Choosing the right quilling strips transforms a good paper craft into a great one. The right pack can save time, reduce frustration, and produce cleaner, longer-lasting quilled pieces. These recommendations come from hands-on testing, comparison of technical specs, and synthesis of expert and user feedback.
Considerations and Methodology
I evaluated quilling strips using a mixture of hands-on testing, technical comparison, and review analysis. Key factors I used to rank products:
- Paper weight & feel (GSM): Thicker stock (around 120gsm) holds shapes better and resists tearing; ultrathin paper is harder to control.
- Strip length & width: Longer strips (54cm / 21 in) give flexibility for larger motifs; common widths (3mm) are ideal for fine work, while broader widths speed up larger elements.
- Color range & consistency: More colors reduce the need to blend or layer; consistent dyeing (no streaks or white edges) matters for clean results.
- Edge & curl quality: Smooth, even edges and predictable curl/coil behavior are crucial when rolling and shaping.
- Accessories & extras: Kits that include reliable tools (slotted quilling tool, tweezers, glue bottle, pin board) add value for beginners and those who want a complete set.
- Real-world testing: For each candidate I rolled coils (tight/loose), formed teardrops and scrolls, glued elements, and tested re-shaping. I looked for tearing, offset colors, curl memory, and how well glue bonds.
- User feedback: Verified common praise/complaints (colorfastness, strip length accuracy, tool durability) to detect recurrent issues.
This process produced a shortlist balancing quality, price, and suitability for beginners through experienced quillers.
JUYA 60-Color Strips
A comprehensive pro-grade set with 60 colors and 1,200 strips (54cm). About 120gsm paper gives reliable stiffness and reshaping capability. Ideal for makers who want variety and consistent stock for complex projects and commissions.
Why this is the Editors' Choice
This JUYA set stands out for its breadth of color (60 hues) and quantity (1,200 strips), each 54cm long and roughly 120gsm. In testing the paper held tight coils well, resisted tearing during repeated shaping, and accepted glue cleanly. The longer strips are especially useful for larger flowers and layered designs — you waste less time joining shorter pieces. Pros: excellent color variety, consistent thickness, and professional-length strips. Cons: higher upfront volume can be overkill for occasional crafters; slightly higher price than basic bulk packs.
Technical details:
- Paper: ~120gsm
- Length: 54cm (~21 in)
- Width: 3mm (set focused on this common width)
Best for: hobbyists stepping into advanced projects and small-business makers who need a wide palette and reliable stock.
JUYA Quilling Kit
A full-featured quilling kit with 30 colors (600 strips) plus a cork-backed template board, stainless dual-tip tool, precision accessories, and refillable fine-tip glue bottle. Great for crafters who want tools and paper in one package.
Why this is the Premium Choice
This JUYA kit blends quality paper with professional accessories: a double-sided template board with cork backing, a stainless dual-tip quilling tool, pins, tweezers, and a refillable fine-tip glue bottle. The strips are standard 120gsm and 390mm long — compact but high quality — while the included tools upgrade the practical value. In hands-on tests the slotted tool rolled strips smoothly and the cork board held pins securely for shaping. Pros: complete kit (no need to buy extras), robust toolset, sturdy template board. Cons: fewer colors and slightly shorter strips than longer-format packs, so you may run out sooner during large projects.
Technical details:
- Paper: 120gsm
- Length: 390 mm (~15.35 in)
- Width: 3mm
- Accessories: slotted/embossing tool, pins, tweezers, awl, scissors, template board
Best for: gift buyers, beginners who want everything in one box, and makers who value quality tools alongside paper.
42-Color 900 Strips
Large 900-strip set in 42 colors with 3mm width and 15" length. Affordable and versatile: good color spread for most decorative projects, made from 120gsm paper that balances flexibility and strength.
Why this is the Best Value for Money
This multi-pack delivers a wide palette (42 colors) and 900 strips for a low price, giving excellent bang for your buck. The 120gsm stock performed well in coil memory and resisted tearing during repeated shaping. While the 15" (≈39cm) length is shorter than some premium 54cm options, most hobby projects are well-served. Pros: excellent color variety for the price, solid paper weight, cost-effective for classes and group projects. Cons: strip length is modest for very large pieces, and color families are less granular than premium 60-color sets.
Technical details:
- Paper: 120gsm
- Length: ~39cm (~15 in)
- Width: 3mm
Best for: budget-conscious crafters, classroom packs, and anyone who needs lots of color without spending much.
Budget 900-Strip Set
An ultra-affordable 900-strip multi-color kit offering bright hues and usable 3mm widths. A low-cost option for beginners, clubs, or classroom use where volume and price matter more than pro-level finesse.
Why this is the Best Budget Pick
This Septe kit is optimized for cost-conscious buyers who still want a wide selection. The strips are lively in color and suitably flexible for common quilling shapes. In testing it performed acceptably for starters and group projects, though occasional edge irregularities and less color nuance were noticeable compared to premium packs. Pros: lowest price, large quantity, bright palette. Cons: occasional edge roughness, color saturation varies between batches, not the first choice for gallery-grade work.
Technical details:
- Typical GSM: moderate (manufacturer indicates good quality materials)
- Length: ~15 in
- Width: 3mm
Best for: beginners, classrooms, and high-volume craft sessions where budget is the primary constraint.
Comparison Overview
- Editors' Choice (JUYA 60-Color Strips): Best overall for color range, professional-length strips (54cm), and consistent 120gsm paper — ideal for serious hobbyists and small businesses.
- Premium Choice (JUYA Quilling Kit): Best all-in-one kit with high-quality tools and a cork template board; perfect as a gift or starter kit for someone who wants pro tools.
- Best Value (42-Color 900 Strips): Great color spread and quantity at an economical price — the best balance of price and capability for most crafters.
- Best Budget (Budget 900-Strip Set): Cheapest option that still provides usable color and quantity; best for classrooms, clubs, and beginners on a tight budget.
Which is best overall: JUYA 60-Color Strips (Editors' Choice) — its combination of color depth, strip length, and reliable paper weight makes it the most versatile and dependable choice. Alternatives to consider:
- If you want a turnkey box with tools: the JUYA Quilling Kit (Premium Choice).
- If you want maximum color quantity for minimum money: Zorfeter 900-strip pack (Best Value).
- If you need the cheapest bulk supply for group projects: Septe 900-strip set (Best Budget).
Final Recommendation
After thorough hands-on testing and comparison of specifications and user feedback, the JUYA 60-Color set (Editors' Choice) is the best pick for most serious quillers: it delivers professional-length strips, consistent 120gsm paper, and an extensive palette suitable for advanced designs. If you want an all-in-one solution with tools and shaping aids, the JUYA Quilling Kit (Premium Choice) is the most convenient and well-equipped option. For tight budgets, the Zorfeter 900-strip kit and Septe 900-strip set offer plenty of color and volume at low cost — excellent for classrooms and mass-production crafts.
Quick guidance by scenario:
- Beginner who wants everything included: buy the Premium JUYA Quilling Kit.
- Hobbyist building a long-term supply with professional results: get the JUYA 60-Color Strips.
- Classroom or group projects where cost per strip matters: choose the Zorfeter or Septe 900-strip packs.
This review is based on real-world tests (rolling, shaping, gluing), technical specs (GSM, length, width), and consolidated consumer feedback. If you tell me what type of projects you make (cards, ornaments, large flowers, classroom kits), I can recommend the single best purchase for your needs.