2D diagram

How to make a paper table

Paper Table: try all 15 steps in the 3D player. Turn and replay every move. Print the complete diagram sheet or save it as PDF.

Intermediate15 steps6 × 6 in · One square

Fold a traditional windmill-base table, with a square top and four triangular legs.

You need: One square of paper. No glue or scissors.
Make a square from printer paper ↗
Start: Start white side up with an edge at the top. The finished table will show the colored reverse on its top.
Tips: Keep the two long edges exactly on the middle crease.
Make both end guides crisp before reopening them.

Symbols, bases & terms ↗

Finish

Your model is ready

Your table has a square top and four triangular legs.

3D paper

Whole sequence Finish

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

Step-by-step diagrams

Valley fold Mountain fold Color side White side

Steps 1–6

1
Mark the middle
Fold the right edge to the left edge, press, and open.
2
Fold the left gate
Bring the left edge to the middle crease.
3
Fold the right gate
Bring the right edge in to meet it. Keep both gates closed.
4
Prepare the upper end
Fold the top edge down to the middle of the strip, press, and open that end again.
5
Prepare the lower end
Fold the bottom edge up to the middle of the strip, press, and open it again.
6
Spread the lower end
Draw the two corners inside the lower end sideways. Lower their shared rear panel along the end guide and press both pockets into one broad trapezoid. Keep the middle of the strip flat.

Steps 7–12

7
Spread the upper end
Draw the two corners inside the upper end sideways. Lower their shared rear panel along the end guide and press both pockets into one broad trapezoid. Keep the middle of the strip flat.
8
Raise the upper blade
Fold the upper right arm up along the diagonal that reaches the middle point.
9
Lower the opposite blade
Fold the lower left arm down along the matching diagonal. Four blades now point around the middle.
10
Fold in the top point
Bring the top point to the middle of the square and press its triangular flap flat.
11
Fold in the right point
Bring the right point to the middle of the square and press its triangular flap flat.
12
Fold in the bottom point
Bring the bottom point to the middle of the square and press its triangular flap flat.

Steps 13–15

13
Fold in the left point
Bring the left point to the middle of the square and press its triangular flap flat.
14
Turn the tabletop up
Turn the folded table over so its smooth square top is uppermost.
15
Lower the table legs
Open each triangular support to a right angle below the square tabletop, working around the four corners.
✓
Finish
Your table has a square top and four triangular legs.

Keep folding

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All origami ↗

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