SECTION 3 - TIGHT ROLLS

and variations...

Making a TIGHT ROLL:

This shape is probably the most used in quilling as it is the base of so many other shapes when roll is allowed to relax and is then pinched into other shapes. Small centre hole and smooth rolled edges are what you aim to achieve with practice, as above.

For beginners;  using the Slotted Quilling tool and a strip of paper ( try 3 or 6mm to start with), hold the tool in your writing hand and slot the end of the strip into the slit along the side of the tool near the tip of the shaft. It will grip and you can begin rolling.

For a smaller hole in the middle of the finished roll, use the Quilling needle tool, remembering it will have to have YOU wind the paper onto it, rather than turning the tool handle. Marginally trickier but you will progress in very quick time to this stage.

• The slotted tool is turned in a clockwise manner to make the paperstrip wind onto the tool like a coil.  As the paper feeds on to the tool, keep the paper held in your opposite hand fingers with a little tension on it.  This helps to make the coil (roll) form evenly and makes it easier for you to ensure it rolls up in alignment with itself for  the entire roll.  This is important so that the roll will not look lumpy when viewed after removal from tool.
• When you are happy with the size of the tight roll, tear the free end of paper away ( neater when adhered than a cut edge) and glue to the roll, holding briefly till it is well stuck on.
• If you are using for a shape made with a loose roll ( which is a tight roll NOT glued at the end but left to loosen up a little ) then don't adhere the end
• Remove roll from tool and if you would like to neaten any slight irregularity in the winding that causes ridges in the roll,  up end your PCA tool and slightly press the roll ( laying face up not on it's side!) with your tool end and it will often make the roll look really smooth and flat for you.

Removal of roll from Quilling needle tool for a loose roll, the end not adhered.

There is a variation made with the tight roll that is used for BELL or GUMNUT type shapes... it is called a GRAPE ROLL. Here is how they are made....

The Grape Roll or cone:  Is a tight roll that has been shaped with an object smaller than the circumference of the roll's width by pushing upward to move the centre part of the roll outward.  This conical shape is then secured with a little glue on the inside so that the layers won't slip back inward.

Spirals:

Easy to create by winding the paper strip around the length of the PCA Quilling needle tool, these can be made and used as decorative elements on your projects. A spiral makes a nice stem of "grass", seaweed or twigs in a vase amongst other flowers perhaps. Glue the underside down securely to the base to hold in place.

Now go onto SECTION 4 - LOOSE ROLL SHAPES

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