{"id":3975,"date":"2026-08-06T07:29:39","date_gmt":"2026-08-06T07:29:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cavendishdevere.com\/blog\/how-to-make-paper-templates-for-winding-stair-runners\/"},"modified":"2026-08-31T10:51:45","modified_gmt":"2026-08-31T10:51:45","slug":"how-to-make-paper-templates-for-winding-stair-runners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cavendishdevere.com\/blog\/how-to-make-paper-templates-for-winding-stair-runners\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Make Paper Templates for Winding Stair Runners"},"content":{"rendered":"

Fitting a stair runner to a straight staircase is relatively straightforward, but when you encounter winding stairs\u2014those elegantly curved sections that allow staircases to turn corners\u2014the 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.<\/p>\n

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<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Why Paper Templates Are Essential for Winding Stairs<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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<\/a> that walks through the entire process in detail.<\/p>\n

The Templating Process: Step by Step<\/h2>\n

Preparing Your Materials<\/h3>\n

For this work, we use heavy-duty kraft paper\u2014the 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.<\/p>\n

Creating Each Template<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Next, we mark the desired width of the runner on each step. This requires careful consideration\u2014the 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.<\/p>\n

Each template is numbered sequentially and labelled with its orientation to ensure they can be correctly matched to their corresponding steps during fitting.<\/em><\/p>\n

From Template to Finished Runner<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Edge Finishing: Binding and Whipping<\/h3>\n

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