Elf Cottage Papercraft for Your Elf

Elf Cottage papercraft template with cut and fold lines to color for your elf

Print this free Elf Cottage papercraft, color it, cut it out and fold it into a little prop for your elf. Put the cottage on a windowsill and add cotton as snow on the roof. Build time is about 30–40 minutes.

✂️ About This Papercraft

Elf Cottage papercraft: A little house with a gable roof, windows and a door. It has two parts: the house and the roof. Size: folded approx. 5.5 × 4 × 6.7 cm (2.2 × 1.6 × 2.6 in).

At a Glance

Difficulty
●●● hard
Craft time
about 30–40 minutes
Size
folded approx. 5.5 × 4 × 6.7 cm
Pages
2 × A4
🧺 What You Need
  • Printer
  • Heavy cardstock (65–110 lb) recommended
  • Scissors
  • Glue stick
  • Colored pencils
  • Ruler and an empty ballpoint pen for scoring
  • cotton for snow (optional)

📐 Step-by-Step Instructions

🖨️ Important: print at 100% (“Actual size”), not “Fit to page”.

1
Color and cut along the solid lines.
2
Fold the dash-dot lines backward (mountain fold): the walls stand up, windows and door stay outside.
3
Glue the corner tabs inside the front and back walls. Fold the gable tabs (dashed, valley fold) OUTWARD at a right angle – the roof sits on them.
4
Continue with part 2 (roof).
5
Color and cut out the roof.
6
Fold backward in the middle (mountain fold); the shingles stay outside.
7
Put glue on the four outward-folded gable tabs, place the roof on top and press. The tabs disappear under the roof overhang.
8
Done! Tip: cotton wool on the roof looks like snow.
The Lines on the Template:
━━━ solid = cut · ━ · ━ dash-dot = mountain fold, fold backward · - - - dashed = valley fold, fold forward · ▒ gray area = glue

💡 Tips & Common Mistakes

  • Fold the gable tabs outward, not inward. The roof rests on them.
  • Hard build: Split the work. One child colors, a grown-up cuts and folds, and you glue together.
  • Print at 100% (actual size), not “fit to page.” Otherwise the measurements and tabs will not line up.
  • Small paper pieces are not for children under 3. Craft and play only with supervision.

🎭 How the Elf Plays With It

Put the cottage on a windowsill and add cotton as snow on the roof. Your elf can host visitors out front. Snap a photo of the finished piece in its spot. It makes a nice December keepsake.

📦 Matching printable set: Arrival

Goes Well With

Your Benefits at PureSketchy:

  • Completely Free: Every elf printable with no sign-up, no newsletter, no subscription.
  • Made for Coloring: Clear black lines – kids color everything themselves.
  • Your Elf, Your Name: There is always space to write in your own elf's name.
  • Everything in One Place: Prank ideas, papercraft props, printable sets, letters and guides all fit together.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How big is the “Elf Cottage” papercraft?
According to the template: folded approx. 5.5 × 4 × 6.7 cm (2.2 × 1.6 × 2.6 in). An elf is about the size of a yogurt cup.

How long does it take, and what age is it for?
About 30 to 40 minutes. Best from about age 9 or as a team project with a grown-up.

How do I attach the roof?
Put glue on the four outward-folded gable tabs, set the roof on top and press down.

Which paper and glue do I need?
Regular printer paper works, but heavy cardstock (65–110 lb) is sturdier. A glue stick is all you need for the tabs.

Is the download free?
Yes, every printable on PureSketchy is 100% free for personal use, preschools and schools – no sign-up needed.

Is there a German version?
Yes! You can find the German version at Wichtelhäuschen.