Design: Lindy van der Merwe
Text Tutorial copyright 2026 by Lindy van der Merwe
This model is a simple fan that can be used as a table or wall decoration or as a placecard.
It is a quick fold, so is suitable for all kinds of occasions, including birthday and theme parties, or for more formal occasions like weddings.
A4 or similar rectangles will create a fan of around 15 cm or you can use the leftover rectangles from making squares for folding smaller models.
Step 1
Place your rectangle in landscape orientation, short edges on the left and right.
Step 2
Form valley creases from left to right across the rectangle.
Result: You should have 8 long panels and/or 7 valley creases.
Step 3
Reverse half of the creases so they are mountain folds and collapse the rectangle into an accordion strip with 8 layers.
Step 4
Lay the strip in front of you from left to right with the two raw edges of the paper facing away from you.
Step 5
Now, bring the left and right short ends of the paper together so they are standing upright. The paper will fold in half and the left and right sides should now be touching. Let the left and right sides of the accordion fold spread out in a fan shape.
Step 6
Keeping the fan in its 3D shape, turn it so that the back is now facing you.
Step 7
We will now make a fold to secure the two sides of the fan so it will stay open.
To do this, find the two panels that are touching each other at the center of the fold. Holding them together, make a fold with both to one side. Start your fold from the bottom of the fan shape where it is resting on the table and move upwards towards the outer edges of the fan.
Make a strong crease so that the folded-over paper will form a cflat, closed seam, joining the two parts of the fold securely.
Step 8
Focus on the outer edge of the model, right where the left and right parts are joined. Take both layers of the paper and form a triangle towards the center of the fan.
Press the triangle and the seam you have formed as flat as possible against the body of the accordion fold.
Step 9
To make a stand or a handle, grasp the fan near its bottom end and, moving upwards an inch or two, bend the paper to one side. Make a strong crease.
You maight want to use a paper clip or small peg to place on this fold so it can settle into place at the required angle.
Step 10
Lastly, focus on the right furthermost panel of the fan. Fold the raw edge, that will be facing away from you so it will point to the right. The panel in question should stand at a 90 degree angle in relation to the rest of the accordion folds. This will make it possible for a name to be written or glued on to this panel. It will be visible if viewed from the front.
The fan could be placed flat on a plate, or secured in an upright position by placing a piece of cutlery or a glass on top of the handle.
Making origami accessible through text-only tutorials.
For non-commercial use only.
Compiled by Lindy van der Merwe, January 2026
This text copyright 2026 by accessorigami.com and the author.
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