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Learn how to make a cone out of paper with this easy step-by-step tutorial. There are three methods to secure your paper cone shape, and once you’re done, you can even turn it into a DIY paper party hat with a few more easy steps!
You probably learned how to make a cone out of paper in elementary school.
Life’s been pretty busy since then though, and what once seemed so simple might seem harder now.
I’m going to show you the best way I’ve found to make a cone out of paper.
You can use this technique to make funnels, party hats, faux ice cream cones, and even DIY Christmas decor if you turn the cones upside down and use them as trees.
How do you make paper cones? Let’s find out!

How to Make a Cone Out of Paper
Step 1. Gather Supplies
Supplies Needed:
- Paper
- Scissors
- Cone Template – go get it inside our Free Resource Library!
- Pencil
- Tape, Stapler, or Hot Glue Gun and Glue

Step 2. Use the cone template to cut cone shapes out of paper.

Step 3. Fold the paper into a cone shape.

Step 4. Secure the seam of the paper cone.
There are three different options for securing the seam: tape, a stapler, or glue.
Step 5. (Option 1) Apply tape to secure the seam.
If you choose tape, apply the tape along the part where the two ends overlap.
Tape is the least durable and probably the least preferred of the three methods for making a paper cone.
But it is an option if tape is all you have.


Step 6. (Option 2) Staple the seam to secure it.
If you’re going to staple the cone in place instead, add two or three staples to the seam, as far up as your stapler will allow, without damaging the cone.




Step 7. (Option 3) Hot glue the seam to secure it.
If you’re using glue, apply a thin layer of hot glue along one end of the cone. Wrap the paper into a cone shape, and seal the glued edge down until dry.


That’s it! That’s all there is to make a cone!

You can experiment with making cones of different shapes and sizes – short cones with a wide base, tall cones with a narrow base, or anything in between.
Since your only supplies are paper and then tape, staples, or glue, you can experiment with no risk!
How to Make a Party Hat
Once you make a paper cone, chances are you’ll start thinking about party hats. It happens to me every time!
All it takes to turn a paper cone into a paper party hat is a hole punch, some string, and a cord lock stopper.
(Or you could elastic instead of the string and stopper!)
After you make your cones, follow these simple steps to turn your DIY cone into a DIY party hat.

Step 1. Gather Supplies
Supplies Needed:
- Paper Cone – made with the tutorial above.
- Single Hole Punch
- String
- Cord Lock Stopper

Step 2. Punch two holes; one on either side of the paper hat.

Step 3. Tie a long section of yarn onto one side of the party hat, through the hole you punched.
Step 4. Tie a second section of yarn onto the other side of the party hat.

Step 5. Add a cord lock stopper to the ends of the strings to make the party hat adjustable.
Using a circular toggle, squeeze the button, and pass the two ends of the yarn through the fastener while pressing. Pull the excess yarn so the toggle gets closer to the party hat.


Step 6. Tie a knot in the yarn, and trim off any excess.

You can also use elastic instead of string; just tie the ends of a piece of elastic to each hole on the side of the party hat.

Your paper party hat is done!
It’s perfect for kids and dogs alike!
My dog loves it. (Not.)


Turn these simple paper party hats into a fun kids’ activity by giving them supplies to decorate their own hats!
You can either have them draw on the paper before you make the cones/party hats.
Or, you can make the party hats first, and then let them decorate them. (You just risk a crushed hat, if you have young non-gentle children like mine haha.)
Have fun! It’s party time!



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