How to Make an Origami Basket Out of Triangular Models

Choose thick paper that holds creases well for this project.

Small baskets are useful for holding those little items that tend to get lost including change, jewelry and even loose keys. If you don't have a small box or basket to use for this purpose, make your own out of three pieces of paper. Create a small triangular basket by joining three models of origami paper together. This project only takes time, patience and paper.

Things You'll Need

• 3 pieces of origami paper, each 10-by-10 inches

Instructions

Making the Triangular Models

1. Select one piece of paper. Turn the paper so that it forms a square. An edge should be facing toward you instead of a corner. The colored side of the paper should be face down. Fold the top edge to meet the bottom edge and unfold. Fold the top edge to the horiztonal crease you just made. Crease well and unfold. Fold the top right corner down to meet the first horizontal crease. Refold the top edge down to the center horizontal crease.

2. Fold the right edge of the paper inward until it meets the center of the paper. Crease and unfold. There should now be one vertical crease. Where this vertical crease interects the bottom edge of the paper is point "A." Point "B" is along this same crease where the colored paper meets the white paper. You might want to label this points with a pencil on the white side of the paper so you don't lose track of them. Label the lower right corner point "D." You'll mark out point "C" in a moment.

3. Fold point "A" up to the top edge of the paper, pivoting the paper at point "B." Crease the paper from point "B" down to the lower left corner and label this corner point "C." Point "D" should now be at the highest point of the model. Find the crease that runs from point "A" to point "B" and fold point "D" down along this crease. This should form a white rectangle consisting of three raw edges and a crease on the right side. Fold this rectangle so that it is bisected by a diagonal crease that starts at point "D." Take a moment to sharpen all creases.

4. Fold the very tip of point "A" down just slightly. Tuck point "A" under the flap that is directly behind the white rectangle. Fold point "C" up to the diagonal crease of the rectangle and unfold. Fold point "C" up to this new crease. Fold the tip of point "C" down just a little. The crease created by the diagonal crease through the white rectangle will form one side of the bottom of the basket. Take a moment to sharpen this crease so that your basket will have a well-defined bottom.

5. Repeat Step 1 through Step 4 with the other two pieces of origami paper. When finished, you should have three identical triangular models.

Assembling the Triangular Models

1. Arrange the three models so that they form a triangular shape. Turn the models so that one point of the triangle faces away from you.

2. Focus on joining the models at the top point of the triangle. The model on the right should be inserted into the model on the left. Do this by inserting point "C" on the right-hand model under the flap that conceals point "A" on the left-hand model. Also tuck the raw edge of the right-hand model into the little triangular flap on the left-hand model.

3. Repeat Step 2 twice more and you will have joined the models together. When joining the third model to the first, you may have to fiddle with the pieces a little to get them tucked into place.

4. Sharpen the creases at the bottom of the basket. This is your origami basket.

Tips & Warnings

• If the pieces come part, consider using a small amount of glue to hold the pieces together.

• If you want a larger or smaller basket, use larger or smaller pieces of paper.

• A sturdy basket requires sturdy paper. Use origami paper, construction paper, note paper or layers of gift wrap to give the basket the necessary strength.

References

• "Origami Magic"; Florence Temko; 1993