How to Fold an Origami Box: Step-by-Step Guide

What You’ll Need

One square sheet of paper (origami paper, or any thin paper cut to a square). Size: 15cm x 15cm is standard; larger paper makes a bigger box.
A flat, clean surface to work on.
Optional: a bone folder or the back of a spoon to make crisp creases.

Step-by-Step

Start with the colored side down. Place the square paper on your work surface with the side you want on the outside of the box facing down. If using patterned paper, the pattern will be on the outside.
Fold in half horizontally. Bring the bottom edge up to the top edge, crease well, and unfold. You should have a horizontal crease.
Fold in half vertically. Bring the left edge over to the right edge, crease well, and unfold. Now you have a cross crease.
Fold each corner to the center. Bring each of the four corners to the center point where the creases intersect. Crease each fold. You’ll have a smaller square with all corners meeting at the center.
Fold two opposite edges to the center. Take the top edge and fold it down so it meets the center line. Crease and unfold. Do the same with the bottom edge, folding it up to the center line, crease and unfold. You’ll have two new horizontal creases.
Fold the other two edges to the center. Now take the left edge and fold it to the center vertical line. Crease and unfold. Do the same with the right edge. You’ll have a grid of creases.
Unfold completely. Open the paper flat. You should see a grid of creases: a cross, four diagonal creases from the corners, and two horizontal and two vertical lines near the edges.
Lift two opposite corners. Pick up the paper and gently push the bottom-left and top-right corners (or any two opposite corners) upward. The paper will start to form a box shape as the pre-creased lines fold.
Fold the side flaps inward. As the box takes shape, you’ll see two triangular flaps on the sides. Fold them inward so they lie flat against the inside walls of the box.
Secure the last corners. Bring the remaining two corners (top-left and bottom-right) up and over the flaps, tucking them into the box. Press down to crease the edges sharply. Your box is complete!

Common Mistakes

Not creasing sharply: If your folds are soft, the paper won’t hold the box shape. Use a fingernail or a tool to press each crease firmly.
Misaligning edges: When folding edges to the center, if they’re slightly off, the box will be lopsided. Take care to match edges exactly.
Using paper that’s too thick: Thick paper (like cardstock) can be hard to fold precisely and may crack at the creases. Use standard origami paper or thin printer paper for your first attempts.
Skipping the unfold step: If you don’t unfold completely before lifting corners, the paper won’t form the box properly. Always unfold back to the original square.

Tips

Use paper with a different color on each side: This helps you see which side is up and makes the final box look more polished.
Make a lid: Use the same steps with a slightly larger square (about 1cm larger) to create a lid that fits over the base.
Practice with scrap paper: Before using your favorite paper, practice with a piece of printer paper cut to a square.
Keep creases crisp: Run your thumbnail along each fold after making it. This is the key to a clean box.

Troubleshooting

The box won’t hold its shape: This usually means your creases aren’t sharp enough. Refold the box, pressing each crease firmly. You can also use a dab of glue on the inner flaps to hold them in place.
The corners pop out: Make sure the last two corners are tucked securely under the flaps. If they keep popping, apply a small piece of tape on the inside.
The box is lopsided: This happens when the initial folds aren’t aligned. Unfold and start again, being precise with each fold.
The paper tears: If you’re using thin paper, you may be pulling too hard. Ease the paper gently, and make sure all creases are pre-folded before lifting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size paper should I use?

Any square paper works. A 15cm x 15cm sheet makes a box about 5cm wide and 2.5cm deep. For a larger box, use a larger square.

Can I use rectangular paper?

No, the classic origami box requires a square. You can cut a rectangle to a square by folding one corner to the opposite edge, then cutting off the excess.

How do I make a lid?

Make a second box using a square that is about 1cm larger than the base. The larger box will fit over the smaller one as a lid.

What is the best paper for origami boxes?

Standard origami paper (kami) is ideal because it’s thin but holds creases well. You can also use gift wrap, magazine pages, or lightweight scrapbook paper.

Can I make a box without glue or tape?

Yes, if your creases are sharp, the box will hold together on its own. The flaps tuck in to keep it secure.

How do I make the box more durable?

Use slightly thicker paper, or coat the finished box with a thin layer of clear varnish or Mod Podge. Let it dry completely before using.

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