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)
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!