How to Make Paper Templates for Winding Stair Runners

Fitting a stair runner to a straight staircase is relatively straightforward, but when you encounter winding stairs—those elegantly curved sections that allow staircases to turn corners—the process becomes considerably more complex. These distinctive steps, known by many names including winders, kite-shaped stairs, wedge stairs, pie-shaped steps, or even pizza-shaped treads, require a completely different approach to achieve a professional finish.

At Cavendish deVere, we’ve perfected the art of creating paper templates for winding stair runners, and today we’re sharing the process that ensures every installation fits like a glove. Whether you call them turning stairs, triangle-shaped steps, or simply winders, the principle remains the same: accurate templating is the foundation of a flawless fit.

Why Paper Templates Are Essential for Winding Stairs

Unlike standard rectangular treads, winding stairs present a unique challenge. Each step fans out in a different direction, with the narrow end typically positioned near the central newel post and the wider section sweeping outward. This means no two winders are identical, and attempting to cut carpet without precise measurements is a recipe for costly mistakes.

Paper templates serve as an exact replica of each step’s unique shape. By creating these templates on-site, we capture every subtle angle and dimension, ensuring the final carpet piece will sit perfectly on the tread with consistent margins on all sides. We’ve put together a video on how to make a paper template for a stair runner that walks through the entire process in detail.

The Templating Process: Step by Step

Preparing Your Materials

For this work, we use heavy-duty kraft paper—the same brown paper you can see in our project photographs. This material is sturdy enough to hold its shape whilst being flexible enough to mould around the contours of each step. Masking tape is essential for securing the paper in place, and a sharp pencil allows for precise marking of the cutting lines.

Creating Each Template

The process begins by laying the paper across the tread and riser of each winding step. We carefully smooth it into the corners and crease it along the edges where the step meets the riser below and above. Using masking tape, we secure the paper firmly to prevent any movement during marking.

Next, we mark the desired width of the runner on each step. This requires careful consideration—the runner must be wide enough to provide comfortable footing on the narrowest part of the winder whilst maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance on the wider section. We typically mark reference points and measurements directly onto each template, as you can see in our project images where notes like “550 x 4 + 900” and “11 steps” have been written for later reference.

Each template is numbered sequentially and labelled with its orientation to ensure they can be correctly matched to their corresponding steps during fitting.

From Template to Finished Runner

Once all templates have been created and removed from the staircase, they’re taken to our workshop where the real transformation begins. The paper templates are laid onto the chosen carpet, and the precise shapes are transferred and cut.

Edge Finishing: Binding and Whipping

Raw carpet edges will fray over time, which is why professional finishing is crucial. For winding stair runners, we offer two primary methods:

• Bordered edges: A fabric border is sewn around the perimeter of each piece, creating a defined, polished appearance that frames the carpet beautifully
• Whipped edges: The carpet edge is wrapped with yarn in a tight overlock stitch, preventing fraying whilst adding a subtle decorative detail

Both techniques ensure longevity and maintain that crisp, tailored appearance for years to come.

The Fitting Process

With the carpet pieces cut to shape and their edges professionally finished, we return to install the runner. Because each piece has been created from an exact template, the carpet follows the unique contours of each winding step perfectly. There’s no pulling, stretching, or unsightly bunching—just a seamless fit that looks as though the carpet was made specifically for that staircase (because, of course, it was).

For those interested in seeing the complete installation process, we’ve also created a video on how to fit a winding stair runner that demonstrates our professional techniques.

The Difference Precision Makes

The photographs from this particular project illustrate the meticulous preparation that goes into every winding stair runner installation. You can see how each paper template has been carefully fitted to its corresponding step, with clear markings indicating measurements and positioning. The freshly painted white staircase provides a clean canvas, and the attention to detail at this templating stage guarantees an impeccable final result.

Many homeowners underestimate the complexity involved in fitting runners to winding stairs. It’s not simply a matter of measuring width and length—every angle, every curve, and every transition must be accounted for. This is skilled craftsmanship that requires experience, patience, and the right techniques.

Trust the Experts

At Cavendish deVere, we’ve been perfecting stair runner installations across London for years. Whether your staircase features a simple quarter-turn with a few winders or a complex spiral with multiple winding sections, our templating process ensures a result that’s nothing short of perfect. If you’re considering a stair runner for your home and have winding stairs that need special attention, get in touch with our team to discuss your project.