How to Make a Paper Fortune Teller

Remember the classic paper fortune teller, also known as the “cootie catcher”?

It’s a timeless origami game that brings back fond memories of childhood playground fun.

Simple to fold and endlessly customizable, this easy-to-make paper toy can predict fortunes, answer silly questions, or even challenge friends.

You can use our printable templates to start quickly or design your own from scratch. Grab some paper, and let’s fold a little bit of nostalgia together!

Origami Fortune Teller Step-by-Step Instructions

• Difficulty: Very Easy – Beginner Level 1
• Folding time: Less than 5 minutes

Download our Templates & Start Folding Your Fortune Teller!

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Step 1

Start with the white side of the paper facing up. Fold in half diagonally, then unfold.

Step 2

Fold in half diagonally the other way, then unfold.

Step 3

Fold all four corners to meet at the center point.

Step 4

Turn the model over.

Step 5

Write fortunes. (You’ll have 8 fortunes in total!)

Step 6

Fold all four corners to the center again.

Step 7

Write the numbers 1 to 8 on the top flap triangles. Then, turn the model over.

Step 8

Decorate the four sections by drawing any shapes or designs you like. Then, turn the model over.

Step 9

Fold the model in half, both diagonally and vertically, to create creases, then unfold.

Step 10

Fold in half horizontally.

Step 11

Lift the top flaps slightly on each side of the model and slide your fingers under them.

The Completed Paper Fortune Teller!

Now it’s time to play! Personalize your fortune teller by writing funny predictions, challenges, or messages inside, and have fun sharing it with friends and family.

Feeling creative? Fold a few more using colorful paper or unique patterns.

We’d love to see your cootie catchers in action, so share your creations in the comments or tag us on social media.

How to Use Your Paper Fortune Teller (With or Without Numbers)

On our template, you’ll find shapes on the outer flaps and numbers on the inside. Ask a friend to choose a shape, then open and close the fortune teller once for each letter as you spell it.

Next, let them pick a number from those visible inside, then open and close that many times. Finally, have them select another number to reveal their fortune.

Without numbers, you can simply use colors or symbols instead, spelling each choice accordingly.

Ready to Predict the Future? Try These Fortune Ideas

Customize your fortune teller by writing playful fortunes or funny predictions like:

Positive & Encouraging Fortunes

1. A happy surprise is coming your way!
2. Today is your lucky day. Enjoy it!
3. Something wonderful is about to happen.
4. A new adventure awaits you soon.

Silly & Fun Predictions

5. You’ll laugh so hard today, your stomach will hurt!
6. A mystery gift is in your future.
7. You’ll meet a talking animal (in a dream, maybe!).
8. Expect an unexpected dance-off soon.

Challenges & Dares

9. Do your best silly dance right now!
10. Say the alphabet backward as fast as you can.
11. Tell a joke. If they don’t laugh, try another!
12. Try to balance something on your head for 10 seconds.

Inspirational & Motivational Fortunes

13. You are capable of amazing things!
14. Believe in yourself. Something great is ahead.
15. A small act of kindness will bring you joy today.
16. Trust your instincts. They will lead you well.

Get creative with inspirational quotes, positive affirmations, or playful dares to add extra fun.

Download the Full Origami Fortune Teller 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.