How to Fold Ninja Stars: Step-by-Step Guide

What You’ll Need

Two square sheets of paper (same size; origami paper or any thin paper cut to a square works)
A flat, clean surface
Optional: a bone folder or ruler to crease sharply

Step-by-Step

Prepare the squares: If your paper is not square, fold one corner to the opposite edge, trim the excess rectangle, and unfold to get a perfect square. Do this for both sheets.
Fold in half vertically: Place one square with the colored side down (if using two-sided paper). Fold it in half from left to right, then unfold. You should have a vertical center crease.
Fold the top and bottom edges to the center: Bring the top edge down to the center crease and crease well. Repeat with the bottom edge up to the center. Your paper now looks like a long rectangle with two flaps.
Create the diagonal folds: With the rectangle horizontal, fold the top-left corner down to the bottom edge (making a triangle on the left side). Then fold the bottom-right corner up to the top edge (making a triangle on the right side). The folds should meet in the middle, forming a parallelogram shape. Unfold these two diagonal folds—you’ll see crease lines.
Refold the diagonals in the opposite direction: Now fold the top-left corner up (so it points up) and the bottom-right corner down (so it points down). This creates a zigzag shape. You should have a parallelogram with two pointed ends.
Repeat with the second sheet: Repeat steps 2–5 with the second square, but make the diagonal folds in the mirror image. To do this, after folding the rectangle, fold the top-right corner down and the bottom-left corner up. Unfold and then refold them in the opposite direction (top-right up, bottom-left down). You’ll have a mirror-image parallelogram.
Position the two pieces: Place the first piece (with the points facing up on the left and down on the right) on the table. Place the second piece on top of it, perpendicular, so the points face left and right. The two pieces should form an X shape, with the center flaps overlapping.
Weave the flaps: Take the top flap of the bottom piece (the one pointing up) and fold it over the top piece, tucking it into the pocket on the top piece. Turn the whole star over and repeat with the remaining flap on the other side, tucking it into the corresponding pocket. Press flat. Your ninja star is complete!

Common Mistakes

Using non-square paper: If the paper isn’t a perfect square, the halves won’t match, and the star will be lopsided.
Skipping the reverse folds: The diagonal folds must be made in both directions (fold and unfold) to create the correct crease pattern. Skipping the reverse fold makes the final tucking impossible.
Not creasing firmly: Weak creases make the paper spring back, and the star won’t hold its shape.
Mixing up the mirror image: If you fold both pieces identically, they won’t interlock properly. One must be the mirror image of the other.

Tips

Use two different colors or patterns for the two sheets to make the star look more striking.
Thin paper (like standard printer paper) is easier to fold than thick cardstock. For a sturdier star, use origami paper or foil paper.
Make your creases sharp by running a fingernail or a bone folder over them after folding.
If the star feels loose, apply a tiny drop of glue or a piece of tape to the center to hold it together (optional).
Practice with scrap paper first—once you get the hang of it, you can make stars in under a minute.

Troubleshooting

Star falls apart: The flaps aren’t tucked securely. Re-tuck them deeper into the pockets, or make sharper creases so the paper stays folded.
Star is lopsided: Your paper may not be a perfect square, or the diagonal folds are not aligned. Start over with a precisely cut square.
Can’t get the last flap in: The pocket might be too tight. Gently open it with your fingernail or a thin tool, then push the flap in.
Paper tears: Use a lighter-weight paper or be gentler when tucking. If the flap is too thick, try folding it at a slightly different angle.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many points does a ninja star have?

This classic design creates an 8-pointed star (four points on each half). You can make 4-pointed stars with a simpler fold, but this is the most common shuriken shape.

Can I use any paper?

Yes, as long as you can cut it into a square. Printer paper, wrapping paper, or even magazine pages work. Avoid very thick paper like cardstock, as it’s hard to fold and tuck.

Why does my star not spin when thrown?

Ninja stars are not designed to spin like a frisbee; they fly straight when thrown with a flick of the wrist. If you want a spinning effect, try a different design like a boomerang star.

Is this a real weapon?

No, paper ninja stars are harmless toys. Real shuriken are metal and dangerous—never throw them at people or animals.

How can I make a larger or smaller star?

Simply use larger or smaller squares of paper. The proportions stay the same, so the folding method is identical.

Can I make a ninja star with one sheet of paper?

Yes, there are one-sheet designs, but they are more complex and often result in a less symmetrical star. The two-sheet method is the easiest for beginners.

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