How to make a Christmas Cracker (BONUS free template)

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.