How to make an origami lantern
Origami Lantern: try all 19 steps in the 3D player. Turn and replay every move. Print the complete diagram sheet or save it as PDF.
The traditional flat paper lantern, with a wide middle and two rectangular ends. The same fold was called a muff or short-sleeved shirt in European kindergarten books.
- You need
- One square of thin origami paper. No glue or scissors.
- Start
- Start white side up, with an edge at the top. The colored side will show on the flat lantern.
- Tips
- Use thin paper so the three sets of corner folds stay neat.
- Keep the side pockets closed while you open the top and bottom ends.
Your model is ready
The flat lantern is ready, with a diamond in the middle and a rectangle at each end. Tie a thread to the top to hang it. The flat paper lantern, with one rectangular end at the top.
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
Turn over
Turn the diamond over, keeping its top point up.
Steps 8–14
- 8
Fold the top point in again
Bring the top point to the center, taking all its layers with it.
- 9
Fold the right point in again
Bring the right point to the center, taking all its layers with it.
- 10
Fold the bottom point in again
Bring the bottom point to the center, taking all its layers with it.
- 11
Fold the left point in again
Bring the left point to the center, taking all its layers with it.
- 12
Turn over again
Turn the small square over, with an edge at the top.
- 13
Fold the top left corner in once more
Bring the top left corner to the center. This is the third set of corner folds.
- 14
Fold the top right corner in once more
Bring the top right corner to the center. This is the third set of corner folds.
Steps 15–19
- 15
Fold the bottom right corner in once more
Bring the bottom right corner to the center. This is the third set of corner folds.
- 16
Fold the bottom left corner in once more
Bring the bottom left corner to the center. This is the third set of corner folds.
- 17
Show the pockets
Turn the diamond over. Four small pockets meet around the center.
- 18
Open the upper pocket
Open the upper square at its middle and pull its inner point up. Press its corners out into a rectangle.
- 19
Open the lower pocket
Open the lower square the same way and press it into a matching rectangle.
- ✓
Finish
The flat lantern is ready, with a diamond in the middle and a rectangle at each end. Tie a thread to the top to hang it. The flat paper lantern, with one rectangular end at the top.
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