How to Make Yarn Out of Paper: The Complete Guide to Paper Yarn Crafts

If you’ve ever looked at a roll of kraft paper or an old newspaper and thought, “I wonder what I could make with that,” you’re in for a treat. Paper yarn — sometimes called paper twine, paper cord, or simply twisted paper — is one of those wonderfully accessible crafts that turns an everyday material into something genuinely useful and beautiful. Whether you want to knit, crochet, weave, or wrap, paper yarn opens up a whole world of creative possibilities that blends the worlds of paper crafts and yarn crafts in the most satisfying way.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know: how to make paper yarn from scratch, the best types of paper to use, techniques for different projects, and a roundup of creative ideas to get you started. By the end, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to spin paper into something extraordinary.

What Is Paper Yarn?

Paper yarn is exactly what it sounds like — yarn made from paper. It can be twisted, braided, or spun into a continuous thread or cord that behaves much like conventional yarn. Depending on how it’s made and what paper is used, paper yarn can be delicate and soft enough for decorative weaving or sturdy enough for baskets, bags, and home décor.

The craft has deep historical roots. Paper twine was commercially produced as early as the late 1800s, and it became especially popular during the World Wars when natural fibers like cotton and wool were in short supply. Craftspeople and manufacturers turned to paper as a practical substitute, and they discovered that, with the right technique, paper could produce surprisingly durable and attractive thread.

Today, paper yarn has found a new audience among eco-conscious crafters, minimalists, upcycling enthusiasts, and anyone who loves the tactile pleasure of making something from (almost) nothing.

Why Make Yarn from Paper?

Before diving into the how-to, it’s worth asking why you’d want to make paper yarn in the first place. Here are some very good reasons.

It’s cost-effective. Paper is one of the cheapest materials on earth. Newspaper, kraft paper bags, brown paper rolls, old book pages, and even tissue paper can all be transformed into usable yarn at essentially zero cost.

It’s eco-friendly. Upcycling paper you already have reduces waste and gives materials a second life. If you use recycled or FSC-certified paper, your yarn has an impressively low environmental footprint.

It’s accessible. Unlike spinning wool, which requires a spinning wheel or at least a drop spindle and some practice, making paper yarn requires almost no special equipment. A pair of scissors and your hands are often all you need to get started.

It’s versatile. Paper yarn can be used in knitting, crocheting, weaving, macramé, basket weaving, paper crafts, and general crafting projects like gift wrapping and floral design. It bridges the gap between paper crafts and yarn crafts in a way few other materials can.

It’s endlessly customizable. You can dye it, paint it, wax it for water resistance, or leave it natural. You can make it thick or thin, loosely twisted or tightly wound, rough and rustic or smooth and refined.

What Types of Paper Work Best?

The paper you choose will determine the texture, strength, and final appearance of your yarn. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular options.

Kraft paper is the gold standard for paper yarn. It’s strong, flexible, and has a pleasant natural brown color that looks beautiful in rustic and Scandinavian-style projects. You can source kraft paper from grocery bags, packing paper, or rolls sold specifically for crafting. Because of its strength and durability, kraft paper yarn is ideal for functional items like bags, baskets, and coasters.

Newspaper is another popular choice, especially for beginners. It’s thin and easy to work with, though it’s less durable than kraft. Newspaper yarn has a lovely textured look and is great for decorative projects, papier-mâché, and loose weaving. Keep in mind that newspaper ink can transfer to your hands and potentially to other surfaces, so it’s best used in projects where that’s acceptable.

Magazine pages and book pages produce a slightly stiffer yarn with more color variation, especially if you use the colorful pages of a magazine. The result tends to be brittle compared to kraft, but for decorative weaving and wall art, it can produce stunning visual effects.

Tissue paper produces the softest paper yarn, sometimes called “paper thread.” It’s fragile and not suited to functional projects, but it has a beautiful translucency and drape that makes it perfect for delicate decorative weaving, lampshades, and art projects. Crepe paper behaves similarly and comes in a wide array of colors.

Copy paper falls somewhere in the middle. It’s stiffer than newspaper but more prone to tearing than kraft. With practice, you can make serviceable yarn from copy paper, but it requires a bit more care during the twisting process.

Rice paper and Japanese washi paper are excellent for fine paper thread work. They tend to be stronger than they look due to the long fibers used in their production, and they’re available in beautiful colors and patterns. Washi paper yarn is commonly used in Japanese textile crafts and produces a fine, delicate thread with a subtle sheen.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

One of the greatest things about making paper yarn is how little equipment you need. Here’s what to gather before you start.

Your chosen paper is the most important material. Start with a full sheet of newspaper or a large kraft paper bag to practice. A ruler or rotary cutter and cutting mat will help you cut consistent strips. Scissors work fine but can be slower. A bone folder or butter knife can help you score paper for cleaner strips. A small amount of water in a spray bottle will help soften the paper for twisting. Optional materials include white craft glue for joining strips, beeswax or candle wax for finishing and waterproofing, and dye or watercolor paint if you want to color your yarn.

How to Make Paper Yarn: Step-by-Step

There are several methods for making paper yarn, ranging from very simple to more refined. Start with the basic twist method and work your way up as your confidence grows.

Method 1: The Basic Strip-and-Twist Technique

This is the simplest and most intuitive method, and it works beautifully with kraft paper and newspaper.

Start by cutting your paper into long strips. The width of the strip determines the thickness of your yarn. For a medium-weight yarn, cut strips about one to two inches wide. For finer yarn, go as narrow as half an inch. For chunky yarn or twine, cut strips two to three inches wide. The strips should be as long as possible — full sheets of newspaper or long sections torn from a kraft roll work best.

Lightly mist one side of each strip with water and let it absorb for about thirty seconds. This softens the fibers and makes the paper more pliable, dramatically reducing the risk of tearing as you twist. You don’t want the paper soaking wet, just slightly damp.

Hold one end of a strip between your thumb and forefinger. Begin twisting the strip on itself, rolling it between your fingers while simultaneously pulling it taut with your other hand. The goal is a tight, even spiral that runs the full length of the strip. Keep the tension consistent — too loose and the yarn will unravel easily, too tight and the paper will tear.

As you approach the end of one strip, overlap the next strip by about an inch and twist them together to join. With a little practice, this join becomes nearly invisible and you can create a continuous length of yarn as long as you need.

Wind your finished yarn around a piece of cardboard or into a ball as you go, taking care not to untwist the sections you’ve already completed.

Method 2: The Fold-and-Twist Technique

This method produces a thicker, more rounded yarn because you fold the paper before twisting, enclosing the raw edges.

Cut your paper strips as described above, but a bit wider — two to three inches works well. Fold each strip lengthwise in thirds or quarters, so the raw edges are tucked inside and you have a neat, flat band of paper. Lightly mist the folded strip and then begin twisting exactly as in Method 1. The result is a smoother, more rope-like yarn with less visible texture.

This technique is excellent for baskets, bags, and any project where you want a polished, clean appearance.

Method 3: Braiding

For thick, sturdy twine, braiding is faster and more forgiving than twisting. Make three lengths of twisted paper yarn using either method above, then braid them together as you would hair or friendship bracelet thread. Secure each end with a knot or a dab of craft glue. Braided paper twine is excellent for handles, macramé, and heavy-duty wrapping.

Method 4: Wet Spinning

This is a more refined technique borrowed from traditional fiber spinning. Cut your paper into the thinnest strips you can manage — ideally less than a quarter inch wide. Soak them in water for several minutes until they become quite soft and flexible. Then twist them together tightly, working while they’re still wet. As the paper dries, it stiffens and the twist sets permanently, creating a very firm, durable thread. This method takes more practice but produces exceptional results, particularly with kraft paper and washi.

Dyeing and Finishing Your Paper Yarn

Natural paper yarn has a lovely rustic appeal, but dyeing opens up a rainbow of creative possibilities. The simplest approach is to use liquid watercolor paint or food coloring diluted in water. Dip your finished yarn, let it absorb the color, then hang it to dry. The color will be soft and somewhat uneven, which only adds to the handmade charm.

For more saturated color, use acrylic craft paint diluted with water to a thin, ink-like consistency. This method coats the paper fibers more thoroughly but can make the yarn slightly stiffer.

To waterproof your paper yarn — especially important for functional items like bags, baskets, or outdoor decorations — rub it with beeswax or paraffin wax. Hold the wax block firmly and pull the yarn across it, then use the warmth of your hands to work the wax in. Alternatively, brush on a thin layer of mod podge or craft varnish and allow it to dry completely.

Paper Yarn Crafts: Creative Project Ideas

Now that you know how to make paper yarn, here’s where the real fun begins. Paper yarn can be used in an impressive range of crafts.

Weaving is perhaps the most natural application for paper yarn. Use it as the weft (the horizontal thread) on a simple cardboard loom, or combine it with cotton warp threads on a tapestry loom. The result is a beautiful, textured fabric with a rustic character that’s perfect for wall hangings, placemats, and small bags.

Knitting and crocheting with paper yarn is a genuinely delightful experience. Use a medium to large hook or needle — sizes G through J for crochet, or US 7 to 10 for knitting — and work with a loosely twisted kraft yarn for the best results. Paper yarn knit projects tend to be stiffer and less stretchy than wool, which makes it excellent for structured items like market bags, baskets, bowls, and storage containers.

Macramé with paper twine produces beautiful, boho-style pieces. The natural color of kraft paper is a perfect match for the earthy aesthetic of macramé wall hangings, plant hangers, and table runners. Paper twine is more affordable than cotton rope and just as easy to work with.

Basket weaving is one of the oldest uses for paper cord. Coil baskets are especially accessible for beginners — simply coil a thick length of braided or twisted paper yarn into a flat spiral and stitch it together with finer paper thread or cotton twine. Build up the sides gradually by stacking and stitching the coils. The result is a sturdy, attractive basket that’s entirely handmade.

Gift wrapping and packaging is an instant and low-effort way to use paper yarn. Replace commercial ribbon with hand-twisted kraft twine for a beautiful, zero-waste alternative. Add dried flowers, a sprig of rosemary, or a cinnamon stick for a gorgeous rustic package.

Jewelry and accessories made from fine paper thread are a niche but growing area of craft. Tightly twisted washi paper thread can be woven into delicate earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. Sealed with varnish, these pieces are surprisingly durable.

Paper crafts and bookbinding also benefit from paper yarn. Use fine paper thread to stitch handmade journals, bind zines, or create decorative elements on cards and scrapbook pages.

Tips for Success

A few practical tips will save you a lot of frustration as you develop your paper yarn skills.

Always work with slightly damp paper. Dry paper tears easily; slightly moist paper has enough flex to twist smoothly without breaking.

Keep your tension consistent. Uneven tension produces yarn that’s thick in some places and thin in others, which can make it difficult to work with in knitting and crochet. Practice slow, deliberate twisting until it becomes second nature.

Work in long sections. Short strips require many joins, which can weaken your yarn. Whenever possible, use the longest pieces of paper you can source.

Store your finished yarn loosely wound. Wrapping it too tightly around a cardboard tube can crease it; winding it into a loose ball or skein is better.

Test your yarn before committing to a large project. Tug it, bend it, and work a small swatch to see how it behaves before you invest hours into a basket or bag.

Don’t be afraid to experiment. Mix paper yarn with natural fiber yarn, jute, or cotton thread for interesting textural combinations. Layer colors by winding two strands together before twisting. Try painting your paper yarn after finishing a project to add detail or pattern.

Caring for Items Made from Paper Yarn

Paper yarn is not waterproof by nature, though waxed or varnished pieces handle moisture reasonably well. Most items made from paper yarn should be spot-cleaned rather than submerged in water. Keep them out of prolonged direct sunlight, which can fade and weaken the paper fibers over time. For display items and wall hangings, paper yarn is quite durable and low-maintenance. Functional baskets and bags will benefit from a light coat of varnish to add strength and water resistance.

The Bigger Picture: Paper Crafts and Yarn Crafts Together

What makes paper yarn so exciting for creative people is the way it sits at the intersection of two beloved craft worlds. If you love paper crafts — origami, bookbinding, papier-mâché, collage — paper yarn gives you a new medium that extends those skills into three-dimensional, functional objects. If you love yarn crafts — knitting, crocheting, weaving, macramé — paper yarn gives you a sustainable, affordable, and endlessly available material that challenges you to think differently about texture, structure, and design.

The craft also connects beautifully to broader values around sustainability and intentional making. In a world of mass-produced goods, there’s something deeply satisfying about turning a brown paper bag into a beautiful basket or a stack of old newspapers into a woven wall hanging. Paper yarn reminds us that creativity doesn’t require expensive supplies — it requires curiosity, patience, and a willingness to see the potential in ordinary things.

Getting Started Today

If you’re new to paper yarn, the best thing you can do is simply start. Grab a newspaper, tear it into strips, mist them lightly with water, and start twisting. Within minutes, you’ll have a length of paper yarn in your hands. From there, the possibilities are genuinely limitless.

As your skills develop, experiment with different papers, different thicknesses, different finishes, and different projects. Join online communities dedicated to paper crafts and fiber arts — you’ll find a welcoming, generous group of people who share your enthusiasm for making. Look for inspiration in traditional Japanese and Scandinavian paper cord crafts, in contemporary fiber art, and in the zero-waste crafting movement.

Paper yarn is proof that some of the most beautiful things in craft come not from the most expensive materials, but from the most creative minds. All you need is paper, a little water, and your own two hands.