How to Make a Hard Origami Hat
A drawing of this origami hat was found in a manuscript from the year 1490. It is a fun and easy activity for all ages. The design doubles as a boat that really floats.
The paper can be any size. Standard letter size paper will make a small hat perfect for a doll. A half sheet of newspaper will make a cool hat for an adult.
Origami is the art of folding paper. Folding and unfolding create guidelines for future folds. It may take time to fully master. To make the paper more durable and water resistant, use this method to make a hard origami hat.
Things You'll Need
- Large sheet of paper (rectangular)
- Hair spray
- Folding bone (optional)
- Tape (optional)
Instructions
-
From Paper to Hat
-
1
Lay out the sheet of paper on a table, one of the shorter sides should be closest to you. Fold it in half lengthwise creating a vertical fold. Unfold. Flatten.
-
2
Fold the top half of the piece of paper down to the bottom edge, creating a horizontal fold.
-
-
3
Fold the top right corner toward the center. The edge should meet the vertical line created by the first fold. Do the same for the top left corner. Fold it toward the center to have the edges meet, creating the top of the hat. In this step, it will look like the start of a paper airplane.
-
4
Fold the top layer of the bottom rectangle up. Flip the piece of paper over and do the same on the reverse. The basic hat shape will emerge.
-
5
Open up the bottom of the hat. Fold the hat along the vertical fold. Tuck in the flaps. Press flat on the table.
-
6
Point the top of the hat away from you. Fold the corner where the flaps meet up toward the top of the hat about 1 inch. Do the same on the reverse. Press the corners until flat.
-
7
Open up the hat again and refold it along the original horizontal fold. Press it flat. Lay it on the table with the top of the hat pointing away from you.
-
8
Pick up the flattened hat. With two hands holding the folded corners, pull them apart. The hat will pop into place. It may take a little adjustment. Fold it flat, then reopen the hat.
-
9
Take the finished origami hat outside and spray a liberal coat of hair spray on all sides of the hat. Let it dry for 10 to 15 minutes. Enjoy wearing your hat or floating your boat.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
To strengthen the construction, some transparent tape may be used.
A folding bone will help to save your fingers.
It takes practice. If you are having difficulty, try a new sheet of paper.
A bobby pin can be used to hold the hat on the head.
Paper cuts are rare but can happen with thick paper.
Hair spray is not healthy to inhale.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
