How to make an origami doll (Fukusuke)
Origami Doll (Fukusuke): try all 27 steps in the 3D player. Turn and replay every move. Print the complete diagram sheet or save it as PDF.
An Origami Tutor Fukusuke figure with broad robe sleeves, a seated lap and a smiling pen face, adapted from the simple blintz-and-kite folk form.
- You need
- One square of thin origami paper and a black pen for the face and hair. No glue or scissors.
- Start
- Start white side up, with an edge at the top. Use a larger square to reach the small hidden points later.
- Tips
- Keep the same face up for both sets of corner folds.
- Match the two kite edges to the middle before pressing.
Your model is ready
Draw a smiling face with side hair and a small topknot. Add a small crest to each robe sleeve.
Step-by-step diagrams
Steps 1–7
- 1
Find the middle across
Fold the bottom edge to the top edge, press, and open.
- 2
Find the middle lengthwise
Fold the left edge to the right edge, press, and open.
- 3
Fold the top left corner in
Bring the top left corner to the center, where the two creases cross.
- 4
Fold the top right corner in
Bring the top right corner to the center.
- 5
Fold the bottom right corner in
Bring the bottom right corner to the center.
- 6
Fold the bottom left corner in
Bring the bottom left corner to the center.
- 7
Fold the top point in again
Bring the top point to the center on this same face. Do not turn the paper over between the two sets of corner folds.
Steps 8–14
- 8
Fold the right point in again
Bring the right point to the center on this same face. Do not turn the paper over between the two sets of corner folds.
- 9
Fold the bottom point in again
Bring the bottom point to the center on this same face. Do not turn the paper over between the two sets of corner folds.
- 10
Fold the left point in again
Bring the left point to the center on this same face. Do not turn the paper over between the two sets of corner folds.
- 11
Turn over
Turn the small square over to its plain face.
- 12
Point a corner up
Turn the square a little so one corner points up, making a diamond.
- 13
Fold the upper left edge in
Fold the upper left edge to the vertical line between the top and bottom points.
- 14
Fold the upper right edge in
Fold the upper right edge to meet the first edge at the middle.
Steps 15–21
- 15
Show the hidden points
Turn the kite over, keeping its long point up.
- 16
Open the first long cover
Open the long fold on the left. Keep the small corner folds closed for now.
- 17
Open the other long cover
Open the long fold on the right as well, to reach the corners tucked inside.
- 18
Draw out the first sleeve
Unfold this hidden corner and leave its point projecting from the body.
- 19
Draw out the other sleeve
Open the matching corner on the other side. Keep the other two small corners folded into the middle.
- 20
Re-crease the left cover
Fold the upper left edge behind to meet the middle line, then open it again.
- 21
Re-crease the right cover
Fold the upper right edge behind to meet the middle line, then open it again.
Steps 22–27
- 22
Fold the long edges back in
Bring both upper edges back to the middle together, keeping the two released points outside at the bottom.
- 23
Shape the head
Fold the top point down on the level line. Bring all the layers above the line with it.
- 24
Fold the bottom point up
Fold the bottom point up to make the seated lap and raise both robe sleeves.
- 25
Turn to the front
Turn the figure over to see the face and seated body.
- 26
Fold the left sleeve tip behind
Fold the small triangular tip behind its sleeve along the level edge. Keep the head still.
- 27
Fold the right sleeve tip behind
Fold the small triangular tip behind its sleeve along the level edge. Keep the head still.
- ✓
Finish
Draw a smiling face with side hair and a small topknot. Add a small crest to each robe sleeve.
Fold next
Shirt ↗
The traditional square-sheet shirt or jacket with two downward sleeves. Folded from alternating corner blintzes with rectangular sleeves and a neat collar.
Komuso ↗
An original Origami Tutor Komuso figure with a long folded robe, broad sleeves, a flute and a square hood. The hood has a closed roof, four walls and glued corner tabs. The ancient figure's exact folding method is unknown; this version uses four pieces, cuts and glue.
Yakko-san ↗
The traditional Japanese paper figure: a pointed head, two broad sleeves and a short lower flap, made from alternating corner folds.
Hakama trousers ↗
A flat pair of broad paper trousers with a folded waistband, two separate legs and turned-up cuffs. This Origami Tutor cut-and-fold design uses one square; it is our paper-doll adaptation rather than the traditional triple-blintz hakama sequence.