How to Make a Paper Funnel or Cone

Start by making a paper circle. The height of the cone depends on the radius of the circle—the larger the radius, the taller the cone. You can either print a cone template or draw a similar shape on your chosen paper. If drawing freehand, aim for a perfectly even circle.

• Inaccurate measurements can significantly affect the cone’s shape, so strive for precision.
• For a perfect circle, use a compass or trace around a round object like a lid or container.

Draw a sharp triangular angle. Use a template and cut along the two sides to create a triangular angle. To draw the angle freehand, mark a point at the center of the circle. Use a ruler to draw two straight lines from the center, forming a triangular angle. If the lines are too close, the angle will be small, resulting in a cone with a wider base.

• Use a protractor to locate the circle’s center if unsure. If you used a protractor to sketch the circle, you can save time by marking the center beforehand.
• You can also draw the triangular angle using a ruler and pencil.

Cut the triangular angle out of the circle. To create a cone with a smaller base, cut a larger triangular angle. Use scissors or a craft knife to make a clean, straight cut. If the cut is uneven, you’ll need to start over.

Bring the two cut edges of the circle together. To form the cone, overlap one cut edge over the other. Hold the edges firmly and ensure the bottom edges align evenly. This will transform the circular paper into the desired cone shape.

• Unfold and repeat if the sides are uneven on the first attempt.
• Avoid creating sharp creases. Your cone should maintain a rounded shape.

Secure the inside of the cone.

Once the edges are overlapped, you’ll have a paper cone. Use tape to firmly attach the edges by pulling them together and securing them. Your paper cone is now complete.

• One piece of tape is enough to hold the cone. Adding too much tape inside can look messy. Use one hand to apply the tape while the other holds the cone steady.

Cut a triangle with one long side. If the circular method isn’t your preference, you can create a cone using a triangular sheet of paper. To roll the paper into a cone, you’ll need a triangle with one long side and two equal shorter sides. The larger the triangle, the bigger the cone. Ensure precise measurements and accurate cutting.

• Minor errors can cause the cone to collapse or, worse, make it too short to form properly.
• Alternatively, you can use a semicircular sheet. A semicircle will result in a more even cone tip.
• If measuring isn’t your forte, find a triangle template. Make sure it has one long side and two equal shorter sides.

Roll the two outer corners toward the center. Take one outer corner and roll it inward until the edge meets the midpoint of the triangle. Use your other hand to roll the opposite corner over the first roll. Once completed, you’ll have the basic cone shape.

• If rolling the corners is difficult, the longest side of the triangle might not be long enough.
• The two corners you’re rolling are the ones opposite each other on the longest side.
• Hold the first roll in place while rolling the second corner. Each corner is rolled with one hand.

Adjust your cone. If the corners are rolled perfectly, no further adjustments are needed. Tighten the roll if necessary. If the rolls feel uneven, feel free to tweak them.

• If excess paper sticks out, the initial cut might have been uneven. Use a craft knife to trim the excess. Once trimmed, no one will notice the earlier mistake.
• This process is relatively quick, so repeating it a few times can help you achieve a perfect result.

Fold the excess edges into the base of the cone. Any extra paper at the bottom should be folded inward. This ensures the cone is even and maintains its shape. If rolled correctly, at least one triangular edge will fold inward.

• If there’s not enough paper to fold, secure the base with tape, folding it from the outside inward.
• Adjust the tightness of the cone if the rolled edges aren’t clearly defined.

Apply tape to the cone. While rolling the edges holds the cone together, adding tape inside ensures a sturdy shape. Place a strip of tape along the inner seam. For extra security, add tape across the top and middle of the seam. Once taped, your cone will be perfectly formed.

• Excess edges can also be taped inward.

Choose the right paper. If you have a clear idea of the cone’s purpose, consider selecting the appropriate material. Different projects may require different types of paper.

• Printer paper works well for simple decorative cones, offering plenty of opportunities for coloring or drawing.
• Cardstock is ideal for creating party hats.
• Parchment paper is perfect for making baking funnels.

Cut the tip of the funnel. If you’re making a paper cone for baking, you’ll need to turn it into a funnel. Simply use scissors to snip off the pointed tip. Once removed, you can easily control the flow of icing or syrup by squeezing the funnel.

• If the hole isn’t big enough, you can cut it again. However, note that the higher you cut, the larger the hole will be. Be careful and precise when trimming.

Decorate the cone with patterns. If your cone is for decoration or a party hat, adding designs can be fun. Use your favorite markers or pens to draw. Patterns like zigzags or swirls work well, but you can also write words. For party hats or joke hats, adding text (like “Happy Birthday”) can make the purpose clear.

• Sketch your design with a pencil first if you’re worried about mistakes.
• It’s easier to practice your design on scrap paper before applying it to the cone.

Seek inspiration for creative ideas. There are countless ways to decorate a paper cone. While you’ll need to come up with your own ideas, you can also draw inspiration from others’ work. Experiment with different cone-making methods and decorate your cone with new materials. The possibilities for creativity in DIY projects are endless.

• Practice makes perfect. The more cones you make, the better your results will be.
• Printer paper can be used for this project.

• Take your time with the initial measurements. While measuring may not be as fun as creative decorating, mistakes at this stage can force you to start over.