Simple origami that can be folded from a single sheet
Origami is a type of recreation that people of all ages—from young children to seniors—can enjoy together, and it’s fun whether you’re in a group or on your own.
You may not remember the very first origami you folded as a child, but in this article we’ll introduce ideas that are easy to fold and can be made with just one sheet of paper.
No cutting or gluing needed—these are all simple designs that you can complete with a single sheet of origami paper.
They’re perfect for kids trying origami for the first time, and also great as a warm-up for anyone who hasn’t folded in a while!
- Children’s Origami: Easy Single-Sheet Flower Ideas
- Kids will love it! Easy origami ideas—great as gifts too!
- [Origami] She’ll love it if you fold these! Simple ideas for girls
- Cool origami that boys will love and want to fold
- Popular characters that are easy to make with origami. A collection of creations you can enjoy with children.
- Origami ideas boys will want to make!
- Cute Origami Ideas for Girls
- [For Kids] Let's Fold! Today's Origami Idea Collection
- Easy flower craft ideas you can make with a single sheet of origami paper
- Cute origami ideas
- Let's make it with origami! Ideas for simple 3D creations
- [Origami] Have fun with kids! A collection of easy snowman origami ideas
- [Recreation] Summary of Recommended Origami Ideas for Seniors
Simple Origami You Can Fold with a Single Sheet (41–50)
donut
Let’s try folding a simple ring-shaped donut.
Fold a sheet of origami paper in half and cut it to make two rectangles.
Fold each one into a long, narrow trifold, then fold it in half.
From the center crease, leave about 1.5 centimeters of space and fold both sides up at right angles.
Next, insert one piece into the pouch-like end of the other and join them into a ring—your donut is complete! Since it’s very simple as is, you can use patterned origami paper or decorate it with washi tape and stickers to make it cute.
Rocket
This is an origami rocket idea that flies when you insert a straw into the bottom and blow.
First, fold the origami paper in half into a square twice.
Then open the pocketed part and flatten it to form a triangle on both sides.
Fold the left and right edges of the triangle to meet the center line, then fold the left and right corners to the center line again.
Open the two bottom corners outward, and repeat the same folds on the back side.
Finally, open it from the center to puff it up and make the rocket three-dimensional—that’s it! Try launching the rocket using a straw.
Shinkansen
An irresistible origami airplane for vehicle lovers! Fold the origami paper in half with the colored side facing inward, then fold back about 1 cm from the open edge and unfold once.
Refold with the colored side facing outward, then fold that 1 cm section back again so the reverse side shows.
While adding diagonal creases, shape it into a Shinkansen.
Finally, draw windows and your favorite Shinkansen patterns to finish! It’s also fun to imagine the real shape of a Shinkansen as you work—like saying, “This Shinkansen has a steeper angle…” and adjusting accordingly.
ornament ball
Let’s make a striking ornament using a single sheet of origami paper.
First, fold the paper in half by bringing the top and bottom edges together.
Open it, then fold the top and bottom edges to meet the center crease.
Fold once more along the new outer lines to reinforce the creases.
Rotate the paper 90 degrees and repeat the same process to create three creases; do not make the final crease.
Turn the paper over, and fold both the top and bottom so that the outer creases line up with the center crease.
Rotate the paper 90 degrees and flip it to the front, then fold up the bottom edge along the outer crease.
Flatten the pocketed section into a triangle, bring only the square section forward, and fold both corners of the square—and both corners of the origami—into triangles to form the pattern.
Repeat the same steps on the other side.
Turn the paper over, make a “cushion fold” (zabuton fold), and round off the corners to finish.
Glue down the patterned sections so they don’t lift.
Angel Heart
Angel Hearts may look difficult at first glance, but the steps are surprisingly simple.
First, fold the origami paper twice to make a square.
After creasing, open it with the white side facing up.
Fold the top and bottom edges to meet the center crease, then flip it over and fold both bottom corners up to the center of the top edge to form triangles.
Leave the white section at the bottom as it will become the wings.
Turn the paper over and fold the top edge down about 1 centimeter.
Open the colored section in the center of the folded-down part and squash it into a triangle.
Fold the two top corners of the squashed section into triangles, and your heart is complete.
Finally, fold the corners of the wings you left earlier into triangles to finish.
Heart with a ribbon
Let me show you how to fold a cute origami with a ribbon in the middle of a heart—packed with everything girls love.
It looks lovely with solid-colored paper, but using cute patterned paper or double-sided colored paper makes it even cuter, so I highly recommend it! There are quite a few steps, so take your time folding while referring to the video.
You can display the finished piece in your room or swap them with friends—it sounds fun either way.
Be sure to make lots of them!
Magic Cube
We’ll show you how to make a simple magic cube using just a single sheet of origami paper.
Although it’s made from origami, this magic cube is a super fun, playable model that changes into various shapes depending on how you hold and handle it.
It may look difficult when you see the finished piece, but the process is actually very simple.
First, fold into triangles and squares to make crease lines, then keep folding along the creases you’ve made.
The key is to create lots of creases, so be sure to press them firmly.
Finally, shape it into a box-like form and you’re done.
Give it a try and have fun playing with it!