Text-Based Tutorial copyright 2025 by Lindy van der Merwe
Instructions for this tree with supporting pictures and/or illustrations can be found at
Stand designed by Lindy van der Merwe
Paper to be used: Square, any size; use large paper to practice with at first.
Folding level: Easy/Beginner
Steps: 29
Description: There are a myriad of Christmas tree designs, some more complicated than others. Models also vary from one-sheet designs to modular assemblies using graduating sizes of paper. This model is a simple, 3-dimensional eight-sided figure, starting with the Preliminary Base, followed by four squash folds and then ending with folding in the points
I have added instructions for a stand that will make the tree a little taller and that will help somewhat to create a nice, slightly rounded shape for the branches, but the stand is totally optional.
It does allow for hanging decorations since it is raised from the table and space for small gifts under the tree, though.
Remarks:
This is a simple, but beautiful model that can be used in various ways - folded from small squares, the trees can serve as party favors or tree ornaments, or make a larger tree as a center piece for a table.
NOTE: This model starts from the preliminary or square base. If you are able to achieve this without instructions, fold the base and then go to Step 9.
You can also find other methods for creating this and many other origami bases at the following link:
https://www.accessorigami.com/p/introduction-to-folds-and-bases-used-in.html
Part 1 - The Preliminary Base
Step 1
Place a square piece of paper down on a hard, flat surface so that it forms a diamond shape.
If you are using two-sided origami paper, make sure that the side you want for the outside of the tree is facing up.
Step 2
Bring the left point over to meet the right point. Crease and unfold.
Step 3
Bring the top point down to meet the bottom point. Crease and unfold.
Step 4
Turn the square over and position it so that its edges are facing up and down, left and right.
Step 5
Bring the left edge over to meet the right edge. Crease and unfold.
Step 6
Bring the top edge down to meet the bottom edge. Crease and leave folded.
Step 7
Grasp the left and right points of the resulting rectangle, pick the model up from your folding surface and push inward. The model should collapse along the pre-existing folds.
The result will be a square or diamond-shaped model, with four flaps one each to the left and right, front and back.
Step 8
Fold the front flap to the left and fold the back flap to the right so that your model will lie flat.
The model will have one open end, which should be facing you.
Part 2 - Squash Folds
This part involves making four squash folds using the four flaps of the Square Base.
Important: We are folding the top, closed edges of the figure in this part.
Step 9
Start on the right front flap.
Valley fold the closed, top edge to meet the vertical center line.
Unfold and mountain fold the same flap in the opposite direction. Unfold.
Lift up the flap, open it and, , using the crease you have made, squash the paper down flat.
Make sure the crease line from the squash fold is exactly in the middle of the flat flap and crease well along the left and right sides of the newly-formed shape.
Result: First squash fold made.
Step 10
Flip the model over to the other side, from left to right.
Step 11
Repeat the same squash fold you made in Step 9 on this side of the model.
Result: Second squash fold made.
Step 12
Lift up the shape from the table and flip the large left front flap over to the right.
Reach behind the model and also, flip the large right back flapover to the left.
The flaps will now cover the squash folds you have already made and you will have two large, smooth shapes to work with to form the remaining two squash folds.
Note that the sides of these large back and front shapes will not match each other exactly after this step. The front shape will seem to be on the right with the back shape more to the left.
Step 13
Repeat Step 9 to make your third squash fold.
Step 14
Flip the model over to the other side, from left to right.
Step 15
Repeat Step 9 to make your fourth squash fold.
Result: After all 4 squash folds have been made your figure will be a multi-layered symmetrical upside down kite shape If you look at the main body of the figure, you will find 4 two-layered flaps on the left and 4 two-layered flaps on the right.
If you focus on the small triangles peeking out at the bottom of the shape, there will be two on the left and two on the right. These triangles will lay with their closed sides towards each other and will be divided by a kind of vertical slit.
Part 3 - Folding in the Points
Step 16
Swivel the left flap of the shape over to the right to reveal a smooth surface.
Reach behind the model and swivel the right flap over to the left.
Step 17
Take the single-layered loose flap at the bottom of the kite shape and fold it up as far as it will go.
Make a strong valley crease.
Step 18
Now reverse the crease into a mountain fold, tucking in the flap inside the model so it disappears within the layers of the paper.
The bottom edge of the model nearest you will now be straight.
Step 19
Flip the model over from left to right.
Step 20
Repeat Steps 17 and 18 on this side.
Step 21
Focus on the four flaps on the sides of the model. Swivel the two nearest flaps on the left to the right to reveal a smooth surface, while, at the same time, swiveling the right flaps at the back over to the left of the shape.
Result: You should now have two smooth surfaces on the back and front of the model and four flaps on each side.
Step 22
Repeat Steps 17 and 18 on the back and front of the model so all the points will be folded inwards
Result: You will now have a symmetrical, multi-layered tall triangle.
Part 4 - Opening and Stand
Step 23
Open the model by bringing it upright into a standing position and pressing it into a 3D shape from the inside.
Arrange the eight flaps evenly around the center.
Step 24
For the stand, fold another Preliminary Base and place it flat on the table with its open side towards you.
Step 25
Fold the bottom corner, the single top layer only up to the top point, pinching the fold lightly. Unfold.
Step 26
Fold the bottom point up to the pinch mark. Make a strong crease and unfold.
Step 27
Fold the point up to the nearest crease line and then fold the paper over along this line, hiding the point inside and creating a short, flat edge for the first point of the base.
Step 28
Repeat with the other three sides of the base, turning the points into flat edges.
Step 29
Place the stand upright, with its closed point towards the ceiling. Arrange it so that its four arms point left, right, towards you and away from you. Place the tree on top of the stand, making sure that alternate arms rest on the four sides of the stand.
Depending on the size of your tree, you can use beads or charms as decorations or fold a few small origami figures and some boxes to place underneath the tree.
Making origami accessible through text-only tutorials.
For non-commercial use only.
Compiled by Lindy van der Merwe - December 2025
This text copyright 2025 by accessorigami.com
Comments
Post a Comment