How to Make an Easy Origami Cup

The traditional origami cup is one of the simplest (and most useful) models you can fold.

It takes less than a minute to make and works surprisingly well as a small container. You can use it to hold nuts, popcorn, or little items like paper clips or beads. This model has been around for over a century, and it’s still folded today for the same reason it always was: it’s quick, clever, and actually practical.

If you’re just starting out with origami, this is the perfect place to begin.

Traditional Origami Cup Step-by-Step Instructions

• Difficulty: Easy – Beginner Level 1
• Folding time: 1 minute
• Model designer: Traditional
• Paper: Any square sheet will work. We used a 15 x 15 cm (6 x 6 in) sheet of Kami.

Step 1

Start with the white side of the paper facing up, positioned like a diamond. Fold the paper in half diagonally by bringing the bottom corner up to meet the top corner.

Step 2

Fold the top layer’s left edge to the bottom edge, but only pinch at the right edge level. This creates a small reference point.

Step 3

Fold the left corner to the pinch made in the previous step. Then, crease well.

Step 4

Fold the right corner up to meet the left corner. Then, crease well.

Step 5

Fold the top flap’s top corner down, aligning it with the top edge of the cup.

Step 6

Mountain fold the top triangle to the back, aligning it with the top edge of the cup.

🍵 Folding tip: Tuck that flap inside the cup to show off more of the patterned side!

Step 7

Open the top layers of the cup and press down on the bottom to flatten it.

Ta-da! The Finished Paper Cup

And that’s it! Your origami cup is ready to use. Now what will you put in it?

Whether you’re folding it for fun or actually filling it with snacks, this little model proves that origami doesn’t need to be complex to be satisfying.

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And as always, feel free to share your creations with us on socials or in the comments. We love seeing what you make.

Download the Full Origami Cup Printable PDF Instructions

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