Designer/Creator: Lindy van der Merwe/Unknown/Traditional
Text-Only Instructions: Copyright 2025 by Lindy van der Merwe
If you are aware of any other source where this model or similar might be listed, please let me know so I can reference it under this heading.
Paper to be used: 8 Squares; speciality origami paper or colored paper of a medium thickness is recommended.
Folding level: Easy/Beginner
Steps: 20
Description and more information:
This flower is assembled from 8 units that are all folded in a similar way.
A multi-layered creation will be the result. With an added layer between the back and front, this star flower stays well together and will look like an intricate decoration with intertwined layers and patterns.
You can use alternating colors if preferred, make your flower from only one color or go to the other extreme and create a multi-colored flower, as long as the squares you choose are all the same size.
Remarks:
Flowers are always beautiful to fold for many different occasions, or just for fun throughout the year.
Use bright colors to make table decorations, garlands or wall displays.
Use on cards or as decorations on gifts.
Make as a project with children and decorate with glitter, sequence or any other embellishments.
Note that, in the instructions below, the correct positioning of the model during the folding process is very important, so take extra care to orient your paper correctly for each step.
Phase 1 - Folding the module
NOTE: This model starts from the Kite Base.
If you are able to achieve this without instructions, fold the base, then go to Step 4.
You can also learn about this and other origami bases at the following link:
introduction-to-folds-and-bases-used-in-origami
Step 1
To fold your first unit, place a square down in the diamond orientation, with its points facing left and right, top and bottom.
Step 2
Bring the left point of the diamond shape over to meet the right point.
Crease and unfold to create a vertical center crease.
Step 3
Use the method you prefer to fold the bottom sides in so they meet along the vertical center of the model in order to form a kite base or shape.
Crease on both sides and leave folded, making sure the folded-in flaps are nearest you and the unfolded point is at the top.
Step 4
Flip the shape over from left to right. The model will have a smooth surface once you have turned it over.
Step 5
Bring the long, sharp, bottom point up to meet the top point of the figure.
Make a strong horizontal crease.
Result: The back of your unit will now be a five-sided shape with a tall triangle in front of it.
Step 6
Pick up your unit and holding it near its left edge, unfold the layer nearest you, so that what was the tall triangle is now pointing down to the floor.
The surface of the model will be smooth again.
Step 7
Reach behind the model with your right hand and unfold the right side of the kite shape.
The only part of the figure that will still be folded now, will be the fold along the left edge.
Step 8
Next, Refold the bottom point along the existing horizontal crease line, so it meets the top point again.
Step 9
Lastly, take the two-layered right point of the unit and fold it in and upwards to meet the top point of the figure.
Crease well and unfold again.
Your first module is done.
Phase 2 - Folding more modules.
Make 7 more of these units.
Step 10 - Explanation
Before moving on to assembly of your flower, make sure you have 8 modules that are all folded in the same way.
10.1 Orientation
Position a unit as you ended folding it in Step 9, so the straight bottom edge is horizontal and nearest you and with the two-layered flap, the one you folded and then unfolded in Step 9, on the right.
10.2 Parts of the unit:
Considering the side of the unit currently facing up to be the front, note the following parts:
* The flap on the right of the unit, , which we will call the "securing flap" will be important for our assembly. It should be unfolded as we join a new unit and only once the new unit is inserted, will it be refolded into place.
* At the center of the unit, you will find a tall triangular pocket that may be accessed from the right side.
This is the pocket where new units will be inserted, always from the right.
* Towards the left of the unit, you will find a long, skinny triangle that seems to be situated behind the pocket just mentioned.
This triangle is part of the middle layer of the flower. It will only be used in the last step.
* On the back of the unit, near the bottom left corner, there is a single-layered four-sided pocket, which will also be used to secure our units.
10.3 Summary of assembly
* Always hold a unit with its securing flap open to the right.
* To do the assembly, we will be inserting the left edge of each unit into the pocket on the front of another unit.
* Once the insertion has been done, the securing flap of the first unit will be folded upwards again, trapping the four-sided flap at the back of the new unit.
* Don't worry, it will make sense once you start doing the assembly.
Phase 3 - Assembly
Step 11
Place your first unit as described above, with the long pocket facing the ceiling and the straight edge nearest you.
Step 12
Orient your second unit in exactly the same way and place it to the right of unit 1.
Step 13
Find the slanting left edge of unit 2 and, tilting it slightly to the right, insert it into the pocket of unit 1.
If you press it in all the way, the left edge of unit 2 will be stopped by the pocket of unit 1.
The two units will form a nice angle nearest you and unit 2 will not be able to move any further to the left.
Step 14
We are now going to secure the units at the back.
To do this, hold the assembly securely in your left hand.
With your right hand, reach to the back of the assembly and find the far right point of unit 1.
Using the existing crease, fold the right point of unit 1 upwards to reach its top point.
Note that for this fold, you are not bringing the right flap to the front of the assembly, but folding it up and behind the unit to its left.
Since you are tucking the point to the inside of the figure, you will also hook it around the four-sided back flap of unit 2, securing it in the process.
Step 15
Add unit 3 in the same way as you did unit 2, each time following the steps above, and remembering to turn the figure to the left and adding the new units on the right.
Step 16
Continue like this until you have added all 8 units.
Step 17
You might find that unit 1 is hiding beneath unit 8 at this point. You want unit 1 on top, so don't be afraid to gently bend it so it will emerge from underneath unit 8.
Step 18
You should now be able to insert the left point of unit 1 into the pocket of unit 8 as you have done with all the other units.
Step 19
Locking the last point may be a little difficult, because you have to fold the entire model towards you so you can find the flap and pocket at the back of the flower.
Just hold the assembly with one hand and take your time to find and fold in the last point.
If necessary, press the outer edges of the flower gently together so that the center is completely closed.
Step 20
Our final step involves folding over the tiny points of the middle layer of the flower away from us, so they are hidden.
This is partly to make the model secure and partly a unique feature of the design.
So, locate one of the 8 outermost points of your flower. Think of it as a layered petal, having a single-layered flap at the back or nearest the table, and a narrow pointy triangle in the front.
Just to the left of the point of the front layer you will find another narrow point. If you follow this point toward the center of the flower, you will find it is part of the middle layer that you are wanting to locate.
Using a mountain crease, fold the point of this middle layer away from you, in a straight line, so it is hidden within the folds of the flower.
You can use the long, straight left edge of the unit as your reference for making this fold.
Put in another way, you are basically folding the point that is sticking out so it folds over the edge behind it, hiding it within the layers of the paper.
There should now be a long, straight edge where the single point of the middle layer used to be.
Even though it is a tiny fold, it will help your units stay securely in place.
Making origami accessible through text-only instructions.
for non-commercial use only.
Compiled by Lindy van der Merwe, September 2025
This text copyright 2025 by accessorigami.com
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