How to Make an Origami Box

Materials

• 1 square sheet of paper (6 inch / 15 cm works well)
• Flat surface

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Mark the Center Lines

Start with your square, colored side down. Fold it in half horizontally and unfold. Fold it in half vertically and unfold. You now have a center cross to guide every later fold.

2. Fold the Corners In

Fold each of the four corners into the center point. This is the “blintz” fold and leaves you with a smaller square whose corners meet in the middle.

3. Crease the Wall Lines

With the corners still tucked in, fold the top edge and the bottom edge to the center, then unfold both. Fold the left edge and the right edge to the center, then unfold both. These short creases mark where the four walls will rise.

4. Raise the Top Walls

Fold the top edge to the center. As you press it flat, let the top-left and top-right corners swing outward and upward so they stand up as walls. The top of the sheet becomes the open rim of the box.

5. Raise the Bottom and Side Walls

Repeat the same motion with the bottom edge to raise the bottom walls. Then fold the left and right edges to the center the same way, lifting those walls too, until all four sides stand up.

6. Shape and Finish

Tuck the four corner flaps neatly inside and square up the walls with your fingertips. You now have a clean open origami box. To make a lid, repeat the steps with a square about 1 cm (half an inch) larger.

Pro Tips

• Use a square about 1 cm (half an inch) larger to make a matching lid
• Choose slightly thicker paper for a sturdier box that holds its shape
• Make two boxes and nest them for a lidded gift set