How to fold a Christmas tree using a single sheet of origami paper
If you want to incorporate something festive as Christmas approaches, how about enjoying a Christmas tree made with origami?
In this article, we introduce a variety of folding ideas—from simple methods that young children can make and enjoy, to adorable trees with a few more steps that you’ll still want to try.
Believe it or not, you can make one with just a single sheet of origami paper!
If you use patterned or colored foil origami paper, and decorate it with stickers or pens, you can create an even more beautiful tree-shaped origami.
Be sure to try making them with your family!
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How to fold a Christmas tree from a single sheet of origami paper (11–20)
A 3D tree made using scissors
We’ll show you how to make an easy 3D tree using just scissors and origami paper.
Since there are many small, detailed steps and you’ll be using scissors, be sure an adult helps if a child is making it.
Trim off the excess with scissors, then make three slits in the trunk section and fold them to create the tree shape.
Also, by making a small slit at the top and opening it upward, you can turn it into a star ornament! The trunk section will show the back side of the origami paper, so using double-sided origami will give you a neat finish.
A 3D tree you can make without cutting
Are you getting your Christmas decorations ready? Here’s a 3D tree you can make out of origami without any cutting.
Take it slow and enjoy a cozy Christmas craft session at home this winter! Any size of square paper will work.
If you make crisp creases as you fold, the following steps will go more smoothly.
Another perk of this project is that you won’t need scissors at all! You can also decorate it with pens or draw faces to give it a unique finish.
Simple Tree
I’ll show you how to make a cute Christmas tree out of a single sheet of origami paper! First, place the paper color-side down and fold it using the “octopus” base.
With the white side on the right, fold the top and bottom edges in to meet the center.
Next, turn the folded section to face upward, fold the bottom corner up to meet the top corner, then fold the bottom tip downward so it lines up with the two upper slanted corners.
Open and squash-fold the left and right corners toward the center so they form triangles.
Fold the lower left and right edges inward straight toward the center, imagining the trunk shape.
Finally, fold the bottom tip up to meet the bottom edge—and you’re done!
A single sheet with a tree and a snowman
Let’s make a tree and a snowman from a single sheet of origami! Place the paper with the colored side facing up, then fold up the bottom edge by one quarter of the whole sheet.
Flip the paper over, fold it in half horizontally, and open it back up.
Fold the left and right edges to meet the crease.
Flip the paper over again, and while opening the folded-in sides, use the white folded-up section to form snowmen on the left and right.
The colored section in the center will become the tree, so fold it into a triangle and neaten it, then make three tiers using accordion (step) folds.
Round out the snowmen to shape them nicely and draw their faces with a pen.
Finally, decorate the tree with your favorite stickers or items, and you’re done!
A Christmas tree that lets you fold the gift together in a single sheet
You can fold a Christmas tree with a present using a single sheet of origami! First, fold into a square and a triangle to make crease lines.
Add a cross-shaped crease in the lower-left area, then cut up to the first line.
Fold the left and right edges of the cut section toward the center, and fold the bottom tip diagonally toward the center.
Squash-fold the tip into a square, open the flap, then make a cut in the center of the tip to form the ribbon shape.
Turn it over and fold upward, then turn it over again and fold back the part you just folded to complete the present.
Fold the left and right edges into thirds, and fold the tip back.
Fold the top edge down to meet the center crease, then adjust the present section at the bottom so it’s straight.
Fold the top triangle’s corner diagonally in two steps, bring the present forward, and you’re done.
An easy-to-make tree
Here’s a Christmas tree craft idea you can make with your child.
Fold a sheet of origami paper into a triangle, then open it up and fold the left edge in half along the crease.
This part will become the tree’s leaves, so make a step fold to create two tiers.
The other side will be the trunk; the step where the leaves and trunk meet involves opening a corner and flattening it, which might be a bit tricky.
An adult should help with this step.
Once the tree is complete, finish it by adding round stickers or drawing patterns for decoration!
How to fold a Christmas tree from a single sheet of origami paper (21–30)
A tree with a cute shape
Here’s an idea for making a Christmas tree using just a single sheet of origami paper! Fold the paper into a triangle twice and into a square twice to create crease lines, then use those creases to collapse the paper into a square base.
Fold both side edges toward the center line, squash the pocketed sections, and make fine folds to shape the tree.
The finished piece is small, but because of the detailed folding, it becomes a sturdy, three-dimensional tree with a clear tree shape.
Add some sparkly stickers for decoration to make it even more beautiful!