaving too loosely: If you don’t pull the strips snugly, the heart will fall apart. Keep the weave tight but not so tight that the paper wrinkles.
- Confusing the strips: It’s easy to lose track of which strip goes where. Work slowly and keep the strips flat and untwisted.
Tips
- Use paper with different colors on each side for a more intricate look.
- Make smaller hearts by using narrower strips (e.g., 0.5 inch / 1.25 cm wide) and shorter lengths (e.g., 8 inches / 20 cm).
- If you’re making a garland, weave several hearts and string them together with a needle and thread.
- Practice with plain printer paper first—it’s cheaper and easier to see the weave.
- For a cleaner finish, trim the ends at a 45-degree angle before tucking them in.
Troubleshooting
- The heart comes apart: Your weave is too loose. Undo the last few steps and re-weave, pulling the strips tighter. You can also add a tiny dot of glue at the very end to secure the tucked ends.
- The heart is lopsided: One lobe may have more or fewer weaves than the other. Count the over-under pairs on each lobe and adjust by adding or skipping one weave.
- The paper tears: This usually happens when pulling too hard. If a strip tears, you’ll need to start over with a new strip. To avoid this, use thicker paper and pull gently but firmly.
- The strips won’t stay flat: Curly paper can be pressed under a heavy book for a few minutes before starting.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the traditional size for a Swedish heart? Traditional hearts are about 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm) tall, made from strips about 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide and 12 inches (30 cm) long. You can adjust the size by changing the strip dimensions.
- Can I use fabric instead of paper? Yes, fabric works well, but it should be stiff (like felt) or lightly starched. Cut strips with pinking shears to prevent fraying.
- How do I make a heart with a pattern? Use paper that has a pattern on one side and a solid color on the other. When you fold, make sure the patterned side is facing out on both strips.
- Can I make a heart without folding the strips in half? Yes, you can weave four separate strips, but it’s more complex. The fold-and-weave method is the classic and easiest for beginners.
- What can I use these hearts for besides Christmas? They make lovely Valentine’s Day decorations, gift tags, or even earrings (using small versions). You can also string them into a mobile for a nursery.
- How long does it take to make one? Once you get the hang of it, each heart takes about 5 minutes. The first one may take longer.
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