Looking for a fun craft project that's easy to learn? Try origami! Origami, or the art of paper folding, is a part of Japanese culture that has become incredibly popular in many parts of the world. You don't need any complicated tools; all you need is some origami paper. Origami paper is usually thinner than regular paper, and it holds shapes and creases much better.
We researched the best origami papers available online, and our favorite product is Tuttle Publishing's Origami Paper. This set includes 500 sheets with traditional Japanese patterns, like flying cranes, waves, and cherry blossoms. Be sure to check out our top 10 list for more products that might pique your interest. We've also created a buying guide to help you with your selection process.
Quick List - Top Origami Papers
Tuttle Publishing
Sturdy Origami Paper With Traditional Japanese Patterns
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
Origami is the art of folding figures from paper. It has its roots in ancient China where paper originated. During the sixth century, the art of folding paper was introduced to Japan, and it flourished there.
It was officially recognized as a traditional art form, and the art became known as origami in 1880. This term derives from the Japanese words "oru" (to fold) and "kami" (paper). When put together, they say "origami".
Nowadays, origami has become a popular craft around the world, but it's also a means for artistic expression. It has also been shown to improve visualization skills, eye-hand coordination, and mental concentration.
To practice origami, you don't need a lot of materials! You only require some square sheets of paper and a creative imagination. Some common simple origami shapes include a boat, crane, hopping frog, and fortune-teller.
In order to choose the best origami paper, you'll need to consider the designs, size, and texture of the paper. To learn more, keep reading!
The thickness of origami paper is an important factor that determines the kind of designs you can fold. Usually, the thickness is measured by its weight in grams per square meter (GSM). And as a rule of thumb, the lower the GSM number, the thinner the paper is.
Thin origami paper weighs around 30 to 70 GSM. Thin paper is easily creased and flexible enough for complex designs that require you to fold many layers. Yet, thin paper is weak and might rip if folded in the same place multiple times. But if you have some experience with origami already, thin origami paper is a great choice.
On the other hand, thicker origami paper (over 80 GSM) doesn't hold creases well and is better for simple models. However, in comparison to thin paper, it much more durable and won't tear easily.
Sets of origami paper usually include various design patterns and colors. Some offer 10 color assortments, while others provide up to 40 to 50 design choices.
Some products have a one-sided design; they are patterned on one side and have a solid color on the reverse side. With this kind of design, you'll be able to create eye-catching crafts that use both patterns and solid colors.
However, if you're new to origami, you might want to start with double-sided papers instead. They feature the same pattern or plain color on both sides and save you the trouble of trying to figure out which side to use for folding.
Origami paper comes in a wide variety of sizes, but the standard is six by six inches. With this size, you can fold models like flowers, cranes, butterflies, and boxes.
Paper that measures around five and a half by five and a half inches is quite common as well. Since it's slightly under the standard size, this paper works very well for kids or those with small hands. But paper that is too small will be tough to work with!
Also, keep in mind that most origami designs begin with a square sheet of paper. So you should screen the reviews to make sure that the papers are perfectly square. Paper that isn't cut well might result in uneven folding, and you might end up having to resize them.
However, there are a few models that start with non-square paper. For example, you'll need long strips of paper that are about 10 to 11 inches long and one quarter to three-quarters of an inch wide to make origami lucky stars.
If you have just started trying origami, you should choose a set of origami paper that comes with a guidebook. It should contain illustrated and step-by-step instructions that help you fold basic and advanced models.
Some manufacturers even offer free Youtube videos to guide you through different origami projects. They are actually quite useful, even for serious folders!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Tuttle Publishing Origami Paper 500 Sheets Chiyogami Patterns | ![]() | Sturdy Origami Paper With Traditional Japanese Patterns | |
2 | HPST Origami Paper | ![]() | Bulk Pack of 1,100 Double-Sided Papers With Vivid Colors | |
3 | MozArt Supplies Origami Paper Set | ![]() | Great Assortment of Designs and Colors | |
4 | Gamenote Colorful Origami Kit | ![]() | Great Origami Kit for Beginners | |
5 | Origami Craze Origami Paper 500 Sheets | ![]() | Excellent Thickness to Fold and Hold Creases | |
6 | Melissa & Doug Origami Animals | ![]() | Easy Craft Kit for Animal Lovers | |
7 | Doura Origami Paper | ![]() | A Huge Origami Pack Great for Crafts | |
8 | Rally Toys Premium Origami Paper | ![]() | Double-Sided Paper With Vibrant Firework and Galaxy Designs | |
9 | JoyCat Origami Paper Kit | ![]() | Comprehensive Origami Kit | |
10 | Mluchee Origami Stars Paper | ![]() | Flexible Long Strips of Paper for Folding Origami Stars |
This set of origami paper includes 12 traditional Japanese patterns, such as waves, flowers, maple leaves, and koi fish. One side of the sheet is patterned, while the other comes in a solid, complementary color. There are also illustrated instructions for eight simple origami projects to get you started.
Some reviewers said these have an off-putting ink smell, but it does dissipate. Meanwhile, most buyers noted that the sheets have come in the perfect thickness and hold creases well without tearing. They said the colors and patterns are vivid and don't scrape off easily. The square size was consistent among the sheets as well.
This set of origami paper comes with a whopping 1,100 standard-sized sheets that are suited for almost all creations, including cranes, flowers, and airplanes. The package also includes an online video course to help beginners and experienced folders take their paper-folding skills to another level.
A few buyers noted that the paper was quite thin and tore easily, while others found that the papers weren't all perfectly square. Nevertheless, the majority of reviewers loved the double-sided color assortment. They also mentioned that these papers retain creases well and shape easily, so folding is a breeze.
This pack of standard-sized paper includes 40 different designs, including checkered patterns, floral arrangements, animals, cupcakes, and fruit. Each sheet has both a patterned and solid side, allowing you to create visually dynamic models.
A few reviewers said some of the papers were not perfectly square. Still, the majority of reviewers praised the assortment of colors and patterns. They were impressed with the paper's durability, saying it doesn't tear easily and holds creases precisely. They also said the thickness seemed to be just right, making it easy to fold.
This set of folding paper comes in an array of vibrant patterns and colors. 10 of the sheets help people master the basics, such as folding double diamond, square, triangle, and single rhombus. There's also a 55-page book with step-by-step instructions to help beginners, especially kids, learn the craft of origami.
Reviewers highly recommended this kit for beginners and kids since the clear guidebook instructions make folding an easy task. Most people agreed that the paper is durable and doesn't tear apart easily.
This pack of paper comes with 500 standard-sized sheets and an eBook with 100 origami designs to help improve your paper-folding skills. These versatile sheets weigh approximately 70 grams per square meter, providing just the right thickness to hold creases.
According to a few buyers, the sheets were not cut evenly and tore easily. Nonetheless, others said these origami sheets are easy to fold and don't curl on the sides. They were also contented with the array of colors, ranging from bright reds and yellows to subdued violets and greens.
This craft kit includes different patterned papers and stickers to help you create 40 different animals with mouths and eyes. There are fold marks on the sheets to make it easy for beginners, including children, to follow.
A few people noted that some designs required the use of scissors, so make sure you have a pair on hand! A lot of reviewers loved how the kit offers levels to satisfy both beginner and advanced folders. They found the instructions well-written and easy to understand. Kids were able to follow them without needing help from their parents!
With 750 sheets in a 25-color assortment, this pack is ideal for classroom craft projects. Each paper is approximately 80 grams per square meter and is slightly thinner than printer paper. So, it's easy to fold and holds creases well.
Some users found the paper to be too thin and added that it ripped easily. Yet, most people agreed that these origami sheets are perfectly square. They also loved how the paper was colored on both sides and retained shapes pretty well. They also appreciated the color variety and vibrance.
This origami set includes 200 sheets that come in 20 distinct firework and galaxy designs. The patterns are printed on both sides to provide a uniform look. Each paper is roughly 80 grams per square meter and holds creases well.
Some reviewers noticed a strong ink odor coming from the paper. On the other hand, most people were pleased with the unique design, durable construction, and uniform square size. In addition, they said the paper is easy to fold.
This origami kit comes with everything you need to make unique and detailed origami designs. It includes 90 sheets in 30 distinct patterns and a set of cartoonish stickers to help you decorate your designs. It also comes with a guide book and storage bag.
The sheets measure around five by five inches, making them slightly smaller than standard origami paper. However, the smaller size makes them easier for children to work with.
For some reviewers, the instructions were a bit tough to understand. But the majority of people loved how the kit offers projects with difficulty levels for both beginners and serious folders. They also complimented the variety of patterns and noted that it is easy to fold the paper.
This set of long double-sided paper is perfect for making origami lucky stars. It includes a monstrous 2,340 sheets in a 25-color assortment, and each color is wrapped separately for easy identification.
Some reviewers said the strips rip easily. Still, most reviewers shared that these origami papers are flexible and thin enough to hold creases and make the stars puffy. They reported that the strips are the right size and easy to fold. People also loved the colors.
The paper crane is perhaps the most famous origami shape. An ancient Japanese legend in Japan promises that anyone who folds a thousand paper cranes will be granted a wish. Sounds pretty nice, right?
Thankfully, folding a crane is not difficult at all. It doesn't take a long time, either. Check out the video for step-by-step instructions!
If you're looking for more fun activities, we've some great options for you. Take a look at the articles below for some of our favorite picks!
No. 1: Tuttle Publishing|Origami Paper 500 Sheets Chiyogami Patterns
No. 2: HPST |Origami Paper
No. 3: MozArt Supplies|Origami Paper Set
No. 4: Gamenote|Colorful Origami Kit
No. 5: Origami Craze|Origami Paper 500 Sheets
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Health
Beauty
Home goods
Home electronics
PC
Camera
Food and drinks
Kitchen
Fashion
Accessories
Kids and baby
Interior
Hobbies
Outdoor
Home, garden, and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Media
Games
Apps
Automotive
Gifts
Mobile devices