How to Make Origami Paper Claws

Co-authored by Robert Homayoon

Last Updated: November 16, 2023 Fact Checked

Origami claws can really spice up your ghoulish costume or spoke your friends. If your Halloween costume needs some claws, you can just fashion your own claws for each finger. They are sharp and pointy, so don't get too carried away, they're just for show! Become an absolute expert.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Forming Claws from Standard Paper

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Position the paper vertically (portrait). You can use any type of paper you have lying around the house. If you want sturdier claws, then use thicker paper.
Align the fold to the paper's bottom. The left side of the sheet now has a point.

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It should look like a rectangle that is missing a corner. ^{[1]
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Align the top edge to the diagonal edge. This should now be in the shape of a square. Position the paper with the right angle of the triangle pointing up, or away from you.
Fold the square along the diagonal line. This should create a triangle.
6
Fold the paper in half. Imagine a vertical line dividing the triangle in half, from the point to the base, right down the middle. You're creating a right triangle.
- You may want to draw this line in pencil the first couple of times. Use a T-square to make sure the line down the middle is at a right angle to the base of the triangle.
- This fold is to form a crease that will be important for the following fold.
Unfold the recently formed right triangle and fold the two edged side directly to the half-way line of the triangle. The fold's outer edge should be going straight down, perpendicular to the bottom and even extending below the bottom of your triangle.
8
Repeat the previous fold two more times. Fold the same side over itself again. You should be able to see the claw coming into form. ^{[2]
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- Be careful to line each fold with your imaginary pencil line.
- Make sure you keep each fold very tight and at the same angle. If the folds start to slant upwards, instead of staying aligned, the claw won't be as sturdy.
You may need to open the hole for the flap up with your finger. Hold it so the opening is visible and easy to insert one flap.
10
Open the smaller triangle in the middle of the folds. Simply stick your finger into the smaller triangle to open it up. This will look like a knuckle for the claw. ^{[3]
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- It may be a tight fit at first.
- The tighter the fit the more likely the claw will stay on your finger.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Origami Paper

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1
Buy or construct origami paper. To make origami paper, orient a standard sized paper (8.5x11) longways and fold a corner farthest to the opposite edge. Then cut off the excess part of the paper that wasn't covered by this fold. This will create a square.
- Sturdier paper will increase the the durability.
Imagine a line running from the top-left corner going to the bottom-right corner. Fold along this line to create a right triangle. ^{[4]
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You are turning your right triangle into an scalene triangle. Make sure the crease is strong.
The line that you are folding now will start from one corner, and will end in the middle of the other two corners. Continue to ensure that your creases are strong.
Position the claw in front of you so the pointiest "nail" faces left. Imagine a line descending straight from the top tip to the bottom. Fold the smaller corner towards the "nail." Then unfold this fold. ^{[5]
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By making the vertical valley fold, you've allowed a pocket to be formed. This is where your finger will go. ^{[6]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using an Alternative Technique

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Position the paper horizontally. You can use any type of paper you have lying around the house. If you want sturdier claws, then use thicker paper.
Align the fold to the paper's bottom. The left side of the sheet now has a point.
Only fold these corners to the line of the previous fold. This will create two smaller triangles. ^{[7]
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Imagine this right triangle without the other two triangles. Just fold the right tip to the opposite tip of the right triangle.
Fold the excess strip with the two smaller triangles up onto the other triangle. This will form a triangle with this recent fold on top of it.
6
Fold the paper in half. Imagine a vertical line dividing the triangle in half, from the point to the base, right down the middle. You're creating a right triangle.
- This fold is to form a crease that will be important for the following fold.
Unfold the recently formed right triangle and fold the two folded edges directly to the half-way line of the triangle. The fold's outer edge should be going straight down, perpendicular to the bottom and even extending below the bottom of your triangle.
Fold the same side over itself again. You should be able to see the claw coming into form. ^{[8]
X
Research source}
You may need to open the hole for the flap up with your finger. Hold it so the opening is visible and easy to insert one flap. ^{[9]
X
Research source}
Simply stick your finger into the smaller triangle to open it up. This will look like a knuckle for the claw.

Community Q&A

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Question

Can you make them bigger or smaller?

Community Answer

Yes, you should make them the right sizes to fit your fingers. To make them bigger or smaller, just start with a bigger or smaller piece of paper.

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Question

Can I use construction paper?

Community Answer

Yes, if the paper has the correct dimensions.

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Question

Are these hard to make?

Community Answer

I tried it and it did not seem hard to make. However, everyone is different. If it is too hard for you to make this, then I suggest you practice simple origami.

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Tips

Buy some black gloves in a thrift store, or look for old ones around the house, and cut off the ends from the fingers. Put your claws on over the gloves for an even better look.

Thanks
Helpful 13 Not Helpful 8
Practice on thin, cheap paper before using any expensive materials.

Thanks
Helpful 10 Not Helpful 8
Some people might have fingers that are too large or small. You can always use bigger or smaller paper, just make sure it has the same proportions.

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Helpful 8 Not Helpful 11

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Carefully trim 1/4 inch off two adjacent sides of oversized finished claws to resize them. This helps claws better conform to fingers.
Fold gently at first to set creases. As paper stiffens, firmly reinforce bends. Sharp folds are key for crisp finished claws.
Initiate creases lightly to trial the fold accuracy before committing through full crimps. Early mistakes can compound.
Before tucking the flap into the end hole in Step 9, fold it over first to create a super snug fit around your finger.
Use blank sides of printed paper to avoid visible words on finished claws. Flip sheets as needed.
Freddy Krueger-style claws can be made using metallic paper painted blood red on tips.

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Things You'll Need

An 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of paper, standard letter size in the United States
A hard surface to fold on
Paper folder or ruler (optional)
T-square (optional)
Origami paper (optional)

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How to Make Origami Paper Claws

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Forming Claws from Standard Paper

Using Origami Paper

Using an Alternative Technique

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