How to Fold a Fortune Teller Paper Step by Step

What You’ll Need

One square sheet of paper (origami paper, printer paper cut to a square, or any lightweight paper)
A flat surface to fold on
A pen or pencil for writing numbers and fortunes
Optional: markers, stickers, or washi tape to decorate

Step-by-Step

Start with a square. If your paper is rectangular, fold one corner diagonally to the opposite edge, then trim or tear off the excess strip to make a perfect square.
Fold diagonally both ways. Fold the square in half diagonally to form a triangle, crease well, then unfold. Repeat with the other diagonal, then unfold so you have an X-shaped crease.
Fold in half both ways. Fold the square in half horizontally, crease, unfold, then fold vertically and unfold. You should now have a grid of creases.
Bring corners to the center. Fold each of the four corners into the center point, using the creases as a guide. Press down to create a smaller square.
Flip the paper over. Turn the whole piece so the folded flaps face down.
Fold corners to center again. Fold each of the four corners of this new square into the center point, just like before. You’ll have a smaller square with four triangular flaps.
Fold in half to crease. Fold the square in half horizontally, crease firmly, then unfold. Fold vertically, crease, and unfold. These creases will help the final shape open.
Open the pockets. Gently insert your fingers under the four flaps from the bottom. You should see four open pockets forming.
Shape the fortune teller. Pinch the sides together so the pockets stand up and the center forms a point. Smooth out any wrinkles.
Write numbers on the flaps. On the four outer flaps (the ones you see when the fortune teller is closed), write numbers 1 through 4, one on each flap.
Add fortunes inside. Open each pocket and write a fortune or message on the inner flap. Common ideas: “You will have a great day,” “Ask again later,” “Good luck is coming,” or “Make a wish.”

Common Mistakes

Not using a square: If the paper isn’t a perfect square, the folds won’t align and the pockets won’t open properly.
Skipping the creases: Failing to crease firmly at each step makes the final shape floppy and hard to open.
Folding corners to the wrong side: After the first set of corner folds, you must flip the paper over before folding the corners again. Folding on the same side will ruin the design.
Forcing the pockets open: If you pull too hard, the paper can tear. Open gently along the creases.

Tips

Use thin paper for easier folding and crisper creases.
Decorate the outside with colors or patterns before writing numbers.
Write fortunes in pencil first, then trace with pen to avoid mistakes.
Practice with scrap paper first if you’re new to origami.
For a more durable fortune teller, use cardstock or laminate it.

Troubleshooting

Pockets won’t open: Make sure you’ve creased the horizontal and vertical folds in step 7. Gently push the center up from underneath while pulling the flaps apart.
Paper tears: Use a fresh sheet of paper and fold more gently. Avoid creasing the same line repeatedly with too much force.
Numbers or fortunes don’t line up: Write numbers after the fortune teller is fully assembled, and write fortunes inside each pocket individually to avoid misalignment.
Fortune teller doesn’t stay closed: Press the folds firmly with your fingernail or a bone folder to sharpen the creases. If it still pops open, add a small piece of tape on the inside edge.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size paper should I use?

Any square size works. Standard origami paper is 15 cm x 15 cm (about 6 in x 6 in). Larger paper makes a bigger fortune teller, which is easier for kids to handle.

Can I use regular printer paper?

Yes. Cut an 8.5 x 11 inch sheet into a square by folding one corner diagonally and trimming the excess. Printer paper is slightly thicker but works fine.

How do I play with a fortune teller?

Put your thumbs and index fingers into the four pockets, then open and close it while spelling out a number or color. Let the player choose a number, then count out that many openings and close it on the final number. Ask them to pick a visible number, lift that flap, and read the fortune underneath.

Can I make a fortune teller without tape or glue?

Yes, the design holds together with folds alone. Tape is only a fix if the paper is too flimsy or you want extra durability.

How do I make the pockets bigger?

Use a larger square of paper. The pocket size is proportional to the paper size. You can also fold more loosely, but that may make the shape less stable.

What if I don’t have origami paper?

Use any thin paper: notebook paper, wrapping paper, or even a paper napkin. Just make sure it’s a square and not too thick to fold.

Sources: Origami USA. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.