How to Make Origami Soccer Balls and Basketballs

Make an origami basketball or soccer ball in just a few easy steps.

Origami soccer balls and basketballs are quick and inexpensive to make. In five minutes and a few basic steps, you can make one yourself. You only need one square piece of origami paper. Any size will work, although some of the folds are difficult to make using a piece of paper that is smaller than 6 x 6 inches. Once you master the origami ball, you can move on to more complex origami projects.

Things You'll Need

• Square piece of origami paper (6 x 6 inches or larger)

Instructions

1. Lay flat one square piece of origami paper. If the paper is white on one side, make sure that this side is facing up. Make a taco fold (corner to corner). Crease well and unfold.

2. Repeat the taco fold using the opposite corners. Crease well and unfold.

3. Make a hot dog fold (from one edge to the other). Crease the fold.

4. Push the right side of the folded edge down and in so that it tucks right inside the center of the paper. Flatten and crease. Repeat this step on the left side. You should see a triangle on top.

5. Fold the bottom right point of the top layer triangle up to the top of the triangle. Crease the fold. Repeat this step on the bottom left side as well. You should see a diamond on top.

6. Fold the right angle of the diamond in to the center line. Crease the fold. Repeat this step with the left angle of the diamond. You should see two pockets sitting on top of a triangular flap. Tuck the flaps on each side into the pockets.

7. Flip the fold over and repeat steps 5 and 6 on this side.

8. Find the small hole opening at the top of the origami piece. Gently blow air into this hole until the ball fully expands.

Tips & Warnings

• Origami balls are decorative; they are not meant for use.

References

• Hardin County Schools: Origami Ball
• How to Make Origami Balls: How to Make Origami Balls