How to Fold a Traditional Origami Tulip
Traditional/Unknow Even though tulips aren’t originally from Japan, they’ve been popular since they were brought over during the Edo period. They symbolize beauty, elegance, and the arrival of spring. The origami tulip is a much-loved figure in Japan today, known for its simplicity and the colorful touch it brings to any space.
The origami tulip is easy and fun and will get you started on the technique of blowing the paper. It’s perfect for beginners. Get some pastel origami paper and let’s create a beautiful paper bouquet.
Traditional Origami Tulip Step-by-Step Instructions
- Difficulty: Easy – Beginner Level 3
- Folding time: 5-10 minutes
Recommended Paper
6 x 6 in (15 x 15 cm) origami paper (Kami)
Step 1
Start with the white side up. Fold in half diagonally and unfold.
Step 2
Fold in half diagonally the other way and unfold. Turn the paper over.
Step 3
Fold in half vertically and unfold.
Step 4
Fold in half horizontally and unfold. Turn the paper over.
Step 5
Collapse the model into a Water-bomb Base.
Step 6
Fold the bottom corners of the top layer up to the center line.
Step 7
Turn the model over and repeat step 6.
Step 8
Flip one flap to the right in the front and back.
Step 9
Fold the flaps of the top layers slightly past the center line.
Step 10
Open up the left ‘pocket’, and insert the right flap inside.
Step 11
Turn the model over and repeat steps 9-10.
Step 12
Fold and unfold the bottom section from both sides.
Step 13
Blow into the bottom hole to inflate and flatten the model. The bottom should be a square shape.
🌷 Folding tip: If the balloon doesn’t inflate, try pinching the top while blowing. If it still doesn’t work, gently flatten the bottom with one finger.
Step 14
Peel out all 4 outer layers to create the petals.
Your Origami Tulip Is Complete
Great job on making your first paper tulip!
What did you think about this origami tulip? Feel free to share your pictures with us in the comments or on socials.
Download the Full Origami Tulip Printable PDF Instructions
We’d love to keep you in the loop, so by sharing your email with us, you’ll be signed up for our mailing list. Don’t worry; we won’t bombard you with spammy emails, and your information is safe with us – we won’t share it with anyone else.
🎓 Need printables licensed for classroom or group use? See the Origami Library for Educators →
Watch the Origami Tulip Video Tutorial
Enjoyed this tutorial?
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for new inspiring origami videos every week!
もうありがとうございます！Thank you so much once more for your amazing tutorials. I never thought that I would be able to make a 3D tulip until I came across this one. Even my boyfriend’s cat, Rusty, approves of your design. I can’t wait to test out more origami designs and paper in the future. 🙂
どういたしまして！ You seem to have some very nice paper to fold with. And with over 130 tutorials on the site, you should have plenty to keep you busy 🙂
I made this for my grandmother’s birthday one of them tore😭 well I still made it does it look good 🥳❓❓
Hi Xave, I’m sure your grandmother will love them. This model folds better with thin origami paper.
mine could not puff!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi Alan, It happens! Some papers are more difficult to puff. You can also try to stretch the paper instead of puffing it (pull opposite sides at the same time).
What did I do wrong mine is a triangle bottom! lol
Hi Narttt, Did you follow Step 13? You can either inflate the model by blowing into the hole, or gently push the tip of your triangle inward.
I did it!!! now this is perfect for mothers day!
Me just doing this last minute when I wake up…
I did itt!!!
Congratulations, Krishu! Don’t hesitate to share a photo with us 🙂
Definitely going to use this on valentines day
I did it !!!!!!
Nice job!
yay!
woohoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!