How to Make a Palm Frond Cross

Last Updated: March 10, 2021

On the Sunday before Easter, many Christians celebrate Palm Sunday. Recalling the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem, churches distribute palm leaves in remembrance of people who waved them and carpeted his path with them. One of the things you can do with these palm leaves is to fold them into crosses. These are great to give out as little gifts or hide as secret presents!

Steps

1
Gently tear or snap off a palm blade off the palm stalk. The type of palm doesn't matter provided it bends easily; just test its give before snipping and keep testing until you find blades that are adequately flexible.
2
Hold the palm blade pointy side up.
3
Fold the blade to the right about half-way down to make a 90 degree angle.
4
Fold down once. Then, fold down again. You should now have a small square shape.
5
Push the pointy end around the back of the square and fold over.
6
Take the pointy end on the left, and loop it towards you without making any turns. Then:
- Push then pull the pointy end through the square until it comes out of the square.
- Pull through all the way.
7
Hold onto the square with one hand and tug on the fat and pointed ends to secure it. You should now have a locked 90 degree angle.
8
Take the pointy end and turning it towards yourself, push through the square. This is the head and base of the cross.
9
Turn 90 degrees to where the pointy end is facing downward and the fat end is facing to your right.
10
Flip it so that the fat end is now on your left.
11
Take the fat end and loop it away from you into the square. Pull it until it reaches about the same length as the head.
12
Turn it over to where the straight fat end faces left again.
13
Take the fat end and loop it towards you back into the square. Pull until it is about the same length as the other two parts. Be sure to tuck it inside the other loop so that you can't see it. You're done!
14
Finished.

Community Q&A

Question

What type of palm frond do I use, and how long should it be?

Balla17

Community Answer

You can use any type of frond. It should be at least 6 inches.
Question

Should I wet the palm before starting?

Community Answer

No, you do not need to wet the palm before starting.
Question

Does the palm have to be fresh off the stalk?

Community Answer

No, but it can't be too dried out or rotten either; if so, you won't be able to make the cross.
Question

Does it matter how long the palm frond is?

Community Answer

No, it can be any size.
Question

Do I make palm crosses out of palm buds?

Community Answer

No, you make a cross out of the palm fronds, not the buds.
Question

How can I get the middle to stay?

Community Answer

You hold the middle while using the other hand to do the rest, or have someone else hold it for you.
Question

Can I make a cross out of anything else?

Community Answer

You could use anything that's flexible, like paper, plastic, rubber, cardboard, etc.
Question

How do I keep the palm from turning yellow or brown?

Community Answer

You can't. You just have to make the crosses shortly before you need to use them so they'll stay fresh.
Question

Do I have to put the palm crosses in water after I make them?

Community Answer

No, you don't.
Question

Will it damage the palm cross to dip it in hot water?

Sara Bradford

Community Answer

It won't harm your hand unless you leave it in boiling/hot water too long. Three minutes can be considered long. If you have sensitive hands then it could damage your palm easier. If you notice blisters or bright red spots on your hand after an hour, it means you could have burnt your palm. Just put some Aloe Vera gel on it ( a gel made of Aloe leaves) and let sit for a few hours and the burn will heal.

Show more answers

Warnings

Do not throw away the palm parts, even your messed up crosses, as this is considered very disrespectful if they have been blessed. Burial or burning is the proper manner of disposal.

Thanks!
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