How to Make a Crutch for a Joint: 6 Filter Tip Designs

The easiest upgrade for any joint is a good crutch, also called a filter tip: a little roll of thin card at the mouth end. To make one, fold one end of a strip of card into a small accordion (a “W” shape), then roll the rest around it. It holds the joint's shape while you smoke and keeps bits of herb out of your mouth.

Rolling a crutch is easy, and you can do it with stuff you probably already have at home, like a business card or the flap of a rolling papers pack. Keep reading to learn how to make the perfect tip, from the basic W to fancier designs, for a smoother, cleaner smoke.

Why use a crutch in your joints?

Ever had a joint fall apart on you right when you get to the end? If so, a filter tip might be exactly what you need. Adding a crutch gives your joint more stability, keeps it from coming apart and lets you enjoy every hit without hassle.

Tips are especially handy when you're passing joints around a session with friends. A tipless joint can get pretty gross at the mouth end, especially if someone leaves it soggy. With a crutch, everything stays cleaner and more hygienic, which makes puff, puff, pass a lot more pleasant for everyone.

What other benefits does a filter tip have?

Another key perk of a crutch is steady airflow. That means you don't have to pull hard to get a good hit. A joint that's packed too tight can be a pain to smoke, but with a tip that's open at both ends, you'll get just the right amount of air on every draw.

Finally, a crutch lets you get the most out of your weed without wasting any. Normally, when you smoke a joint, you end up tossing the roach so you don't burn your fingers.

But good herb isn't cheap, so of course you want to smoke it all the way down. With a crutch, you can enjoy the whole joint without worrying about burning yourself, making sure every gram of your stash goes to good use.

The best ways to roll a crutch

There isn't just one type of filter tip; there's a whole range of shapes you can roll for your joints. From simple designs to fancier ones like hearts or stars, the options are endless, and they give you a chance to get creative while you roll.

Here are some of the most popular crutch designs, ones that don't just improve your smoke but also add a personal touch to your sessions.

1. The classic crutch

If you like to keep it simple, the standard tip is your best bet. Grab a strip of card and fold one end into an accordion. Then roll the rest of the card around it into a cylinder.

When you're done, you'll see a “W” shape inside the tip, which keeps the airflow steady and stops the joint from falling apart at the end.

2. The heart

For anyone who wants to add a creative touch, the heart-shaped tip is perfect. It's a little trickier to make, but the result is worth it. Start by folding a small section at one end of the card.

Then use a tool (a pen or toothpick works) to shape the card into two curves that form the heart. Finally, roll the rest of the tip around the heart to finish the design.

3. The star

The star takes a bit more skill and a pair of scissors, but the end result is seriously impressive. Start with an accordion just like you would for a classic tip. Then fold the end of the accordion down to form a star.

Trim part of the card to clean up the shape, then roll another strip of card around the star to finish the tip.

4. The Mercedes

If you're a fan of Mercedes-Benz, this one's for you. Start by making a small accordion in the card, with about four folds. Then shape it into the Mercedes logo, which looks more like an upside-down “Y.” Finally, roll the rest of the tip around the logo to finish the design. It's quick and easy, and it doesn't skimp on style.

5. The spiral

The spiral is a simple but eye-catching tip for your weed that you can make in under three minutes. Start by rolling one end of the card just a little, then keep rolling and applying pressure to form the spiral. Once the spiral is nice and tight, unroll it and roll it back up so it holds its shape. This design gives you smooth, steady airflow.

6. The cannabis leaf

This tip is the hardest on the list, but also the most iconic. You'll need a 3x10 cm (about 1x4 in) strip of card and a pair of scissors. Start with an accordion, but make the middle fold a little deeper to mimic the shape of the center leaflet of a cannabis leaf.

Then trim and roll the card until you get the silhouette of a cannabis leaf. This tip isn't just functional, it's also a tribute to the plant itself.

Each of these techniques makes your joints work better and adds a bit of personality and creativity to your smoke. Give them a shot and find the one that fits your style!