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 (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!
Three-dimensional tree
Here’s how to make a 3D Christmas tree from a single sheet of origami paper.
It’s perfect as a Christmas decoration.
Start by folding the paper using the balloon (water bomb) base.
Align the edges along the center line and flatten as you fold.
Fold the white section at the top inward.
Next, on the side with the white section, fold the bottom corner in diagonally.
On the colored side, make diagonal step folds along the left and right edges, and then fold the corners down while picturing leaf shapes—then you’re done! There are quite a few steps, but it looks very cute when displayed, so definitely give it a try.
A Christmas tree that can also be used as a bookmark
Here’s how to fold a Christmas tree–shaped bookmark.
You can also use it for Christmas cards or decorations.
First, place the origami paper with the back side up and fold it using the “kannon” fold.
Rotate it 90 degrees and fold it with the “kannon” fold again.
Position it so the center crease runs vertically.
Fold the bottom edge up to the second crease from the top, then fold it down along the first crease from the bottom.
To make the lower left and right folded corners into triangles, open and squash-fold while bringing the left and right edges to meet the center.
Next, fold the top edge of the folded section upward, then squash-fold both corners into triangles.
Finally, fold the upper left and right diagonal edges down toward the center, and you’re done!
A simple, cute-shaped tree
I’ll show you how to fold a simple Christmas tree using just one sheet of origami paper.
First, with the colored side facing up, fold the paper into a triangle.
Unfold it, rotate it 90 degrees, then place it so that a corner is facing you.
Fold the top corner down, stopping just a little short of the center.
Using the center crease as a guide, fold both sides up so the edges cross over each other.
Finally, fold the protruding triangle in to align with the edge, and you’re done! Make several to use as decorations, or add stars and other pieces to turn them into cute cards—give it a try!
A tree that lets you make the star on top, too
I’ll show you how to fold a Christmas tree—complete with the star on top—using a single sheet of origami paper.
There are many steps, but you’ll end up with a very cute tree.
Start with the square base.
While folding along the closed edges, squash-fold the entire piece.
Make sure the white side opens outward.
Cut a vertical slit in the white section, and make four diagonal slits in the colored section.
Fold down the colored slits, shaping them to look like a tree.
Finally, make cuts at the tip so it forms a star, then open it up and stand it, and you’re done!
self-standing Christmas tree
I’ll show you how to make a 3D Christmas tree using a single sheet of origami paper.
First, place the paper with the back side up and fold it into a triangle.
Unfold, fold it into a square, then fold the top edge twice along the crease lines to set creases.
Fold the top edge down to match the highest crease.
Fold the left and right edges diagonally inward to align with the front crease toward the center.
Open the top corner and squash-fold it; then fold the bottom corner to make a crease.
Fold the left and right sides to meet at the center to set creases, then fold the left and right corners three times to align them with the center.
From the top, make step folds (accordion folds) along the crease lines.
Open the left and right corners into triangles and squash-fold them, then open the model and valley-fold along the creases so it takes the shape of a tree.
Finally, tuck the overlapping section in, and you’re done!
A Christmas tree that makes you want to make lots and decorate
Perfect for Christmas decorations and cards! Here’s how to make a tree with just one sheet of origami paper.
Place the white side of the paper facing up, fold it using the kite base, and turn it over.
Fold the left and right edges to meet the center line, point the tip upward, and flip it over.
Fold the lower left and right edges toward the center, then fold up from the bottom at the left and right corners.
Open the inner left and right sections and squash-fold them, then return the center to its place.
Fold the left and right edges along the center crease so the corners stick out to the sides.
Fold the white section in the center downward at the color boundary.
Next, fold the slanted left and right edges along the inner creases to form a triangle shape.
Tuck the bottom corner into the left and right pockets, and finally tuck the bottom tip inside to finish!
A cute, colorful Christmas tree
It looks cute when you use various colors! Here’s how to fold a two-tiered Christmas tree that you can make from a single sheet.
First, fold the origami using the square base.
With the open end at the bottom, align the left and right edges to the center, opening them slightly as you crease.
Leave one section as is, then fold up one layer of the bottom corner along the edge to make a crease; open it, and fold the corner to meet the front crease.
Fold the left and right corners toward the center, then flip it over.
Next, fold up one layer of the bottom corner along the center and tuck it inside.
Open the left and right corners and squash-fold them.
Fold toward the center so it forms a triangle shape, tucking in so the white parts don’t show.
Finally, adjust the inner and outer left and right edges so they form triangles—and you’re done!
Trees you can use for wrapping
I’m going to show you how to make a Christmas tree that’s perfect for gift wrapping.
You can make it with a single sheet of origami paper.
First, fold the paper into a triangle with the colored side facing out.
With the base facing you, use scissors to cut 1-centimeter-wide strips toward the crease.
Don’t cut all the way to the top—leave a little bit so it stays connected.
Next, open it up and put double-sided tape along the center crease.
Stick the cut sections from both sides straight onto the tape, and you’re done! Attach it to a gift box or bag for cute Christmas wrapping.
A three-dimensional, self-standing Christmas tree
Perfect for Christmas decorations! Here’s how to make a Christmas tree from a single sheet.
First, place the origami paper face down with an edge toward you.
Fold it in half by bringing the left and right edges together, then fold the right side in half toward the center.
Next, using the center crease as a pivot, fold the bottom-left corner to meet the right edge, bringing the right corner up.
Fold the right corner back, then repeat the same steps on the left side.
Fold the left and right edges toward the center line, open them, and fold the left and right tips toward the center twice.
Fold the bottom left and right corners to align with the inner edges, tuck the bottom section so it forms the edges of the tree, and finally interlock the left and right edges and shape it into a triangle to finish!