MOD26 - ORIGAMI SUNFLOWER STAR (FROM 10 OR 12 SQUARES)

designed by Lindy van der Merwe and Nishi Sakpal

All text copyright 2026 by accessorigami.com and the authors.

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PHASE 1: FOLDING A MODULE

This flat/2D modular star uses 10 or 12 squares, depending on the chosen variation - see Step 9 below.

Any kind of paper with the same color on both sides or two-tone paper may be used.

Step 1

Place a square in diamond orientation. Patterned side down.

Step 2

Fold left point to right point. Crease and leave folded.

Step 3

3.1

Fold top point to right point to make a pinch mark on the edge.

3.2

Return point to top - you are back to the triangle after step 2." 

Step 4

Bring the bottom point up to meet the just-created pinch mark. Crease strongly and leave folded.

Step 5

Flip over the module from left to right and rotate it slightly so that the top and bottom points lie in a straight vertical line.

Step 6

Take the left edge, the top layer only, and fold it straight to the right as far as it will go.

Make sure to start at the point nearest you and folding straight all the way to the point of the module. Try to fold as accurately as possible so that the points of your star will turn out really neat and sharp.

Result: You will find that with this last fold, you have exposed a single-layered flap on the left of the unit.

Step 7

Flip the module back from left to right. Your unit is complete.

PHASE 2: FOLDING MORE UNITS

Following the steps above, fold more similar units.

You will need 10 units for Variation 1 of this star and 12 units for Variation 2 - see Step 9.

PHASE 3: ASSEMBLING YOUR MODEL

Step 8

8.1

Position your first module so the long, skinny point is facing away from you. The triangular pocket formed in Step 4 will lie at a slight angle on top of the unit, with its opening to the right. The small single-layered triangle formed in Step 6, the tab, will peek out from behind the unit, on the bottom left.

8.2

Now, place module 2 in a similar position just to the right of module 1.

Step 9: Choosing Your Variation

Variation 1 - using 10 units

Slide in the multi-layered bottom left corner of the unit so it disappears into the pocket of unit 1, with the single-layered tab sliding in behind the pocket. Check that your multi-layered point is inserted all the way, touching both the left and bottom edges on the inside of the pocket. Once you are happy with the placement of the units, hold the assembly in position with your left hand.

Variation 2 - using 12 units

You want to slide in only the single-layered tab of unit 2 so it disappears into the pocket of unit 1, with the multi-layered front corner laying on top of the assembly. Check that your tab is not bunched up and is inserted all the way, touching both the left and bottom edges on the inside of the pocket. Once you are happy with the placement of the units, hold the assembly in position with your left hand.

Step 10: Locking the Units

You may choose between the following two methods:

Method 1: 

Slightly lift the right side of the assembly and find the loose point of module 1 that will stick out behind module 2. Using a valley fold, tuck the point of module 1 in behind the long edge just next to it. Make a strong crease so it will stay securely folded.

Method 2:

Carefully flip the units over from left to right.

At the back of the assembly the single-layered loose flap of unit 1 will be on the far left. Underneath this flap there will be a straight, long folded edge that will run vertically from top to bottom.

Take the loose flap of unit 1 and, using a mountain fold, tuck it around this fold at the back of unit 2. It will disappear between the folds of the figure.

Flip the model from left to right again.

Step 11

Continue adding units on the right, each time inserting the new unit into the pocket of the one already there and then locking the units in place using the method you have chosen.

Step 12: Final Connection

Finally, secure unit 1 inside unit 10 or 12 and lock the last fold into place at the back of the star. To ensure the assembly stays together, check carefully that all flaps have been inserted securely on the front and that the locking flaps have all been tucked in properly on the back. If necessary, make final adjustments to ensure that all points form a complete, symmetrical pattern around the center point of the star.

Making origami accessible through text-based tutorials.

For non-commercial use only.

Compiled February 2026.

This text is copyright 2026 by accessorigami.com and the authors.