How to Make a Palm Cross for Palm Sunday: A Step-by-Step Guide

Palm crosses are a fun activity. Whether you want to make them for a craft project or a church event, this guide will show you exactly how to fold a palm cross from palm fronds.

Materials Needed:

• One fresh palm frond (approximately 1/2 to 1 inch wide and at least 12 inches long)
• Scissors (if needed, to trim the frond to size)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Palm Frond

If the palm frond is too wide, you can trim it to about 1/2 inch in width to make folding easier. If one end of the frond is too skinny, you can cut off the excess to make it easier to work with.

Step 2: Create the Initial Fold

Touch both ends of the palm frond together to find your center, but instead of creasing the fold in half, make a 90-degree angle.

Step 3: Form the Base

Now, bring the bottom arm up and over the center to form an "L" shape.

Step 4: Secure the Middle Square

Bring that same arm back down and around the center, almost as if you are wrapping it. This should create a little "square"—hold it tightly so it doesn’t come undone.

Step 5: Lock the Cross Structure

Take the other arm on the side and fold it around the back of the middle square. There should be a little pocket in the center square—pull this arm through that pocket and tighten it. Now everything should be held in place.

Step 6: Shape the Arms of the Cross

Take that same arm you just slid through the center pocket and bring it back through the middle. There should be a visible slot for you to pull it back through. Do not pull it tight yet—this is forming one arm of the cross.

Step 7: Complete the Arms

Take the excess you just pulled through the center and loop it back into the middle once more. At this point, your palm frond should look like a "T" with two loops on either side of the center forming the arms of the cross.

Step 8: Finalize the Cross

Take the tip of the bottom arm and fold it up and through the newly created pocket in the center of the cross. Pull it gently to maintain the structure. Once you've done this, it should form the loop that makes the top of the cross, revealing your completed creation!

Tips for Making Palm Crosses:

• If the palm fronds are too dry, lightly mist them with water to keep them flexible.
• Use sharp scissors to trim any uneven edges.
• Practice with a few fronds to perfect your technique before making multiple crosses.

The Significance of Palm Crosses

Palm crosses are often handed out on Palm Sunday as a reminder of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Many people keep them throughout the year as a symbol of faith. Some churches encourage the return of palm crosses to be burned for Ash Wednesday ashes.

Watch a Step-by-Step Video

If you’d like a visual demonstration, check out this easy-to-follow tutorial from Community Christian Church in Fairfield TWP, Ohio:

Where to Get Palm Fronds

If you're looking for fresh palm fronds to make your own crosses, you can find high-quality palm strips, fresh fan palm branches, and palm ash here. We also offer pre-made palm crosses for those who prefer a ready-to-use option.

We hope this guide has been helpful to you. May your Easter season be blessed and filled with the glory of Christ's resurrection!