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 (1–10)
A pocket-sized tree you can also write messages on
It’s a pocket-style tree that’s perfect as a casual Christmas gift and even lets you write a message.
You can jot a note on the Christmas tree and tuck in a small present—an idea that grants the wishes of anyone who wants it all! You can make it with just one sheet of origami, so give it a try.
The trick when folding the pocket part is to overlap the origami pieces just a little.
You’ll end up with a bag-like pocket featuring a tree design on the front.
The tree section opens to the left and right, so you can write your message inside! Using double-sided or patterned origami will change the vibe and make it look lovely, too.
Ribbon Fir Tree
This is a cute Christmas tree with a ribbon featured on the front.
If you want to try a design that’s different from the rest, this is highly recommended! Since you unfold after creasing and then fold again, and there are many small, detailed folds, it might feel a bit difficult at first if you’re not used to it.
Finally, shape the ribbon part and secure it with glue.
The three-dimensional ribbon gives it an adorable look.
The back side of the origami paper will show on the ribbon, so double-sided origami paper works especially well! You can also stand it up for display, making it a perfect accent for your room.
Accordion-fold tree
This is a unique Christmas tree that uses an accordion fold.
It’s great for making with children as a Christmas craft, and it’s also recommended for craft activities in day-service settings.
First, connect two sheets of origami paper and fold them into an accordion, then secure one end with tape.
Open the accordion, and decorate it with pompoms, beads, or torn pieces of origami paper—and you’re done! Have fun using any materials you like for the decorations.
If you attach a tree trunk at the bottom, it can stand on its own, so give it a try!
Simple fir tree
Here’s a simple fir tree you can make using two sheets of origami paper.
First, make the base tree, then use the second sheet to create the leaf section and place it over the top.
The base alone already looks like a tree, so if you’re not particular, that’s fine too! If you want a more realistic look, try making the leaf part as well.
Using not just green but also light green, yellow, or red will make it more vibrant.
Add decorations as you like to create a unique, personalized tree.
3D tree made just by making slits
Let’s make a 3D tree you can display and enjoy as soon as it’s finished! The key to this 3D tree is that after creating the base, you make three slits and fold them diagonally to create the shape of a fir tree.
Although it’s a bit of detailed work, it doesn’t require any particularly difficult techniques, so you can enjoy making it with your child! You can decorate it with a star on top, or add beads and cotton.
It’s also lovely to place it on your desk for a small taste of Christmas, or make several and decorate your whole room!
An easy flat Christmas tree
Here’s a Christmas tree you can make with simple steps.
Basically, you fold straight along the creases, with just two places where you’ll do a pleat fold.
First, fold the origami paper into a triangle to make a crease, then open it.
Fold the two left edges in toward the crease.
Rotate the paper so that the newly formed point is at the bottom, then fold the bottom point up to meet the top point.
Next, make a pleat fold to fold it downward, swap the top and bottom of the paper, and turn it over.
Fold the lower triangle upward, then make another pleat fold.
Finally, fold up the bottom point by about 2 cm, and you’re done.
Draw a mesh pattern on the bottom part of the tree.
A Christmas tree with just four folds
You can make this Christmas tree by folding a single sheet of origami paper just four times! It’s perfect if you want an easy project or a fun Christmas craft to do with kids.
First, fold the paper into a triangle so a little of the white back side shows, then flip it over and fold two points so their tips stick out slightly.
Finally, flip it over again and fold the bottom into a triangle—and you’re done! The white edges become an accent, giving it a simple yet stylish look.
You can also decorate it with round pieces made using a hole punch, or add a star made of origami at the top for a lovely touch!