Welcome 2026 with this cheerful and simple paper plate New Year project you can create together with your children.
2026 UPDATE – The complimentary New Year craft template is now updated for 2026, so please disregard the year shown in the pictures.
Today I’m presenting a yarn and paper plate activity designed to make young children eager for the coming year. This uncomplicated project includes a free pattern and requires just a few materials.
Paper plate projects are some of my favorites, and I’ve created stitching activities for each season as well as numerous celebrations.
Crafts involving sewing benefit children in many different ways, including improving hand-eye coordination and building patience.

For our paper plate New Year project, children cut with scissors, create holes, and weave yarn through them. The final stage uses a plastic yarn needle, making the stitching process more enjoyable.
This handy little craft accessory is worth adding to your craft supplies and keeping close by. Children enjoy working with it, and when you explore my yarn craft collection, you’ll discover plenty of additional projects to make.
RELATED: Combine this project with these simple paper fireworks.

New Year Traditions
Does your household follow any New Year customs believed to bring good fortune?
A friend once told me that carrying money in your hand as you step into the new year will bring prosperity. My husband and I have tried this, although not regularly. Apart from that, we don’t follow any other traditions.

I was amazed to discover so many enjoyable New Year customs from different parts of the world. Reading about them makes me want to establish one with my family. Choosing is difficult, but the final idea, featuring the wish jar, was my favorite.
Record a wish, aim, or resolution and place it inside a jar. Leave the jar unopened until the following New Year, then check whether your wish has become reality.
Materials:

How to create a paper plate New Year craft
First, download the craft pattern, which is located at the end of the post. Print page one onto white paper, then cut out either the star or heart design.

Place the shape on the reverse side of the paper plate, trace around it, and cut it out.

Punch openings all the way around the shape.

Then punch additional holes along the edge of the paper plate.

Snip a lengthy piece of yarn, pass it through the plastic yarn needle, and knot one end onto the needle. Use tape to fasten the opposite end to the back of the paper plate.

Begin pulling the yarn through the openings in the paper plate. Keep going until the yarn has been fully used.

Should you still have holes left unthreaded, cut a fresh length of yarn and follow thesame procedure as earlier. (Attach one end to the needle, then fasten the opposite end to the paper plate).

On colored cardstock, print the template’s second page. Cut out the circle, then adhere it to the reverse side of the paper plate.
Supplies
- New Year craft template – available at the end of the article
- paper plate
- pencil
- yarn
- tape
- cardstock paper
Equipment
- scissors
- handheld hole punch
- plastic yarn needle
Directions
- First, download the craft template, which is located at the end of the article. Print its first page on white paper, then cut out either the star or heart design.
- Place the shape on the back of the paper plate, trace around it, and cut along the outline.
- Punch holes around the shape using a hole punch.
- Next, punch additional holes along the edge of the paper plate.
- Cut a long piece of yarn and pass it through the plastic yarn needle. Knot one end onto the needle, then tape the other end to the back of the paper plate. Begin weaving the yarn through the plate’s holes and keep going until the yarn runs out. If some holes remain unthreaded, cut a fresh piece of yarn and repeat the previous process. (Knot one end to the needle and tape the other end to the paper plate).
- Print page two of the template on colored cardstock. After cutting out the circle, attach it to the back of the paper plate with glue.
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