How to Make a Palm Frond Cross

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Last Updated: May 2, 2025

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!

The next Palm Sunday is Sunday, March 29, 2026.

Steps

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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.
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Fold the blade to the right about half-way down to make a 90 degree angle.
Then, fold down again. You should now have a small square shape.
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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.
You should now have a locked 90 degree angle.
This is the head and base of the cross.
Pull it until it reaches about the same length as the head.
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!

Community Q&A

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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.

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Question

Should I wet the palm before starting?

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

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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.

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Tips

Making a palm cross is hard at first so you need to have patient.

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Once you have it down, this folding action becomes very prayerful and meditative and is something worth sharing with others so that you spread the peace.

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It may take a few times to get this right, so just keep trying, as it's tricky for a beginner. Also, the plant material doesn't always respond as wished, so be patient; practice makes perfect!

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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.

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