Last Updated on April 9, 2025 by Team Ideas24
This is one of the classic origami many kids before the computer era enjoyed making. I remembered this while watching Ninja Assassin on the television the other day. It’s easy and fun to throw around which we could teach kids and let them play with.
Contents
Folding An Origami Ninja Star
What you’ll need: 2 pieces of Square Construction Paper for one star
Steps:
Fold the paper crosswise twice.
Fold it in half horizontally.
Fold one side of the one piece up until the fold mark you have made in the previous step. Then fold one side of the other piece downward, again, aligning the nearer edge to the fold mark previously made.
Fold their opposite sides in the other direction, like in the photo below.
Flip them over…
and fold the corners as such.
Put one piece over the other like so.
Fold the corner of the paper that is under, and tuck it under the diagonal edge of the paper above.
Do the same with the other corner of the paper above.
Flip them over and fold the corners of the other piece of paper and tuck them under the slots in the middle of the other paper.
And it’s ready to be thrown!
Source: Filipp
Best Paper to Use for Origami Ninja Stars
Choosing the right paper can make a big difference when you’re folding an origami ninja star. The texture, weight, and flexibility of the paper all influence how easy it is to fold and how sharp or clean your final star will look. While you can technically use any paper you have on hand, some types work much better than others.
Why Paper Type Matters
The folds in an origami ninja star need to be precise. Each layer stacks on top of the other and locks together, so paper that’s too thick will make it hard to tuck the corners properly. Paper that’s too thin might tear or not hold its shape well. Getting that perfect balance between firmness and flexibility will give your ninja star a crisp finish and help it fly better when you toss it.
Origami Paper
Traditional origami paper is usually the best option. It’s thin, but still strong enough to hold sharp creases. This kind of paper is also cut into perfect squares, which saves you time measuring and trimming. Origami paper often comes in colorful patterns or solid shades, which adds a fun visual element to your finished design. Some brands even offer double-sided colors, which gives your ninja star a bold look when folded.
Construction Paper
Construction paper is easy to find and comes in a wide range of colors. It’s a good option for kids who are just learning how to make an origami ninja star. While it’s thicker than origami paper, it still folds well if you press firmly. However, it may not be as neat, especially if you’re aiming for tight corners and clean tucks. Construction paper can also fray at the edges when over-handled, so it works best for casual crafting rather than display pieces.
Printer Paper
Standard printer paper works in a pinch. It’s not too thick and has a smooth surface that makes folding easier. You’ll need to trim it into a square first, but the finished origami ninja star will still look sharp. White printer paper is also a blank canvas, perfect if you want to draw your own patterns or let kids decorate their stars with markers, stamps, or stickers. If you’re going to make a lot of stars for a class or party, printer paper is a low-cost, accessible choice.
Magazine Pages or Recycled Paper
For an eco-friendly twist, try folding with old magazine pages or recycled paper. These materials are often glossy and thinner than construction paper, which makes them easier to fold. The glossy finish can also add a unique texture and shine to your origami ninja star. Be aware that printed images may hide some of the folds, so choose pages with less busy designs if you want the structure to stand out.
What to Avoid
Cardstock, cardboard, or paper that has been laminated is too thick for this project. It resists folding and can tear or bulk up at the center where all the layers meet. If you’re making a star that you want to throw, these types will also be too heavy and won’t glide well.
The ideal paper for an origami ninja star should be lightweight, easy to crease, and cut cleanly. Whether you go for traditional origami paper or get creative with recycled materials, the right choice will make folding easier and the final result more impressive.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Folding an origami ninja star looks simple, but it’s easy to make small mistakes that throw off the final shape. Beginners often run into problems that leave the star uneven, loose, or hard to assemble. If your ninja star isn’t turning out quite right, don’t worry. Most issues are easy to fix with a bit of patience and a careful eye.
Uneven Folding
One of the most common problems is uneven folds. If the paper isn’t aligned perfectly from the start, each step after that gets more difficult. This leads to a final origami ninja star that’s crooked or won’t stay together. Always make sure your square pieces are the same size before you fold. Press down the edges with your fingernail or a ruler to get sharp, clean creases. If your folds are off, unfold the paper and start again. A small correction early on saves more work later.
Using the Wrong Paper Type
Paper that’s too thick or too slick can create problems when tucking in the final corners. If the folds feel stiff and hard to press down, your paper might be too heavy. If it keeps slipping out of place, the surface might be too smooth. Try switching to traditional origami paper or lightweight printer paper. These materials are much easier to control. Your origami ninja star will be sharper and easier to lock into shape.
Incorrect Fold Direction
It’s easy to confuse which side goes up or down when flipping and folding the pieces. If your origami ninja star doesn’t fit together at the end, go back and double-check the direction of each fold. The two pieces must mirror each other to interlock properly. Laying the pieces out before assembling them can help you visualize the finished form. You can also mark one side lightly with a pencil to track the orientation as you go.
Weak or Soft Creases
If the folds are too soft, the star will feel floppy or might not hold together. Use your fingernail or a flat edge to press each crease firmly. This makes the folds cleaner and the final shape tighter. When tucking the corners in at the end, firm creases help the paper slide smoothly and stay in place.
Tearing the Paper
Tearing usually happens if you use paper that’s too old, too thin, or if you press too hard when folding or tucking. If your paper starts to rip, don’t try to force it. Start over with a fresh sheet and make sure to handle it gently, especially near the final assembly steps where the folds become tighter.
Final Assembly Doesn’t Lock
If the star pops open or feels loose, it means the corners aren’t tucked deep enough or the folds weren’t tight. Carefully go back and re-tuck the corners. Use a flat tool like the edge of a butter knife to help press them into place without damaging the paper.
Fixing these issues helps you get better with every try. Making a perfect origami ninja star takes practice, but the process becomes easier once you know what to watch for. Keep folding, adjust where needed, and you’ll get sharper, cleaner results every time.
Conclusion
Folding an origami ninja star is a fun and satisfying craft that sharpens your focus and creativity. With the right paper and a few careful folds, anyone can make one. Practice a few times, and you’ll be creating sharp, balanced stars with ease.
We have more fun projects with paper. Check out our origami box design guide next!
