by Annette Carr and Lindy van der Merwe - © 2025 by the authors
accessorigami.com
Introduction
For making sets of models or some modular creations, you might need to make squares of different sizes. This is a method you can use to create four squares in graduating sizes.
For a video on this method, visit youtube.com
To keep things simple, ordinary printer paper is used for this tutorial. Exact measurements for other paper sizes are not provided, but you can always use tactile or other adaptive methods if these measurements are important for your project.
You will need two sheets of printer paper or 2 rectangles of similar size.
Tearing Technique
There are various methods you can use to cut or tear paper. One of the most accurate techniques used by many people, blind or sighted, is the tearing method. This simply involves folding the paper back and forth along a certain line, while also weakening the paper using a fingernail, your fingers pinched together or a damp cloth. Once the paper has been weakened to a certain point, you should be able to place it with the fold running from top to bottom, or vertically. Then, pull the paper apart with a steady, but controlled, motion. With some practice, you should be able to tear paper that will have straight, clean edges. Some people find their teared edges are similar to or even better than edges cut with scissors or craft knives.
Once you are able to e.g. tear or cut a piece of paper in half successfully, you should have no trouble using the method below to make graduating squares.
Instructions
Step 1
To make your first, largest square, take the first rectangular sheet and place it in landscape orientation.
Fold one of the top corners down to the long edge to form a diagonal crease.
Then cut or tear off the remaining rectangle piece and keep it handy as you will need it to make another square.
Set your first square aside.
Step 2
Using the rectangle piece left over from Step 1, repeat folding a corner down to meet the long edge to make a diagonal crease.
Remove the remaining rectangle which can be put aside as it will not need to be used.
You will be left with a second, smaller square, which you can put aside with the first.
Step 3
Using the second piece of printer paper, place it in landscape orientation.
Fold it in half by matching up the short edges and make a vertical crease.
Cut or tear the paper in half along the crease.
Step 4
Use one half of the paper from Step 3.
Place it in landscape orientation and fold one corner down to the long edge and make a diagonal crease.
Remove the rectangular piece that is left and keep it handy as you will need it to make the last square.
Set your third square aside with the first two.
Step 5
For the smallest square, using the rectangular piece left over from Step 4, fold down the corner to the long edge to form a diagonal crease again.
Remove the remaining rectangular piece and put it aside as you will not need it.
Add your smallest square to the first three.
Conclusion
You will now have four squares to use for projects such as making an origami Christmas tree, the pagoda, flowers or boxes of different sizes, or for creating various layered effects for other paper crafts.
Making origami accessible through text-based instructions.
For non-commercial use only.
Compiled, February 2025
This text © 2025 by Annette Carr and Lindy van der Merwe
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