In classical quilling, most basic forms are created from a simple spiral. For this purpose, the Paper strips is threaded through the slot at the end of the quilling pin and this is turned. In this way the long strip automatically winds itself into a tight spiral, which is then placed in the desired field of the quilling-Stencil . If you release the Paper strips , it will jump up to the size given by the round Stencil . The ends are now fixed with paper glue and the basic form is finished, from which all further elements are created. Here it is important to use a paper glue that sets very fast and dries transparent.

This spiral can now be varied by folding and shaping it into different basic figures. The centre of the spiral is carefully moved until the desired shape is achieved, then the open circle is pressed together to form a point. In this way you can create drops, eyes, petals, semicircles, stars, moons and many other basic figures in a few easy steps , which can be combined to create works of art such as stars and flowers

Free quilling offers even more possibilities. Here the desired outlines of a figure are fixed with Paper strips and these are then filled with Paper strips placed in curlicue. Of course the different basic figures can be used here as well. This technique is mainly used for animals, figures or similar (e.g. "Mr. & Mrs. Santa" and "Reindeer").

In recent years, classical quilling has been developed further and further. Current variants are the 3D-quilling and the comb-quilling. In 3D-Quilling the twisted spiral is pushed apart with a slim rod or with the fingers like a cone, so that plastic figures are created. In comb quilling, the Paper strips are woven through the prongs of a metal comb. What is particularly attractive about this creative hobby is that all variations can be freely combined with each other.