Design: Traditional/Unknown/Lindy van der Merwe
Text-Only Instructions copyright 2026 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: Rectangular; quarter of an A4 or similar paper is a good starting size for a napkin ring.
Tip: Before using specialized paper, experiment with the length and width of the strip needed for different sized rings.
You can then not only make a template of the right size, but also mark the correct position for making the upwards fold in Step 5 below.
Folding level: Beginner to Intermediate
Steps: 13
Description: This is a fairly sturdy model made up of the band and a flat, central square that resembles the gem or stone of a ring.
If using duo paper, it is possible to either let the band or the stone show two colors (see Step 3 below).
The central square has a very slight raised appearance in relation to the band since it is made up of two layers. the ring locks by inserting one end of the band into the other, so the size of the ring is somewhat adjustable. If preferred, use a sticker, a dab of glue or small piece of tape if durability is required.
Remarks:
Fold this ring as a napkin ring for special occasions or as a children's project at a party.
The model can be folded from shiny paper or use plain paper so children can decorate the band and the central square as a craft activity.
Step 1
Place a rectangular piece of paper down on a hard, flat surface, with the short edges at the left and right, or in landscape orientation.
The main color you want to show should be facing the table.
Step 2
Fold the top edge down to meet the bottom edge of the paper. Crease and unfold.
Step 3
Fold both top and bottom edges up and down to meet the center crease you have just created. Leave folded.
If you would like only one outer color to show, fold the edges up and down so they just very slightly overlap.
If you'd like for the band to show both sides of duo paper, leave a small ````````````` gap when folding the top and bottom edges up and down.
To have the gap with a different color show on the stone of the ring, start with the smooth side facing up.
To have the gap with a different color show around the band of the ring, start with the smooth side facing down.
Step 4
Fold the left end of the strip over to meet the right end, making a pinch mark to find the center. Unfold.
Step 5
With the long strip laying in front of you horizontally (from left to right), find a point just a cm or so to the right of the halfway mark.
Fold the right half of the strip so it points straight upwards or away from you.
Press flat and make a nice diagonal crease.
The hinge fold you will create on the bottom right corner should be at a 45 degree angle while the corner you are forming between the horizontal and vertical strips, will be 90 degrees.
Step 6
Lifting the model from the table, bring the part of the strip that is pointing away from you straight downwards behind the horizontal strip.
It should now point straight towards you.
Place the model down on the table again. Crease well and leave folded.
Result: The two arms will now form a 90 degree corner on the top right, with a small triangle that will have formed at the corner just mentioned.
Step 7
Take the long end of the strip, that is now sticking out to the left, and fold it straight over to the right so it covers the central part of the model.
Press flat and crease well.
Step 8
Flip the entire model over from left to right.
Step 9
Repeat Step 7, once again folding the strip from the left over to the right.
Press flat.
Result: You will now have one horizontal and one vertical strip forming a 90 degree corner on the left.
Step 10
Next, take the strip that is pointing towards you and fold it up and to the left at a 45 degree angle so it comes to rest in a horizontal position.
Result: The two strips will now both be horizontal, the one on the right will be above the one on the left, with the top strip linked to the bottom by a small, folded triangle.
Make sure your triangular fold is accurate here. Both strips should be horizontal. If the strips do not end up in a nice, straight line (see next step), the central square or stone will look off-center or twisted to one side.
Step 11
While holding the top strip in place on the right, take the lower strip and flip it up and over on itself, so the little triangle covers the center part of the model.
Result: The two strips will now be in a straight line with the small triangle more or less at the center.
Step 12
Flip the strip over from top to bottom to reveal the long band with the stone or slightly raised square at its center.
Make sure the central square is positioned straight on top of the band of the ring. You can make small adjustments at this time if necessary. Once you are happy with the position of the central square, make a strong crease on all sides.
Step 13
Lifting the model from the table, gently bend the long strip away from you, forming it into a circular shape and securing it by tucking one end into the other.
Secure with a dab of glue or a small sticker if preferred.
If folding a set of napkin rings, you can give them a uniform size and a nice, round shape by letting them curve around a suitably-sized cylindrical object.
Making origami accessible through text instructions.
For non-commercial use only.
Compiled by Lindy van der Merwe, July 2025
Revised: March 2026
This text copyright 2026 by accessorigami.com
Comments
Post a Comment