Credits and Resources:
Text-Only Instructions copyright 2025 by Lindy van der Merwe
accessorigami.com
This is a traditional model.
See, for instance,
origami-instructions.com
Paper to be used: Square, any size; use large paper to practice with at first. Thick paper or thin cardstock is strongly recommended.
Folding level: Easy/Beginner
Steps: 12
Description: This is a fairly sturdy, neat square box. A lid can be made by altering Steps 6 and 7 (see "Remarks" below).
Remarks:
This box is easy and quick to fold. Take care not to refold, stretch or tug at the paper too much when folding, or the sides of the box will not be straight and will tend to bulge towards the outside.
Remember, even if you have memorized the folding steps for fairly simple boxes, it might not be easy to fold a perfect box shape at first.
Keep at it. It takes precise creases and a fairly light touch to produce great-looking boxes. Practice makes perfect.
If you are a beginner, consider folding this model with thicker paper or very thin cardstock, which will hold shape better than very thin or soft paper.
decorate with origami hearts or stars, gift bows or by using any other pretty embellishments.
A lid can be made for this box by altering Steps 6 and 7.
Instead of folding the edges in to meet exactly on the center vertical and horizontal crease lines, leave a slight gap when you fold your edges inwards in Steps 6 and 7.
This will result in a lid, identical to, but just slightly larger than your box.
Making a lid that fits perfectly may take some practice and a little guesswork, so experiment with copy or other scrap paper first.
If using two-sided origami paper, lay your paper with the patterned or colored side down before starting to fold. The color or pattern will be visible on the outside of your box and/or lid.
NOTE: This model starts from the Blintz Base. If you are able to achieve this without instructions, fold the blintz base once; then go to Step 5.
You can also learn about the Blintz and other origami bases at the following link:
https://www.accessorigami.com/p/introduction-to-folds-and-bases-used-in.html
Step 1
Place a square piece of paper down with its edges to the left and right, top and bottom.
Step 2
Fold the left edge over to meet the right edge. Crease and unfold.
Step 3
Fold the top edge down to meet the bottom edge. Crease and unfold.
Step 4
Make the blintz fold by using the method you prefer to fold all four corners in to meet at the center of the square.
When pressed flat, you should end up with a smaller, two-layered square with the top layer made up of four loose triangular flaps.
Make sure that, as far as possible, all outside corners are folded neatly at a 90 degree angle and that the crease lines all lie straight and meet precisely in the center of the square.
Step 5
Position your paper once again as for Step 1 and then repeat Steps 2 and 3 with your folded square.
You will now have added a horizontal and a vertical crease to your folded square.
Step 6
Next, fold the top and bottom edges in to meet at the center horizontal crease line.
Crease well and unfold.
Step 7
Then, fold the left and right edges in to meet at the center vertical crease line.
Crease well and unfold.
The creases made in Steps 6 and 7 above will determine the depth of your box.
The closer your folds are to the horizontal and vertical center of the model, the higher the sides of your box will be, and the other way around, of course.
Step 8
Position your model as for Step 1 and note the 4 triangular flaps meeting at its center.
Open the top and bottom flaps so they lay flat on your folding surface.
You will now have one pointed end facing you and another facing away from you.
The left and right flaps of the square should stay folded.
Step 9
Gently start to form the figure into a 3D shape by bringing the left and right straight sides of your box into an upright position with both hands and reinforce the creases a little.
The sides should stand at a 90 degree angle in relation to the table now. The figure will be a long shape with pointy ends.
Step 10
We will now form the corner of the box furthest away from us.
So, concentrate on the point of the figure that is furthest away from you.
To locate the place where you need to fold, while still holding the sides of your box upright, place a finger on top of each wall. Then move your fingers along the top of the side walls, away from your body until you find the place where the sides start to slope downwards, where you will notice that two small corners are starting to form, one on the left and one on the right.
Now, with both hands, press these small corners towards each other and a little towards you until they almost touch.
The diagonal valley creases you have made earlier will help you with this step.
Step 11
While holding the corners in position with your thumbs, use your other fingers to find the pointy flap that is still flat on the table.
Place your fingers underneath this flap and lift it upwards towards you, until it points towards the ceiling.
Continue bringing the flap in question towards you, now bringing it downwards, so that it folds over the side of the box.
There will be a horizontal fold that will help you define the top edge of this third side of the box.
As the flap descends downwards you will notice that the two small corner triangles from earlier will be covered completely, locking the side of the model securely in place.
The flap should finally come to rest on the inside of the structure with its point at the center of the bottom of the box.
It will join the left and right points that are already there.
Using both hands, press the side you have just created flat from the inside as well as the outside, making sure the side wall is completely flat and that the corners are symmetrical and nicely formed.
Step 12
Turn your model 180 degrees so the only remaining flap is now furthest away from you and repeat the previous step, forming the last side of the box.
If all went well, marvel at your very own masu box!
Making origami accessible through text instructions.
For non-commercial use only.
Compiled by Lindy van der Merwe, November 2009
Revised: April 2025
This text copyright 2025 by accessorigami.com
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