How to make an origami box with handles
Origami Box with Handles: try all 9 steps in the 3D player. Turn and replay every move. Print the complete diagram sheet or save it as PDF.
A rectangular tray with two broad folded rims. This Origami Tutor sequence opens the traditional basic-box shape while keeping its floor flat.
- You need
- One 6 × 9 in rectangle of paper and a ruler. No glue or scissors.
- Start
- Start white side up, with a short edge at the top. Use a 6 × 9 in rectangle and a ruler to mark the walls and rims.
- Tips
- Measure from the original edges of the open sheet before raising the walls.
- Pull on the rims gently and keep the floor flat.
Your model is ready
Your handled tray is ready. Pinch its corners square and keep both broad rims level.
Step-by-step diagrams
- 1
Mark the left wall
Measure 1½ in (3.8 cm) in from the left long edge. Fold along that line, crease, and open flat.
- 2
Mark the right wall
Measure 1½ in (3.8 cm) in from the right long edge. Crease that line and open flat.
- 3
Mark the upper end
Measure 2¼ in (5.7 cm) down from the top short edge. Crease across the sheet and open flat.
- 4
Mark the lower end
Measure 2¼ in (5.7 cm) up from the bottom short edge. Crease across the sheet and open flat.
- 5
Mark the upper rim
Measure ¾ in (1.9 cm) down from the top short edge. Crease this narrow strip and open it again.
- 6
Mark the lower rim
Measure ¾ in (1.9 cm) up from the bottom short edge. Crease the matching strip and open it again.
- 7
Raise the long sides
Lift both long sides until they stand upright beside the floor. At each end, mark a diagonal from the floor corner to the nearby end of the rim crease.
- 8
Pinch the four corners inward
Pinch each diagonal inward as the two end walls rise. Flatten the small triangular gussets against the inside of the ends, keeping the floor flat and the long sides upright.
- 9
Turn out the two rims
Turn the narrow strip at each end outward over the corner triangles, making two broad, level handles.
- ✓
Finish
Your handled tray is ready. Pinch its corners square and keep both broad rims level.
Fold next
Masu box ↗
Fold the traditional square masu box, with upright walls and both end flaps locked onto the floor.
Masu lid ↗
A matching masu box and lid. Fold the same pattern from two different-sized squares, then turn the larger tray over and fit it onto the smaller box.
Letter paper box ↗
A deep rectangular box folded from one uncut sheet of letter paper, with narrow rims at both ends. This Origami Tutor sequence opens the traditional basic-box shape without cutting or glue.
Gift box ↗
A two-piece gift box: a traditional masu box and a matching lid folded from a square a quarter inch larger, so the lid slides over the box. No scissors or glue.