Easy Origami Star: A Step-by-Step Guide

Updated at: 21/05/2025

Origami, the ancient Japanese art of paper folding, offers a captivating world of intricate designs and surprising transformations. From simple cranes to complex creatures, the possibilities seem endless, often intimidating beginners who believe only advanced techniques are achievable. But fear not! Even with limited experience, you can create stunning origami masterpieces. This guide focuses on a particularly charming and accessible project: the easy origami star. This deceptively simple design is perfect for beginners and a rewarding introduction to the joys of paper folding.

This step-by-step tutorial will guide you through the process of creating your own beautiful origami star, requiring only a square piece of paper and a little bit of patience. With clear instructions and accompanying images, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can transform a flat sheet of paper into a delightful three-dimensional star. Let's begin!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Square piece of paper
  • Scissors
Safety Guidelines
  • Use sharp, clean scissors to avoid cuts. Adult supervision is recommended, especially for young children.
  • Be patient! Origami takes practice. Don't get discouraged if your first few attempts aren't perfect.
  • Start with a square piece of paper. The size will determine the size of your star, but using a square is crucial for the folds to work correctly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Initial Creases

    • Fold the square in half.
    • Fold one corner up to meet the edge, forming a triangle. Open it back up.
    • Fold the opposite corner to form another triangle. Open it to reveal an 'X'.
    • Line up the unfolded corner with the 'X' and crease.
    Line up the unfolded corner with the 'X' and crease.Line up the unfolded corner with the 'X' and crease.Line up the unfolded corner with the 'X' and crease.Line up the unfolded corner with the 'X' and crease.
    Initial Creases
    • Fold that corner back to the edge and crease.
    • Fold the bottom edge of the other side to match the last fold and crease.
    Fold the bottom edge of the other side to match the last fold and crease.Fold the bottom edge of the other side to match the last fold and crease.
    Initial Creases

  2. Forming the Pentagon

    • Fold both triangles back-to-back.
    • Cut along the front edge of the three large panels to form a pentagon.
    Cut along the front edge of the three large panels to form a pentagon.Cut along the front edge of the three large panels to form a pentagon.
    Forming the Pentagon

  3. Preparing the Pentagon Sides

    • Carefully line up one edge of the pentagon so corners meet the side points, aligning middle creases.
    • Repeat step 9 on the remaining four sides.
    Repeat step 9 on the remaining four sides.Repeat step 9 on the remaining four sides.
    Preparing the Pentagon Sides

  4. Folding the Pentagon Points

    • Fold two creased sides up to the line made in step 9.
    • Pinch the pentagon point and lay it flat, pointing clockwise.
    • Repeat step 12 on each remaining point, folding clockwise.
    Repeat step 12 on each remaining point, folding clockwise.Repeat step 12 on each remaining point, folding clockwise.Repeat step 12 on each remaining point, folding clockwise.
    Folding the Pentagon Points

  5. Completing the Star

    • Work clockwise around the pentagon, pinching and collecting corners inward to form a star.
    • Press flat, flip over. Fold each point of the back pentagon toward the center, aligning with the peak.
    Press flat, flip over. Fold each point of the back pentagon toward the center, aligning with the peak.Press flat, flip over. Fold each point of the back pentagon toward the center, aligning with the peak.
    Completing the Star

Read more: Easy Origami Paper Box Tutorial: Step-by-Step Guide

Tips

  • Creasing well is crucial for easy star formation.
  • The last peak might require extra effort to tuck.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uneven folds

Reason: Inconsistent pressure or inaccurate folding leads to uneven edges and a lopsided star.
Solution: Ensure all folds are crisp and precisely aligned by using a bone folder or similar tool and carefully following the crease lines.

2. Incorrect Mountain/Valley Folds

Reason: Mixing up mountain and valley folds (folds that push inwards vs outwards) results in an entirely different shape.
Solution: Pay close attention to the diagrams or instructions indicating whether a fold is a mountain or valley fold.

FAQs

What type of paper is best for making an origami star?
Square origami paper works best, but you can also use any square piece of paper. Thinner paper is generally easier to fold, especially for beginners. Avoid paper that's too thick or stiff, as it can be difficult to crease sharply.