how to fold an origami candle

How to Fold an Origami Candle

Let’s learn how to fold a simple origami candle, a model designed by Nick Robinson. It’s a quick project that you can complete in just a few minutes and works well when you want to fold something small and decorative.

The finished model has a clean cylindrical body with a pointed flame rising from the center. The contrast between the round candle and the sharp triangular flame gives it a simple but recognizable shape.

This is an easy model and takes about five minutes to fold. One of the interesting parts of the process comes near the end, when the paper is gently rolled onto itself to form the round body of the candle.

Because of its compact shape, this little candle can work nicely as part of a table decoration, a small display, or alongside other seasonal origami models.

Origami Candle Step-by-Step Instructions

  • Difficulty: Easy – Beginner level 3
  • Folding time: 5 minutes

Recommended Paper

15×15 cm (6×6 in) Kami

Step 1

origami candle step 1
origami candle diagram step 1

Start with the colored side facing up in a diamond position. Fold along the vertical diagonal, then unfold.

Step 2

origami candle step 2
origami candle diagram step 2

Fold along the horizontal diagonal from bottom to top.

Step 3

origami candle diagram step 3

Fold the top corner down to the center point, folding both layers.

🕯️ Folding tip: Fold one layer at a time, it’s much easier.

Step 4

origami candle diagram step 4

Fold the left and right corners to the center point, then unfold them.

Step 5

origami candle step 5
origami candle diagram step 5

Unfold the top flap.

Step 6

origami candle step 6
origami candle diagram step 6

Fold the flap from Step 5 down in between the layers.

Step 7

origami candle diagram step 7

Unfold the colored top flap.

Step 8

origami candle diagram step 8

Fold and unfold the top left edge to the vertical centerline. Crease from the top corner down to the nearest horizontal crease line. Repeat on the right side.

Step 9

origami candle diagram step 9

Fold the bottom left edge to the nearest vertical crease line. Unfold, then repeat on the right side.

Step 10

origami candle step 10
origami candle diagram step 10

Fold the top triangle area down along the existing crease.

Step 11

origami candle step 11
origami candle diagram step 11

Fold the bottom corner of the top flap up along the dashed line.

Step 12

origami candle diagram step 12

On each side, fold along the existing creases as shown.

🕯️ Folding tip: Use the next diagram as a reference to check how your model should look at this stage.

Step 13

origami candle diagram step 13

Roll the candle shape and insert the left flap in between the flaps on the right side.

Step 14

origami candle diagram step 14

Fold the flap that sticks out upward and tuck it in between the other flaps to lock the model in place.

🕯️ Folding tip: If the model does not lock well, crease all layers firmly. You can also add a small bit of glue for extra hold.

Step 15

origami candle diagram step 15

Thin the candle flame by folding each edge to the centerline using the existing creases.

🕯️ Folding tip: Gently curl the candle flame to give it a more natural look.

✨ Your Origami Candle Is Completed!

origami candle completed
origami candle diagram completed

I hope you enjoyed folding this origami candle.

If you fold one, feel free to share a photo in the comments. It’s always fun to see the different paper colors people choose for the candle and flame.

You might also enjoy exploring some of our easy origami tutorials or browsing other seasonal and decorative origami models on the site, like our Christmas origami collection.

You can also get new tutorials and folding ideas in our origami newsletter. And if you prefer video instructions, you can subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Printable PDF Instructions

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1 Comment
FL in FL ('_')

easy and cool! thanks!