China, by Hand / Original practice sheet

A simple paper weave

An original wide-strip exercise for adult beginners. Inspired by paper weaving, not a reproduction of traditional Yongchun fine-strip work.

Prepare

Two colours of paper, a ruler, scissors and glue. Cut a 16 × 16 cm base square and six strips, each 2 × 16 cm.

Mark a 2 cm border around the base. Fold it in half horizontally. On the fold, mark x = 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14 cm from the left edge. Cut vertically from those marks toward the open edge, stopping at the border. Unfold. You now have seven slots and six base bands, joined at both ends.
Slide one coloured strip across the base: above the first band, below the next, and continue alternating. Leave its ends on the border.
For the next row, begin below the first band. Continue alternating rows until all six strips are in place. Follow the diagram.
Align the strips gently, glue only the loose ends to the border and let dry. Mount on a card if you like.

↑ = coloured strip above the base band · ↓ = coloured strip below it. Switch at every crossing and reverse the next row.

If a strip tears, stop and replace it. Do not force it through. Use scissors carefully; this guide is intended for adults.

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