In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to make your own paper Christmas Crackers using my free DIY Christmas Cracker Template.

 

NOTE: This template was updated in Oct 2017. The template included in this tutorial is no longer available, but you can download the NEW Christmas Cracker template to follow along. You can also check out the updated version of this post here.

 

How to make a Christmas cracker | DIY Cracker tutorial and free template!

 

I’ve included a full video plus step-by-step photo instructions below.

And since I’m Australian, you’ll have to forgive me for saying “lollies” instead of “candy” in the video 😛

 

Supplies I’ve used in this tutorial:

  • Free Christmas Cracker Template. (Download updated template)
  • 200GSM Card stock
  • Scissors
  • Glue stick
  • Ribbon or string
  • Scoring equipment or ruler and paperclip (Buy on Amazon – affiliate link)
  • Sharpie Permanent Markers or other coloring supplies (Buy on Amazon – affiliate link)

 

Instructions:

Free DIY Christmas Cracker Template - Make your own Christmas crackers!

Download my free Christmas cracker template (updated version). Click “Add to cart” and then view your cart to check out. The template will be emailed to you and will also be available in the “My Account” tab at the top right of the screen.

If you would like a different design, you can get the pack of 8 crackers HERE.

How to make a DIY Christmas Cracker - Step 1

Print out the Christmas cracker template onto thick card stock. In this example, I’ve used 200GSM card that you can buy from most stationary supply stores.

How to make a DIY Christmas Cracker - Step 2

Color in your template. I’ve used my Sharpie Permanent Markers in this tutorial, but you can use any colors or mediums you like. You could also print the template onto colored paper.

How to make a DIY Christmas Cracker - Step 3

Next, cut along the solid lines until you’ve cut out the whole template. Do not cut along the dotted lines – these will be for folding later. Also be careful not to cut off any of the tabs on the sides (I actually DID in this example, so please don’t copy my mistake! If you do, I explain how to fix it in the video above)

How to make a DIY Christmas Cracker - Step 4

Next, score along the 4 vertical dotted lines to make them easier to fold. You can use scoring equipment like a Martha Stewart scoring board or a bone folder. I don’t have either of these, so I’ve made my own scoring equipment using a ruler and bent paperclip. Run the paperclip along the dotted lines (on the patterned side) enough to score them without cutting through.

How to make a DIY Christmas Cracker - Step 5

Try folding along the lines to make sure you’ve scored deep enough.

How to make a DIY Christmas Cracker - Step 6

Next, score along the horizontal dotted lines on the inside edge of each diamond.

How to make a DIY Christmas Cracker - Step 7

And score along the horizontal lines on the outside edge of each diamond. Do not score the line that runs through the middle of the diamonds, because this will be folded the other way.

How to make a DIY Christmas Cracker - Step 8

As you can see, I’ve scored both lines now and folded the paper slightly. I haven’t scored the line in the middle of the diamonds.

How to make a DIY Christmas Cracker - Step 9

Turn over the page and score along the horizontal line through the middle of the diamonds from the back. You can use the corners at each end to make sure your ruler is in the correct place.

How to make a DIY Christmas Cracker - Step 10

Now we will cut out the diamonds. It is much easier to do this after everything has been scored, because you can fold the diamonds in half and cut them out from the edge, rather than trying to cut them out with a stanley knife at the start.

How to make a DIY Christmas Cracker - Step 11

Once you’ve finished cutting the diamonds out, your cracker should look like this.

How to make a DIY Christmas Cracker - Step 12

Add some glue to the tab on the side and fold your cracker so it meets the other edge. Glue the tab inside.

How to make a DIY Christmas Cracker - Step 13

You should see the 2 edges of your artwork match perfectly when you glue to tab.

How to make a DIY Christmas Cracker - Step 15

Gently push the end of the cracker towards the middle. If you’ve already scored and folded the lines, this should be easy.

How to make a DIY Christmas Cracker - Step 16

Tie a ribbon around one end of your cracker. You’ll find that the ribbon will help the cracker to hold it’s shape if you make it as tight as possible.

How to make a DIY Christmas Cracker - Step 17

Fill your cracker! Time to get out the candy, toys, letters, jokes and Christmas hats!

How to make a DIY Christmas Cracker - Step 18

Tie a ribbon around the second end of your cracker, and you’re done!

I hope you’ve enjoyed this tutorial. If you want to make a range of different crackers, make sure you check out my pack of 8 different designs HERE.

Please use the links below to share with your friends, or leave me a comment!

Learn how to make a DIY Christmas Cracker with this easy tutorial and free cracker template! www.sarahrenaeclark.com/christmas-cracker #christmas #printables #diychristmas #christmascracker

See the updated version of this tutorial here, using the new Christmas cracker template now available in my store.

Make a paper ornament for your Christmas tree with this free printable template and tutorial! | Check it out at sarahrenaeclark.com #christmas #freeprintable

Are you up for more Christmas fun? I’ve also got a free Christmas Ornament and tutorial you can try out! Check it out HERE.

These crackers are also included in my Christmas Coloring Bundle where you’ll save 50% off my entire Christmas range. Please check it out!

How to make a Christmas Cracker - Free template and tutorial at sarahrenaeclark.comHow to make a Christmas Cracker - Free template and tutorial at sarahrenaeclark.com

Save 50% on Christmas printables in this huge Christmas Coloring Bundle! It includes printable Christmas crackers, ornaments, bookmarks, coloring pages, gift tags, wrapping paper, gift boxes, Christmas cards and more!