How to make an origami bow
Origami Bow: try all 12 steps in the 3D player. Turn and replay every move. Print the complete diagram sheet or save it as PDF.
Fold a bow with two flared wings and a small square centre from one paper rectangle. The tucked inner corners form the knot without glue or scissors. Use it as a flat decoration for a card or present.
- You need
- One 15 × 7.5 cm paper rectangle. No glue or scissors.
- Start
- Begin with one 15 × 7.5 cm rectangle, coloured side down, with a long edge at the top.
Your model is ready
Press the small centre folds firmly. Your one-sheet bow has two broad wings and a folded knot, ready for a card or gift decoration.
Step-by-step diagrams
Steps 1–7
- 1
Mark the short middle
Bring the left short edge to the right short edge, crease the middle and reopen the rectangle.
- 2
Mark the long middle
Bring the top long edge to the bottom edge. Crease and reopen the paper.
- 3
Fold down the upper edge
Bring the top long edge to the horizontal centre crease.
- 4
Fold up the lower edge
Bring the bottom long edge up to meet the first folded edge at the centre.
- 5
Match the wing lengths
Fold the left end behind along a vertical line 1.875 cm from the edge. This shortens that wing to match the other one.
- 6
Bevel the upper left end
Fold the upper corner of this end behind along a diagonal joining marks 7.5 mm from the corner.
- 7
Bevel the lower left end
Fold the lower corner behind along the matching 7.5 mm diagonal.
Steps 8–12
- 8
Bevel the upper right end
Fold the upper right corner behind along a diagonal joining marks 7.5 mm from the corner.
- 9
Bevel the lower right end
Fold the lower right corner behind in the same way. The small corners stay hidden beneath the band.
- 10
Make the first diagonal guide
Fold diagonally at 45° across the middle of the narrow band, then reopen it.
- 11
Cross the first guide
Make the other diagonal through the same middle point and reopen it. The two creases form an X.
- 12
Open the wings and tuck the centre
Close the crossed centre folds, spread the front wing back out, and ease both inner corners into the centre. Turn over to show the folded square knot.
- ✓
Finish
Press the small centre folds firmly. Your one-sheet bow has two broad wings and a folded knot, ready for a card or gift decoration.
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