2D diagram

How to make a paper propeller

Paper Propeller: try all 8 steps in the 3D player. Turn and replay every move. Print the complete diagram sheet or save it as PDF.

EasyAn Origami Tutor design8 steps½ × 12 in · One rectangle

An Origami Tutor design for the paper propeller: a doubled strip with a weighted stem and two diagonally creased blades that catch the air and spin as it falls.

You need: One ½ × 12 in strip of paper.
Start: Start white side up with the narrow strip running from top to bottom. Its length is twenty-four times its width.
Tips: Drop it from high up to see it spin.
Adjust the blade angles slightly to change the speed of rotation.

Symbols, bases & terms ↗

Finish

Your model is ready

Hold the weighted stem upright and let go to try the spinning drop. Adjust the shallow blade bends gently between drops.

3D paper

Whole sequence Finish

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8 steps · press any step to watch it in 3D

Step-by-step diagrams

Valley fold Mountain fold Color side White side

1
Double the strip
Bring the bottom short edge up to the top short edge and press the middle fold.
2
Fold the bottom up
Fold the bottom of the stem up a little to give it weight.
3
Fold the front blade down
Fold the front blade down toward the stem.
4
Fold the back blade down
Fold the back blade down behind the stem.
5
Crease the front blade's pitch
Fold a long narrow triangle of the front blade over on a diagonal from the left end of its root to the right corner of its tip. This gives the blade a straight shaping crease.
6
Crease the back blade's pitch
Fold the same long triangle behind on the back blade, leaving the stem still. The two shaping folds will give the opposed blades their pitch.
7
Spread and pitch both blades
Open the two blade roots halfway back out so the blades point in opposite directions. At the same time, ease each diagonal fold three quarters of the way open, leaving a shallow bend across the blade. Keep the weighted stem folded.
8
Let the stem hang below
Turn the whole propeller until its two blades extend to either side and the doubled stem hangs below them. Keep the small folded weight at the bottom.
✓
Finish
Hold the weighted stem upright and let go to try the spinning drop. Adjust the shallow blade bends gently between drops.

Keep folding

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