Origami guide
How to fold an origami heart
Seven simple valley folds turn one square into a heart. Make one for a card, a gift tag or a note to someone you love.
- Little folder
- About 5 minutes
- 7 steps
You will need
One square of origami paper, 15 cm (6 in) across. Paper coloured on one side gives a heart that is coloured all over.
The origami heart is quick, uses only valley folds, and makes a lovely gift: tuck one into a card, a lunch box or a book. Paper coloured on one side gives a heart that is coloured all over, and patterned paper makes it extra special.
Step by step
How to read the diagrams
- Valley fold: fold towards you
- Mountain fold: fold away from you
- Crease you made earlier
- Fold, then unfold
- Pull out or open
- Turn the paper over
- Push in here
New to folding? Start with how to start origami, which shows each fold.
Step 1
Crease the diagonals
Start with the white side up, turned so a corner points at you. Fold the paper in half corner to corner and unfold, then the other way.
Step 2
Fold the top corner to the centre
Fold the top corner down so its point touches the centre of the paper.
Step 3
Fold the bottom corner up
Fold the bottom corner up to the middle of the top edge. The coloured triangle from step 2 is now partly underneath it.
Step 4
Fold the bottom edges up
Fold the right half of the bottom edge up so it lies along the centre line, then the left half. Two points stick up above the top. Turn over.
Step 5
Fold the top points down
Fold the tip of each top point down a little, the same amount on both sides.
Step 6
Fold the side points in
Fold each side point in a little to round off the heart. Turn over.
Step 7
Your heart is finished
Your heart is finished. Write a message on the back, or tuck it into a card.
Ideas for your hearts
- A garland. Fold a dozen and thread them on a string.
- A gift tag. Punch a small hole near the top and thread a ribbon through.
- A message. Write a note on the white side before you fold, and it hides inside.
Fold another
The fox face is just as quick. When you are ready for a bigger challenge, try the paper crane.