MOD62 - MODULAR ORIGAMI - FLUTED DIAMOND BY MOLLY KAHN (FROM 2 SQUARES)
Designed by: Molly Kahn
Text-Only Instructions - © 2026 by: Lindy van der Merwe and Nishi Sakpal
accessorigami.com
Various sites show how to fold this famous ornament, attributed to Molly Kahn.
See, for instance,
youtube.com
or
origami-resource-center
Folding Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Steps: 25
For any questions, comments or suggestions, please email accessorigami@gmail.com
Paper to be used: Specialty origami paper or colored paper of a medium thickness is recommended.
Description and more information:
This modular ornament starts from the Preliminary or Square Base and is made by "weaving" two similar units together in such a way that it becomes a closed, 3D diamond-shaped structure with eight long flaps. A two-toned effect may be achieved by folding each unit from a different color.
Because of its pleasing, long and slender shape, this model is often used to make jewelry. It is also, of course, suitable as single or clustered hanging ornaments or for making into garlands.
The module itself is quite easy to fold, while the assembly may be slightly more challenging for a beginner.
Instructions:
Phase 1 - The Square or Preliminary Base
If you are using two-sided paper, make sure that the side you want for the outside of the ornament is facing up before you start to fold.
Step 1
Place your square down so that it forms a diamond shape.
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 will be facing you.
Phase 2 - Squash Folds
Step 9
Rotate your model so its open end is facing away from you.
Step 10
Fold the right bottom edge of the model, the front layer only, over to meet the center vertical crease. Crease and leave folded.
Step 11
Fold the left bottom edge of the model, the front layer only, over to meet the center vertical crease. Crease and leave folded.
Step 12
Make a squash fold on the right by opening the right flap slightly, inserting a finger into the pocket that will emerge and then squashing the paper down so that what was the right-most crease will now lie on top of the vertical center crease of the model.
Step 13
Take the left edge of the kite shape you have just formed and flip it over to the right, like flipping a page in a book.
Step 14
Repeat the squash fold with the flap on the left.
Step 15
Take the right edge of the kite shape you have just formed and flip it over to the left.
Step 16
Flip the entire shape over from left to right to reveal a smooth surface on the other side.
Step 17
Repeat Steps 10 to 15 on this side of the model.
Your unit is complete. It will have a single, closed point with four two-layered flaps on the left and another four on the right.
Phase 3 - Folding Another Unit
Using a square of the same size that may be of the same or a different color, fold another unit following the exact steps above.
Phase 4 - Assembly
Step 18
Position the modules flat
Lay both modules flat on the table so their open ends are facing each other in the center. The closed, solid points should be pointing away from each other (one pointing left, one pointing right).
Step 19
Divide the flaps
For both units, arrange the fanned layers so that exactly four hinged flaps are furthest away from you, and four flaps are closest to you.
Step 20
Make the first tuck (Right into Left)
Working with the left unit (Unit 1), turn one flap over towards you to reveal a pocket. Take the single flap from the right unit (Unit 2) and slide it partway into this newly revealed pocket.
Step 21
Turn the layers
Turn the newly connected flap and pocket towards you, exactly like flipping the page of a book. This will reveal the next set of single layers to work with.
Step 22
Make the second tuck (Left into Right)
For this set, insert in the opposite direction. Take a single flat flap from the left unit (Unit 1) and slide it partway into the pocket of the right unit (Unit 2).
Step 23
Verify, alternate, and repeat
Continue turning the connected pages towards you to reveal the next set. Before every tuck, check that you are holding only a single flat flap and a single-layer pocket. Alternate the direction of the tuck each time (Right into Left, then Left into Right) until all points are connected.
Step 24
Gently press the two halves of the assembly towards each other as far as they will go. The edges of the modules should all meet along the widest part of the model with no gaps.
Step 25
Pick up the model and gently separate and arrange all eight flaps so they are evenly distributed. Make sure all points are hidden inside the model and that all eight flaps are present and meet perfectly along the center of the figure.
Making origami accessible through text-based tutorials.
For non-commercial use only.
Compiled: October 2026
This text is © 2026 by accessorigami.com and the authors.