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Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding. Few origami constructions require more than a piece of paper, making origami a wonderful hobby that is accessible to almost everyone. These instructions cover one of the most exhilarating pieces of art. The cube is a simple construction and should take no more than ten minutes to complete. The instructions include basic folds and abase that is common to many constructions.

Steps

  1. 1

    Orient the paper into portrait alignment.

  2. 2

    Fold the bottom right corner upward so that the bottom edge is aligned with the left edge, and unfold. Then, repeat for the left corner.

  3. 3

    Fold the top section of the paper down along the horizontal line formed by the tops of the Step 2-3 creases, and unfold.

  4. 4

    Cut along the Step 4 crease. Alternatively, lightly lick along the Step 4 crease and then carefully tear. You will not need the long rectangular strip.

  1. 1

    Flip the paper over so that the Step 2-3 creases from the previous section are facing down and the paper is somewhat convex.

  2. 2

    Fold the bottom edge to the top edge, and unfold.

  3. 3

    Push the left and right edges toward the center until they meet, forming a tent-like shape. Flatten the tent-like shape along the existing creases.

  1. 1

    Fold the right vertex to the top vertex.

  2. 2

    Fold the right vertex of the resulting triangle to the center line.

  3. 3

    Insert the flap near the top vertex into the pocket along the top edge of the triangle formed in Step 3, and fold to secure.

  4. 4

    Repeat Steps 2-4 for the left side.

  5. 5

    Flip the paper over.

  6. 6

    Repeat Steps 2-5 for the now-front face.

  7. 7

    Fold the top triangular section down, and unfold.

  8. 8

    Fold the bottom triangular section up, and unfold.

  1. 1

    Hold the paper's bottom vertex and spread out the four edges so that they are perpendicular to each other.

  2. 2

    Blow into the hole at the bottom vertex until the cube takes shape.

  3. 3

    Finished.

Add New Question

  • Question

    After blowing, the cube is not taking shape. What did I do wrong?

    T. Chinsen

    The paper used may either be too stiff or not stiff enough. Also, the folding needs to be precise, as it can affect how well it will shape out. With the help of a paper clip inserted into the hole, it is possible to nudge out the side walls and push it into shape.

  • Question

    Can I attach string and a small origami box in such a way to make a hot air balloon or parachute? And would it be functional?

    Community Answer

    That would be a good way to make an origami hot air balloon. However, it would likely not be able to function because hot air balloons rely on fire, and paper is combustible.

  • Question

    Can I make origami with construction paper?

    Community Answer

    You can, but it's harder with the thick paper. Don't use construction paper for harder origami because it is very hard to fold.

  • Question

    Can we insert helium, attach a string, and fly it?

    Ishanjyoti Choudhury

    Ishanjyoti Choudhury

    Community Answer

    You can, but it's harder with the thick paper. Don't use construction paper for harder origami because it is very hard to fold.

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Video

  • Press creases with your thumbnail to ensure clean folds.

  • If one of your folds is off, simply unfold and try again.

  • If the cube doesn't blow up easily, try, in step nine of 'The Compressed Cube' to fold the top and bottom triangle sections both forward and backwards (fold it both ways). It should ease the blowing up process.

  • If you are unsure what a step means, look closely at the accompanying image. Dotted lines indicate where a fold should be made.

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Things You'll Need

  • 1 Piece of 8.5" x 11" printer paper (Feel free to use square origami paper. Then you can skip the first section, though you will need the folds from Steps 3-4.
  • Scissors (optional)

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