How to Fold an Origami Cube

Last Updated: September 27, 2022

Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding. Few origami constructions require more than a piece of paper, making origami a wonderful hobby that is accessible to almost everyone. These instructions cover one of the most exhilarating pieces of art. The cube is a simple construction and should take no more than ten minutes to complete. The instructions include basic folds and abase that is common to many constructions.

Steps

1
Orient the paper into portrait alignment.
- You can also find a range of square origami paper on Amazon.
2
Fold the bottom right corner upward so that the bottom edge is aligned with the left edge, and unfold. Then, repeat for the left corner.

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3
Fold the top section of the paper down along the horizontal line formed by the tops of the Step 2-3 creases, and unfold.
4
Cut along the Step 4 crease. Alternatively, lightly lick along the Step 4 crease and then carefully tear. You will not need the long rectangular strip.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

The Water Bomb Base

1
Flip the paper over so that the Step 2-3 creases from the previous section are facing down and the paper is somewhat convex.
2
Fold the bottom edge to the top edge, and unfold.
3
Push the left and right edges toward the center until they meet, forming a tent-like shape. Flatten the tent-like shape along the existing creases.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

The Compressed Cube

1
Fold the right vertex to the top vertex.
2
Fold the right vertex of the resulting triangle to the center line.
3
Insert the flap near the top vertex into the pocket along the top edge of the triangle formed in Step 3, and fold to secure.
4
Repeat Steps 2-4 for the left side.
5
Flip the paper over.
6
Repeat Steps 2-5 for the now-front face.
7
Fold the top triangular section down, and unfold.
8
Fold the bottom triangular section up, and unfold.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

The Magic Final Steps

1
Hold the paper's bottom vertex and spread out the four edges so that they are perpendicular to each other.
2
Blow into the hole at the bottom vertex until the cube takes shape.
3
Finished.

Community Q&A

Question

After blowing, the cube is not taking shape. What did I do wrong?

T. Chinsen

Top Answerer

The paper used may either be too stiff or not stiff enough. Also, the folding needs to be precise, as it can affect how well it will shape out. With the help of a paper clip inserted into the hole, it is possible to nudge out the side walls and push it into shape.
Question

Can I attach string and a small origami box in such a way to make a hot air balloon or parachute? And would it be functional?

Community Answer

That would be a good way to make an origami hot air balloon. However, it would likely not be able to function because hot air balloons rely on fire, and paper is combustible.
Question

Can I make origami with construction paper?

Community Answer

You can, but it’s harder with the thick paper. Don’t use construction paper for harder origami because it is very hard to fold.

Things You'll Need

1 Piece of 8.5" x 11" printer paper (Feel free to use square origami paper. Then you can skip the first section, though you will need the folds from Steps 3-4.
Scissors (optional)