PDF download Download Article PDF download Download Article

This origami pinwheel produces a flat and neat pinwheel design, as opposed to the three dimensional design of the usual paper craft pinwheel. This design can be used as a pinwheel, or has many other uses as a decorative item on crafts such as cards and gift boxes, or as a decoration on its own. Follow the instructions to make your own origami pinwheel.

  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make an Origami Pinwheel
    If it's origami paper, start with the white side up. Fold it in half diagonally both ways. Then, unfold.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make an Origami Pinwheel
    Fold all four corners to the center, in the same manner as making a fortune teller . This is called a blintz fold.
    Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make an Origami Pinwheel
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make an Origami Pinwheel
    This is called a book or greeting card fold. Then, unfold.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make an Origami Pinwheel
    This is called a cupboard fold. Do not unfold this.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make an Origami Pinwheel
    Pull them up and pinch them so they stick up. Then pull them down to the middle so that the shape appears as in the image.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Make an Origami Pinwheel
    Repeat step six on the unfolded side.
  8. Watermark wikiHow to Make an Origami Pinwheel
  9. Watermark wikiHow to Make an Origami Pinwheel
    It's finished!
  10. Watermark wikiHow to Make an Origami Pinwheel
    Here are some ideas for using your origami pinwheel:
    • Make a pinwheel : find a pushpin and a chopstick/pencil. Push the pushpin through the paper and into the chopstick or pencil and it looks like a real pinwheel. If you leave room on the pushpin for the wheel to slide back and forth and you blow, it works like a real one.
    • Garden decoration: These origami pinwheels look pretty in the garden. They'll last until it rains, or keep them sheltered.
    • Cards: Glue the origami pinwheel to cards . Either draw a stick or glue on a thin stick to create a 3D pinwheel effect on the card. Or be imaginative and use the pinwheel to create other designs on the card, such as a windmill, a Ferris wheel, etc.
    • Festive decorations : Tie a row of origami pinwheels together along a piece of string or ribbon and hang for festive effect. Try using different colors of paper for best effect, or use colors that are themed to the occasion.
    • Gift boxes : Attach an origami pinwheel to a gift box as the "seal" or as a design feature. Pinwheels could also be attached to gift wrapping paper for a 3D effect.
  11. Watermark wikiHow to Make an Origami Pinwheel
  12. Advertisement


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.
    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.
  • Question
    I don't have a chopstick, can I use barbecue sticks instead of a pencil?
    Community Answer
    Yes, as long as they are sturdy enough to hold up your pinwheel. If not, use something more sturdy.
  • Question
    What can I use instead of a thumb tack?
    Community Answer
    There are other methods in which you don't need a thumb tack, but only a piece of square paper. Do an internet search for "origami pinwheel."
See more answers
Ask a Question
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • Origami paper
      • Pin and stick if making a pinwheel
      • Other craft items as required

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about origami, check out our in-depth interview with Robert Homayoon .

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 162,640 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Aliana Sanchez

        Jul 4, 2020

        "Hey! I was making themed Fourth of July pinwheels for decoration and they turned out really well. I even ..." more
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement