How to Fold a Simple Origami Flower

Co-authored by Robert Homayoon

Last Updated: November 2, 2024

Origami is the ancient Japanese art of paper folding. With some patience, even the simplest projects can yield some beautifully intricate creations. While your real flowers are wilting on the shelf, you can craft your own origami flowers in a myriad of colors. This article will show you how to fold a simple origami flower that looks nice in bouquets of paper flowers!

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Folding a Fortune Teller

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ef\/Fold-a-Simple-Origami-Flower-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Fold-a-Simple-Origami-Flower-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ef\/Fold-a-Simple-Origami-Flower-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/aid683815-v4-728px-Fold-a-Simple-Origami-Flower-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

(This step, and the next one, are optional, but it makes the steps afterwards a little bit easier.) ^{[1]
X
Research source}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/18\/Fold-a-Simple-Origami-Flower-Step-2-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Fold-a-Simple-Origami-Flower-Step-2-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/18\/Fold-a-Simple-Origami-Flower-Step-2-Version-4.jpg\/aid683815-v4-728px-Fold-a-Simple-Origami-Flower-Step-2-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Advertisement
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8b\/Fold-a-Simple-Origami-Flower-Step-3-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Fold-a-Simple-Origami-Flower-Step-3-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8b\/Fold-a-Simple-Origami-Flower-Step-3-Version-4.jpg\/aid683815-v4-728px-Fold-a-Simple-Origami-Flower-Step-3-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

(This is where the previous 2 steps help you.)
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d1\/Fold-a-Simple-Origami-Flower-Step-4-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Fold-a-Simple-Origami-Flower-Step-4-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d1\/Fold-a-Simple-Origami-Flower-Step-4-Version-4.jpg\/aid683815-v4-728px-Fold-a-Simple-Origami-Flower-Step-4-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/83\/Fold-a-Simple-Origami-Flower-Step-5-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Fold-a-Simple-Origami-Flower-Step-5-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/83\/Fold-a-Simple-Origami-Flower-Step-5-Version-4.jpg\/aid683815-v4-728px-Fold-a-Simple-Origami-Flower-Step-5-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

^{[2]
X
Research source}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/da\/Fold-a-Simple-Origami-Flower-Step-6-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Fold-a-Simple-Origami-Flower-Step-6-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/da\/Fold-a-Simple-Origami-Flower-Step-6-Version-4.jpg\/aid683815-v4-728px-Fold-a-Simple-Origami-Flower-Step-6-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Let's call the side you just folded the 'top side' and the side with the two sets of corners folded to the middle the 'bottom side'. Have the top side facing you and the bottom side down. Look at the flaps on the bottom side. Stick your fingers into these and push them all to the middle. (Index and thumb is easiest.)
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bb\/Fold-a-Simple-Origami-Flower-Step-7-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Fold-a-Simple-Origami-Flower-Step-7-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bb\/Fold-a-Simple-Origami-Flower-Step-7-Version-4.jpg\/aid683815-v4-728px-Fold-a-Simple-Origami-Flower-Step-7-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

You should be looking at something like this. This is a completed fortune teller. The next steps tell you how to turn it into a flower. ^{[3]
X
Research source}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a0\/Fold-a-Simple-Origami-Flower-Step-8-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Fold-a-Simple-Origami-Flower-Step-8-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a0\/Fold-a-Simple-Origami-Flower-Step-8-Version-4.jpg\/aid683815-v4-728px-Fold-a-Simple-Origami-Flower-Step-8-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Fold each one of the points at the bottom on these up to the points at the top.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Finishing the Origami Flower

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b7\/Fold-a-Simple-Origami-Flower-Step-9-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Fold-a-Simple-Origami-Flower-Step-9-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b7\/Fold-a-Simple-Origami-Flower-Step-9-Version-4.jpg\/aid683815-v4-728px-Fold-a-Simple-Origami-Flower-Step-9-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

(At about this time in the folding, a hole may start to form in the middle, which is just from all the wear-and-tear to the paper.)
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/be\/Fold-a-Simple-Origami-Flower-Step-10-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Fold-a-Simple-Origami-Flower-Step-10-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/be\/Fold-a-Simple-Origami-Flower-Step-10-Version-4.jpg\/aid683815-v4-728px-Fold-a-Simple-Origami-Flower-Step-10-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

^{[4]
X
Research source}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c0\/Fold-a-Simple-Origami-Flower-Step-11-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Fold-a-Simple-Origami-Flower-Step-11-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c0\/Fold-a-Simple-Origami-Flower-Step-11-Version-3.jpg\/aid683815-v4-728px-Fold-a-Simple-Origami-Flower-Step-11-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Fold them back and tuck them under themselves, making a white square appear in the center (make sure you do this well - they come untucked easily.) Turn it over and fold the flaps out to make this - and you're finished! ^{[5]
X
Research source}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4b\/Fold-a-Simple-Origami-Flower-Step-12-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Fold-a-Simple-Origami-Flower-Step-12-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4b\/Fold-a-Simple-Origami-Flower-Step-12-Version-3.jpg\/aid683815-v4-728px-Fold-a-Simple-Origami-Flower-Step-12-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

What advice do you have for someone who's trying to get started doing origami as a beginner?

Robert Homayoon
Origami Expert
Robert Homayoon is an Origami Expert known for his engaging YouTube videos and accessible instructions. He has been teaching origami on YouTube since 2009. His channel has a following of over 676,000 subscribers, and his videos have garnered over 211 million views. Robert uses his channel to highlight his passion for teaching people origami, crafts, and how to solve puzzles. He graduated from SUNY Albany in 2007 and earned his D.M.D degree from Temple University Dental School in 2013.

Robert Homayoon

Origami Expert

Expert Answer

Get a couple of simple books. They teach you the basic folds, valley folds, mountain folds, working on your hand coordination skills, and being precise. Take your time and try to be as accurate as possible with the instructions. It does require a certain precision, an artistic touch, and a lot of practice.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 1
Question

Can I use printer paper?

Ruby

Top Answerer

Yes, you can use any type of paper, just make sure it is square in shape.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 12 Helpful 38
Question

Can I use craft chiyogami?

Community Answer

Yes.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 37 Helpful 14

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

When folding it, use 'Chiyogami'. This is decorative paper that can usually be found at craft stores. You can also make it at home by cutting printer paper in half.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
You can use any color of paper you want.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

You Might Also Like

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

Log in

How to Fold a Simple Origami Flower

Steps

Folding a Fortune Teller

Finishing the Origami Flower

Expert Q&A

Tips

You Might Also Like

Expert Interview

References

About This Article

Reader Success Stories

Did this article help you?

Quizzes

You Might Also Like

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Featured Articles

Featured Articles

Watch Articles

Trending Articles

Quizzes

Explore Categories