All origami lessons

Before you start

This guide follows the Samurai Hat activity in Origami Pico. Open the interactive version to see the current paper, highlighted fold and movement in 3D. Choose a free basic paper to try it as many times as you like.

No physical paper is needed for the on-screen activity. If you want to try real paper too, use the linked folding reference below alongside the app. Some movements are adapted for the interactive guide.

Folding instructions

1. Find the centre

   Bring the right point to the left, then open the sheet.

2. Make a triangle

   Bring the top point down to the bottom point.

3. Close the right corner

   Bring the right corner down to the bottom point.

4. Close the left corner

   Bring the left corner down to meet it.

5. Lift the right flap

   Lift only the right front flap up to the top point.

6. Point the right horn outward

   Fold the raised point diagonally out to the right.

7. Lift the left flap

   Lift the left front flap up to the top point.

8. Point the left horn outward

   Fold the raised point diagonally out to the left.

9. Raise the black front

   Lift the front bottom point, leaving a narrow strip below the horns.

10. Turn the little point down

    Fold the front point down along the bottom edge of the horns.

11. Roll the brim up

    Lift the narrow lower strip to make a neat double brim.

12. Tuck the back inside

    Fold the remaining bottom triangle into the back of the helmet.

Use this lesson together

Read one instruction aloud, describe where the moving corner will go, then make the fold. Students or family members can take turns explaining the next step.

Classroom activity guide · Family folding guide

Folding reference

This app activity is based on Origami Guide: Samurai Hat, with adaptations for interactive 3D folding.