Bold diamond panels and a jester cap with three points and bells – our printable harlequin mask is a colorful carnival classic. Color it, cut it out, and add elastic. This free harlequin mask template is perfect for Mardi Gras, carnival parties, and drama class.
Why This Harlequin Mask Is So Colorful
The big diamond panels are perfect for a two-color checkerboard or a wild color mosaic. Since the diamonds are drawn large, they're easy to color neatly. A jester cap with three points and bells finishes the look. For kids 9 and up and teens, it's a project all about patterns and color effects.
Big diamonds for a bold pattern.
Three points with bells.
Color them or add real ones.
Part of our Carnival Classics set.
✂️ Craft Instructions: Turn the Template into a Mask
🧰 What You Need
- Printer + heavier paper or cardstock (65–110 lb)
- Colored pencils, markers or watercolors
- Scissors (craft knife for the eye holes – adults only)
- Elastic cord (about 12–14 inches)
- Hole punch for the elastic holes
Print the template at actual size (100 %, not “fit to page”) on thick paper.
Color the mask any way you like – the big shapes are perfect for little hands.
Cut along the thick outer line.
An adult cuts out the eye holes with a craft knife or pointed scissors.
Punch holes at the two small circles, thread the elastic through and knot it – done!
⚠️ Safety: eye holes, craft knives and hot glue are grown-up jobs. Don’t run or play rough while wearing a mask that limits your view – and never put elastic around the neck.
📦 Included in These Craft Sets
This mask also comes as part of a bundle – one free PDF with a cover page, craft instructions and every mask in the set:
Ideas for Your Carnival Party
Put on a jester show where each harlequin performs a short skit or joke. In a jingle bell game, everyone tiptoes around the room, and whoever rings their bells sits out a round. Arrange colorful paper diamonds into a giant group pattern. Then lead a carnival parade through the house with music and shakers.
Fun Facts About the Harlequin
The harlequin comes from Italian commedia dell'arte, a style of theater that began more than 400 years ago. There, he's called Arlecchino, a clever, funny servant. His costume was first made of colorful patches, which later turned into the famous diamond pattern. The jester cap with bells comes from court jesters who entertained kings and queens with jokes. Today, the harlequin is one of the best-loved figures at carnival celebrations.
Color Ideas for Your Harlequin Mask
Classic, bold, or elegant:
Red and black in a checkerboard.
A different color for every diamond.
Gold and purple with golden bells.
Black and white with silver bells.
Great Times for the Harlequin Mask
This harlequin steals the show at:
The colorful carnival classic.
Perfect for a lesson on commedia dell'arte.
Great for practicing patterns and color.
A playful contrast to elegant masks.
Harlequin Facts at a Glance
Jester facts to share:
His name in Italy.
From theater over 400 years old.
They started as colorful patches.
The source of the belled cap.
More Masks for Your Carnival Party
Pierrot, clown, and feather masks are ready too – see all our carnival masks.
🎭 More masks from this group:
Your Benefits at PureSketchy:
- A Real Craft Template: Face-size mask with eye holes and marks for elastic, a stick or glue tabs.
- Free to Print: Every mask and craft set as a PDF or image, no sign-up required.
- Print-Ready A4: Clean vector lines that print crisp on any home printer.
- Kid-Friendly Designs: Cheerful characters, nothing too scary, no brand logos – perfect for home, preschool and school.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What age is this mask suitable for?
The harlequin mask is designed for ages 9 and up and makes a fun project for teens and adults too. Older kids color and cut out the mask themselves, and an adult helps cut the eye holes.
Will the mask fit a child’s face?
Yes – printed at actual size (100 %) on A4 or US Letter, the mask is roughly the size of a child’s face. For adults, scale it up to 110–115 % or print on A3/Tabloid.
What paper works best?
We recommend heavier cardstock around 200 gsm (about 110 lb) so the jester cap and bells stay sturdy.
Is the download free?
Yes, all masks and coloring pages on PureSketchy are 100% free for personal use, preschools, and schools.
Is there a German version?
Yes! You can find the German version at Harlekin Maske.