MDL0069 - ORIGAMI - TWISTED SQUARE BOX (FROM A SQUARE)

                                        Text        -Only Instructions

Credits and Resources:

This is likely                     to be a traditional model.

To distinguish it from other boxes, I have called it the Twisted Square Box, but it very likely has various other names.

For instructions with pictures, see, for example,

make-origami.com

Paper to be used: Square, any size; use large paper to practice with at first.

Thick paper or thin cardstock is strongly recommended for this model.

Folding level: Easy/Beginner

Steps: 14

Description: This traditional Japanese box is unique in the sense that the top opening of the finished box is a square; the base or bottom of the box is also a square; but the two are not stacked exactly one on top of the other.

Its distinctive geometric shape makes it different and memorable. 

Remarks:

It is perfect to use for all occasions and it is fairly fast and easy to fold.

If using two-sided origami paper, lay your paper with the patterned or colored side down before starting to fold.

NOTE:  This model requires folding your square into thirds. A folding method is described below in Step 2, but if you prefer, you could use a template to help.

Try to create a template from cardstock or similar durable paper if you are able to use the method in Step 2, or consider asking someone to help you make a template from the size of squares you most often use.

You can then keep this template in your origami kit for use at any time.

Step 1

Place a square piece of paper down on a hard, flat surface with its edges to the left and right, top and bottom.

Step 2

Divide and fold your square into thirds.

The easiest method I have found to do this is to pick up your paper and gently fold the sides over to their opposite edges. Adjust your folds on both sides before making small creases right at the edges of the paper to mark where you will fold.

Don't worry if this is difficult at first. It will become easier with practice. 

Unfold all the way again.

Using the small marks you have made, fold the top edge of the square down a third of the way and then over once more, like you would a letter going into an envelope.

Crease well and unfold so you have a square with two lines across it.

Step 3

Turn your model 90 degrees and repeat the previous step so that your square is now divided into 9 blocks by two vertical and 2 horizontal lines.

Step 4

Cut or tear off the bottom third of the paper. You will only need the top part, which is made up of 6 blocks.

Step 5

Place the rectangle you have now down with the short sides left and right.

Step 6

Using the crease made in step 2, fold the left side towards the right.

Step 7

Then fold this same edge back to the left edge. Crease and leave folded.

Step 8

Using the crease made in step 2, fold the right side of the paper towards the left.

Step 9

Then fold this  same edge back to the right edge. Crease and leave folded.

You will have two 3-layered rectangles with their closed edges lying along the center crease of the paper.

Next you will form the corners of the box.

Step 10

Fold the top layer of paper on the right over to the left.

Step 11

Then fold in all 4 corners, including the 2 corners on the right and the 2 corners of the flap you have folded to the left, so they meet the center vertical crease of the model.

Step 12

Keeping all the corners folded, return the flap you folded over back towards the right.

Step 13

Repeat Steps 10 to 12 on the lefthand side of the model but in the opposite direction.

With all the corners folded and the flaps returned to their respective sides, you will obtain a flat, six-sided shape.

Step 14

Notice that there is a vertical slit at the center of your model.

Pick up the model and   pull to the sides  to open up the slit. The  sides  of the box will rise and form into a square shape.

Finally, shape the corners into 90 degrees, but remember that the top and bottom of the box should appear to look slightly off-center.

Making origami accessible to visually impaired crafters through text instructions.

for non-commercial use only.

Compiled by Lindy van der Merwe, November 2009

Revised: May 2023, with thankful acknowledgement to Reiner Delgado


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