Easy origami is where everyone starts. The models on this page use a handful of basic folds, mostly valley folds, mountain folds and a few simple squash folds, and most need nothing more than one square sheet of paper. No scissors, no glue.
Pick a model by what you want to make or by how much time you have. Every tutorial shows a photo for each step, a short video and a fold time measured by our testers, so you know before you start whether a model takes three minutes or fifteen.
If you have never folded before, use thin, crisp paper, such as 15 x 15 cm (6 x 6 inch) origami paper. Thick card and soft paper make even simple folds harder. Line up the corners first, then run your fingernail along each crease so it stays sharp. When the easy models feel comfortable, try the Intermediate models listed under Next models on each tutorial.
Easy models appear here as soon as they are published.
Questions people ask
What is the easiest origami to fold?
Models with only a few valley and mountain folds, such as a paper cup, a simple boat or a heart, are among the easiest to start with.
What paper should I use for easy origami?
Square origami paper about 15 cm (6 inches) on a side is the easiest to handle. A square cut from printer paper also works for most easy models, though it is a little thicker.
Do I need scissors or glue?
No. Traditional origami models are folded from a single square sheet without cutting or gluing.