How to Fold a Traditional Origami Lily
Imagine a lily, its petals unfolding in delicate curves. In Japan, this flower symbolizes purity, beauty, and new beginnings. Often associated with femininity, lilies add a touch of magic to ceremonies like weddings.
We’re going to capture that same elegance into a paper model. The lily flower, with its simple yet striking shape, is a great choice for paper folding. The traditional origami lily is easy enough for beginners to tackle, but the end result is so lovely that even seasoned folders keep coming back to it.
Ready to give it a try? Follow our step-by-step tutorial, and let’s create some paper magic together!
Traditional Origami Lily Step-by-Step Instructions
- Difficulty: Easy – Beginner Level 4
- Folding time: 10 minutes
- Model designer: Traditional
- Recommended paper: Kami 15×15 cm (6×6 in)
Step 1
Start with the white side up. Fold in half and unfold.
Step 2
Fold in half the other way and unfold. Flip the paper over.
Step 3
Fold and unfold along the diagonals.
Step 4
Rotate the paper 1/4 of a turn and turn it over.
Step 5
Collapse along the dotted lines to create a Square Base.
Step 6
Squash fold one of the flaps.
Step 7
Flip the paper over and repeat step 6.
Step 8
Bring the top flap to the left and repeat step 6. Turn the paper over and repeat this step for the remaining flap.
Step 9
Fold and unfold to the center line.
Step 10
Petal Fold the top layer, using the folds from step 9.
Step 11
Fold the top flap downwards.
Step 12
Repeat steps 9-11 on the remaining 3 flaps.
Step 13
Flip one flap to the left, on the front and back.
Step 14
Rotate the model 180 degrees.
Step 15
Fold the edges to the center line. Repeat behind.
Step 16
Flip one flap over to the left, on the front and back.
Step 17
Repeat step 15 on the front and back.
Step 18
Fold down on the dotted line on all 4 sides, opening up the lily
The Completed Origami Lily
🌷 Folding tip: You can create a more realistic effect by curling down the petals with a pen.
How did your paper lily turn out? We’d love to see your creations! Feel free to share a photo in the comments below.
If you’re stuck on a fold or have a question, don’t worry – we’re here to help your origami lily reach its full bloom. Just ask, and we’ll guide you through any tricky steps.
Download the Full Origami Lily Printable PDF Instructions
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Watch the Origami Lily Video Tutorial
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Is it supposed to look like this?
Hi Kay! It looks like there might be a little mistake somewhere. Maybe it was a mix-up with flipping the layers or missing a rotation. No worries, though! Check our video tutorial at the bottom of the article. It should help!
I got confused on step 5 and it messed up my whole iris i wasn’t successful but I would recomend trying it
Hi Emily, One of the best ways to get better at origami is to fold the same model a few times. You’ll be amazed at how much your skills improve with each new version! Happy folding!
I just started doing origami today, but I made the thing! It’s a bit wonky and weird, but I did it! Also there’s a frog 😆
That’s amazing, Linn! 🎉 Congratulations on creating your first lily! A bit of wonkiness just adds charm. And a frog, too? You’re off to a fantastic start!
what type of paper do I need to use for this?
Hi Bill, any cheap 15×15 cm origami paper will do. We used the Kami 15×15 cm for the tutorial.
I LOVE flowers so I’m doing a lily for school
A couple videos are to bright to see what’s happening
Hi Alan, it’s a bit counterintuitive, but try increasing the brightness of your screen, especially if you’re on a phone. The paper color we used was too pale to show well on the screen.
what does counterintuitive mean?
Hi Margaret, It means it goes against what you’d expect or find easy to understand. For example, if a red light means “go” and a green light means “stop,” that would be counterintuitive.
yeah your right