How to Fold Origami Flowers: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

What You’ll Need

A square piece of paper (origami paper, or any paper cut into a square; 15 cm x 15 cm works well)
A flat, clean surface to work on
Optional: a pencil or bone folder to make crisp creases

Step-by-Step

Start with the colored side up. Place your square paper on the table with the colored side facing up. If your paper is white on both sides, that’s fine too.
Fold in half diagonally both ways. Fold the paper in half to form a triangle, crease well, then unfold. Repeat with the other diagonal, so you have an X-shaped crease. Unfold back to a square.
Fold in half horizontally and vertically. Fold the paper in half to form a rectangle, crease, and unfold. Repeat with the other side. Now you have a grid of creases (an X plus a plus sign).
Collapse into a square base. Bring the left and right edges inward while pushing the top edge down. The paper should collapse along the creases into a smaller square (a square base, also called a preliminary base). Make sure the open end (where the flaps are) points down.
Fold the bottom corners to the center. With the open end down, fold the bottom left and bottom right corners of the top layer up to the center point. Crease well. Turn the paper over and do the same on the other side. You now have a diamond shape with a flap at the bottom.
Fold the top layer down. Take the top flap (the one you just created) and fold it down along the horizontal crease. This is a petal fold. Turn over and repeat on the other side.
Fold the bottom edges to the center. Now fold the bottom left and bottom right edges of the top layer in to the center line. Turn over and repeat. This creates a narrow kite shape.
Unfold the petals. Gently open the four flaps at the top. Use your fingers to curl each petal outward and downward, shaping the flower. If you want, you can use a pencil to curl the petals more. Your origami lily is complete.

Common Mistakes

Not creasing firmly: Light creases make it hard to collapse the paper in step 4.
Skipping the horizontal/vertical folds: Without them, the square base won’t collapse properly.
Folding the wrong layer: In steps 5-7, make sure you only fold the top layer, not both layers.
Using thick paper: Standard printer paper is fine, but heavy cardstock is hard to fold and may tear.

Tips

Use thin, crisp paper (like origami paper) for easier folding and sharper creases.
Make all creases as sharp as possible by running your fingernail or a bone folder over them.
Work on a hard surface, not a soft bed or carpet, to get clean folds.
If you’re new to origami, practice with a larger square (20 cm) first—it’s easier to handle.
After finishing, you can attach a stem (a green pipe cleaner or wire) by poking it through the base.

Troubleshooting

The paper won’t collapse in step 4: Make sure you made all the creases in steps 2 and 3. If they’re not deep enough, re-fold them with more pressure.
The petals look uneven: This happens if the folds in steps 5-7 aren’t aligned. Unfold and redo, making sure the corners meet exactly.
The flower won’t hold its shape: Use a bit of tape or glue at the base to keep the petals in place, or use slightly thicker paper.
The paper tears: You’re probably using paper that’s too thick or applying too much force. Use standard origami paper and fold gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of paper is best for origami flowers?

Thin, square origami paper (kami) is ideal. It holds creases well and is easy to fold. You can also use any thin paper cut into a square, like wrapping paper or magazine pages.

Can I use regular printer paper?

Yes, but it’s a bit thicker and stiffer. It works for this lily, but the folds will be less crisp. If you use printer paper, cut it into a perfect square first.

How do I make the flower look more realistic?

After unfolding the petals, curl them around a pencil or your finger to give them a natural curve. You can also slightly twist the petals for a more organic look.

How long does it take to fold one flower?

Once you know the steps, it takes about 1-2 minutes per flower. For a beginner, the first one might take 10-15 minutes.

Can I make different types of flowers with the same base?

Yes, the square base is a starting point for many origami models. The lily is one of the simplest. You can also try the lotus or the iris, which use similar folds but with variations.

What if I don’t have origami paper?

You can cut any thin paper into a square. Gift wrap, tissue paper (if you’re careful), or even pages from a magazine work well. Just make sure the paper is not too thick or too thin.

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