Origami is a captivating art form that allows you to create intricate structures from a simple sheet of paper. In this origami box tutorial, we’ll guide you through the process of crafting a classic origami box. This square piece of paper will transform into a beautiful square box.

Finished result - origami boxes in purple, blue and pink over a green background

Make Origami Boxes

It is a perfect solution for storing small treasures, gift wrap, or even as a unique scrapbook paper project. Our special folding technique will ensure a traditional design that is both elegant and practical.

Related: Our favorite easy origami ideas

So, let’s get started on this origami adventure!

Step-by-Step Tutorial to Fold a Box

Step 1

Begin with a square piece of origami paper. If you have a different color on one side that you want to show on the outside of the box, start with that side facing up.

Blue origami paper to make origami box - kids activities blog — Let’s get started!

Step 2

Fold the paper in half from one side to the other.

Step 3

Unfold the paper to reveal a crease, and then flip it over.

Step 4

Fold the paper in half again, this time from top to bottom.

Step 5

Unfold the paper one more time. You should now have a square of paper with creases forming a cross on it.

Step 6

Fold one corner of the paper to the opposite corner, forming a triangle. Pinch at the corners to make them align.

Step 7

Repeat the previous step with the other corner, creating a second triangle. The two triangles should overlap, and you’ll notice two points on either side of the paper.

Step 8

Hold the paper so that the side with a corner fold goes to the center crease.

Step 9

Fold the paper down to form a triangle.

Step 10

Fold the right corner up to the top corner.

Step 11

Repeat the step 10 with the other side.

Step 12

Turn around the origami paper.

Step 13

Repeat the same process but on the other side.

Step 15

Fold the left corner up too, until all corners have been folded.

Step 14 - Blue origami paper to make origami box - kids activities blog — Now you’ll have a square shape.

Step 16

Fold the right edge of the paper towards the centre to create a triangle.

Step 15 - Blue origami paper to make origami box - kids activities blog — Make another small fold.

Step 17

Fold the top corner down, but as you do, allow the adjacent corner to come up slightly. Use your thumb to gently open it up.

Step 16 - Blue origami paper to make origami box - kids activities blog — Use your thumb and index finger for this step.

Step 18

Tuck the top corner into the space created by the previous fold, and then flatten it down to create a crease.

Step 17 - Blue origami paper to make origami box - kids activities blog — It should look something like this.

Step 19

Repeat the same last two steps in the other side.

Step 20

Flip the paper over and repeat the same folding process on the other side.

Step 21

The paper will now have a solid section on one side and a hole on the other.

Step 22

Hold the paper loosely between your fingers and blow into the hole to inflate the paper slightly.

Step 23

Pinch each of the edges to create a good crease. This will form the very tip of the box.

Step 24

Fold the opposite corners of the inflated part to the center of the box. Make sure the box maintains its shape. If it starts collapsing, simply blow into the hole again to re-inflate it.

Yield: 1

Origami Box

Make a simple origami box with a step-by-step tutorial.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Active Time 20 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Difficulty Medium

Estimated Cost Less than $5

Materials

Origami paper or regular printer paper

Instructions

Begin with a square piece of origami paper. If you have a different color on one side that you want to show on the outside of the box, start with that side facing up.
Fold the paper in half from one side to the other.
Unfold the paper to reveal a crease, and then flip it over.
Fold the paper in half again, this time from top to bottom.
Unfold the paper one more time. You should now have a square of paper with creases forming a cross on it.
Fold one corner of the paper to the opposite corner, forming a triangle. Pinch at the corners to make them align.
Repeat the previous step with the other corner, creating a second triangle. The two triangles should overlap, and you’ll notice two points on either side of the paper.
Hold the paper so that the side with a corner fold goes to the center crease.
Fold the paper down to form a triangle.
Fold the right corner up to the top corner.
Repeat step 10 with the other side.
Turn around the origami paper.
Repeat the same process but on the other side.
Fold the left corner up too, until all corners have been folded.
Fold the right edge of the paper towards the center to create a triangle.
Fold the top corner down, but as you do, allow the adjacent corner to come up slightly. Use your thumb to gently open it up.
Tuck the top corner into the space created by the previous fold, and then flatten it down to create a crease.
Repeat the same last two steps in the other side.
Flip the paper over and repeat the same folding process on the other side.
The paper will now have a solid section on one side and a hole on the other.
Hold the paper loosely between your fingers and blow into the hole to inflate the paper slightly.
Pinch each of the edges to create a good crease. This will form the very tip of the box.
Fold the opposite corners of the inflated part to the center of the box. Make sure the box maintains its shape. If it starts collapsing, simply blow into the hole again to re-inflate it.