How to make a paper leaf
Paper Leaf: try all 9 steps in the 3D player. Turn and replay every move. Print the complete diagram sheet or save it as PDF.
An Origami Tutor leaf: a long pointed shape with a middle vein and three pairs of side veins. Fold one square with kite folds; no cuts or glue.
- You need
- One square of thin origami paper. No scissors or glue.
- Start
- Start white side up with one corner pointing up. The folded edges show the colored side.
- Tips
- Match each edge exactly to the middle line.
- Press the side veins hard so they stay when the leaf is open.
Your model is ready
Press the leaf flat. Bend it gently along the middle vein so it cups a little, like a real leaf.
Step-by-step diagrams
- 1
Fold the top left edge in
Fold the upper left edge to the middle line, so the top corner becomes narrow.
- 2
Fold the top right edge in
Fold the upper right edge to the middle line to match.
- 3
Fold the bottom left edge in
Fold the lower left edge to the middle line, through all the layers.
- 4
Fold the bottom right edge in
Fold the lower right edge to the middle line. The leaf is now long and pointed at both ends.
- 5
Fold the leaf in half
Fold the left half over the right half along the middle line.
- 6
Crease side vein 1
Fold the slanted line up, press it, and open it again. Start at the folded edge and slope toward the tip.
- 7
Crease side vein 2
Fold the slanted line up, press it, and open it again. Start at the folded edge and slope toward the tip.
- 8
Crease side vein 3
Fold the slanted line up, press it, and open it again. Start at the folded edge and slope toward the tip.
- 9
Open the leaf
Open the middle fold. Each side vein now meets the middle vein in a V.
- ✓
Finish
Press the leaf flat. Bend it gently along the middle vein so it cups a little, like a real leaf.
Fold next
Tulip stem ↗
A flat Origami Tutor flower stem with a long pointed leaf branching upward from its base. Six ordinary folds turn one green square into a stalk and leaf. No cuts or glue.
Simple tulip ↗
An Origami Tutor tulip in two pieces: a smaller red flower with three upright petal points, and a tall green stem with a long upward leaf. Folded from two squares with simple folds; the stem tucks in behind the flower, and a dab of glue holds it.
Water lily ↗
An Origami Tutor water lily: four white-lined petals raised in a cup inside eight green points. Folded from one square with a blintz on each side; no cuts or glue.
Flower ↗
An Origami Tutor flower with six broad pink petals around a yellow centre. Fold each square into a blunt kite, join its point to the folded centre with a little glue, then lift the petals into a shallow blossom.