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!
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Simple Origami You Can Fold with a Single Sheet (41–50)
anemone
Let’s make a beautiful anemone with overlapping petal patterns using a single sheet of origami paper.
Once you’ve made creases along the diagonals and a cross, and also folded the four corners into the center to add those creases, you’re ready to begin.
Use those guide lines to add several diagonal creases, then fold the square inward toward the center to gradually shape the anemone.
You might think, “There are creases everywhere—it looks messy,” since you’ll fold and layer it many times, but those wrinkles can enhance the flower’s texture, so don’t worry and keep folding.
Simple one-sheet origami (51–60)
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.
dog
Here’s a cute floppy-eared dog craft I recommend for anyone who loves pups! First, fold the origami paper in half twice into a square to make a cross-shaped crease, then unfold.
Fold the top section down so its edge lines up halfway between the top edge and the horizontal center crease, and fold the top left and right corners in to meet the horizontal center line.
Flip the paper over, fold the left and right edges in to meet the vertical center line, then fold the bottom edge up.
Turn it back to the front and you’ll see the dog’s ears and face—tuck the corners inward and adjust the shape to finish!
How to fold Omusubiman
Among Anpanman origami creations, this Omusubiman is simple enough that even toddlers can try it! Place the origami paper with the white side facing up, and fold all four corners about 4 cm toward the center.
Turn the paper over, then fold the two slanted edges at the bottom up by about 1–2 cm.
Next, fold the very top edge down by the same width, and fold the slanted edges on the left and right of that folded section in the same way—and you’re done! Flip the origami to the front and draw Omusubiman’s face on the white area to finish.
Easy! How to fold Anpanman
Let’s make Anpanman, a character hugely popular with children, using origami.
Fold the paper in half to make a crease.
Open it up, bring the bottom-right corner to the center line and fold it diagonally, then rotate counterclockwise and position the corners to shape the face.
While checking the overall face size, fold the corners to round it out and keep the balance.
Once you glue on the parts—the nose, cheeks, and mouth—your Anpanman is complete.
You can easily make Anpanman with a single sheet of origami, so try making it together with your child and have fun!
