How to make a paper fortune teller (cootie catcher)
Fold the corners in twice, turn the small squares into finger pockets, and try the fortune teller. Add colors, numbers and messages to play a choosing game.
A fortune teller, or cootie catcher, is a paper choosing game worked by two thumbs and two forefingers. Two rounds of corner folds make the pockets; the last creases let them open in alternating directions.
- You need
- A 6-inch paper square. Use a pen to add the game choices and messages after folding; scissors and glue are not needed.
- Start
- Set the square white side up with a corner at the top. The colored side will end up on the four outer finger pockets.
- Tips
- Keep the corners close together at the center so the four pockets are the same size.
- Ease one finger into each pocket before bringing the four points together; pulling an edge can tear it.
- Add the hidden messages before your first game, while the numbered flaps are easy to lift.
Your model is ready
Write a color on each outer pocket, a number on each inner triangle, and a short message beneath each numbered flap. Ask someone to choose a color; spell it while opening the pockets one way and then the other. Count out a chosen number the same way, then lift a flap to reveal its message.
Step-by-step diagrams
Steps 1–6
- 1
Crease from left to right
Fold the left corner to the right corner, press, and open.
- 2
Crease from top to bottom
Fold the top corner to the bottom corner, press, and open.
- 3
Fold the top corner in
Fold the top corner to the center where the creases cross.
- 4
Fold the right corner in
Fold the right corner to the center.
- 5
Fold the bottom corner in
Fold the bottom corner to the center.
- 6
Fold the left corner in
Fold the left corner to the center, making a square.
Steps 7–12
- 7
Turn over
Turn the square over.
- 8
Fold the top left corner in
Fold the top left corner to the center, taking all its layers with it.
- 9
Fold the top right corner in
Fold the top right corner to the center the same way.
- 10
Fold the bottom right corner in
Fold the bottom right corner to the center.
- 11
Fold the bottom left corner in
Fold the bottom left corner to the center, making a smaller diamond.
- 12
Crease in half
Fold the square in half, top corner to right corner, taking all the layers. Press and open.
Steps 13–15
- 13
Crease in half the other way
Fold the top corner to the left corner the same way. Press and open.
- 14
Turn over
Turn the square over so the four small squares face up.
- 15
Open the four pockets
Slip your thumbs and forefingers under the four small squares. Push the corners together underneath and turn the fortune teller up: each square opens into a finger pocket and the center pinches into a point.
- ✓
Finish
Write a color on each outer pocket, a number on each inner triangle, and a short message beneath each numbered flap. Ask someone to choose a color; spell it while opening the pockets one way and then the other. Count out a chosen number the same way, then lift a flap to reveal its message.
Fold next
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Paper boat ↗
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Windmill ↗
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Propeller ↗
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