How to make a paper rocket: folded with fins
Paper Rocket (Folded with Fins): try all 10 steps in the 3D player. Turn and replay every move. Print the complete diagram sheet or save it as PDF.
An Origami Tutor cut-and-fold rocket from one letter sheet, with a pointed nose, an open V-shaped body, two small swept fins and a pen-drawn porthole.
- You need
- One sheet of letter paper, scissors and a pen for the porthole. No glue.
- Start
- Lay a sheet of letter paper in front of you, short edge at the top.
- Tips
- Press the creases firmly before easing the body and fins open.
- Keep both fins the same size and angle, or the rocket spins as it flies.
Your model is ready
Draw a round porthole on the broad side below the nose. Your paper rocket is ready. Hold it near the middle for a gentle nose-first toss.
Step-by-step diagrams
- 1
Crease the middle
Fold the paper in half from left to right, crease it, and open it again.
- 2
Fold the left side in
Fold the left edge over to the center crease and press the fold flat from top to bottom.
- 3
Fold the right side in
Fold the right edge to the center crease the same way. The paper is now a long strip.
- 4
Fold the left corner down
Fold the top left corner of the strip down so its top edge lies along the center crease.
- 5
Fold the right corner down
Fold the top right corner the same way. The top of the strip is now a point.
- 6
Free the two tail fins
Cut 1½ in (3.8 cm) up the center crease from the bottom edge. Stop there: the uncut paper above keeps the two fin flaps joined to the body.
- 7
Fold in half
Fold the strip in half along the center crease, with all the folds on the outside.
- 8
Fold the first fin
Fold the front tail flap outward on a slanted line from the end of the slit to the open edge, ⅕ in (5 mm) above the tail.
- 9
Fold the second fin
Fold the back layers behind along the same line, so the two fins match.
- 10
Open the body and fins
Part the two sides of the body to a right angle. At the same time, ease each pressed fin back by about forty degrees, leaving the two small fins spread at the tail.
- ✓
Finish
Draw a round porthole on the broad side below the nose. Your paper rocket is ready. Hold it near the middle for a gentle nose-first toss.
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