How to Fold an Origami Lotus 🪷 Step-by-Step Instructions

The origami lotus is one of the most recognizable traditional models, symbolizing purity, renewal, and enlightenment. It has been folded for centuries in Japan and China and holds deep cultural significance, especially in Japan, where the lotus is linked to spirituality and beauty.

In this step-by-step tutorial, you’ll learn how to fold your own paper lotus flower with easy, beginner-friendly instructions. It’s a great project for relaxation, decoration, or even as a thoughtful handmade gift.

Grab your paper, and let’s start folding!

Traditional Origami Lotus Step-by-Step Instructions

Difficulty: Easy – Beginner Level 3
Folding time: 5-10 minutes
Model designer: Traditional/Unknown
Recommended paper: 20×20 cm tissue paper or any soft paper. We used Agua Papel for the origami lotus flowers displayed in the featured image.

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Step 1

Start with the white side facing up. Fold and unfold the paper in half vertically and horizontally.

Step 2

Fold all four corners of the paper to the center, using the creases from Step 1 as guides.

Step 3

Rotate the paper 45° clockwise.

Step 4

Fold all four corners to the center again.

Step 5

Rotate the paper 45° clockwise.

Step 6

Fold all four corners to the center one more time.

Step 7

Turn the model over.

Step 8

Fold all four corners to the center again.

🪷 Folding tip: Depending on its thickness, the paper might become harder to crease at this stage. For best results, we recommend using softer paper, like tissue or washi.

Step 9

Fold each corner inward along the dotted lines.

Step 10

Hold one small flap from Step 9 with one hand, and with the other hand, gently pull up and reverse the flap on the opposite side.

🪷 Folding tip: Be patient, as the paper may tear at this step. Mastering this part often takes several tries. Go slowly and guide the paper carefully.

Step 11

Repeat Step 10 for each corner to form the first set of lotus petals. Once done, push up all the flaps created in Step 9 so they point upward.

Step 12

Turn the model over.

Step 13

Gently pull down and reverse all four flaps to create a new layer of petals.

Step 14

Fold the remaining flaps along the dotted lines to create the final layer of petals.

Step 15

Turn the model over.

Step 16

Shape the lotus by carefully bending the tops of the petals outward to give your flower a natural look.

🪷 The Completed Origami Lotus!

Congratulations on folding your very own origami lotus!

Want to take it a step further? Try folding a smaller lotus and placing it inside a larger one! The flower will have more petals, creating a beautiful, full-bloom effect—just like the lotus on the right side of the featured image.

Experiment with different paper colors and sizes to make unique variations.

We’d love to see your creations! Feel free to share them with us in the comments or on socials.

Download the Full Origami Lotus Printable PDF Instructions

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