All models

How to fold an origami fan

Fold a long strip back and forth into even pleats, pinch one end and spread the other. The zigzag pleats open into a real fan.

You need: 1 long strip, about 30 × 10 cm (half an A4 sheet cut lengthwise). Easy, 8 steps, about 4 minutes.

Steps

  1. First pleat. Fold the left end over onto the paper, making a strip about two fingers wide.
  2. Pleat under. Fold the whole stack under, creasing along the edge where it meets the flat paper.
  3. Pleat over. Fold the whole stack over on top, creasing along the edge where it meets the flat paper.
  4. Pleat under. Keep going: fold the whole stack under, creasing along the edge where it meets the flat paper.
  5. Pleat over. Keep going: fold the whole stack over on top, creasing along the edge where it meets the flat paper.
  6. Pleat under. Keep going: fold the whole stack under, creasing along the edge where it meets the flat paper.
  7. Last pleat. Fold the whole stack over on top, creasing along the edge where it meets the flat paper.
  8. Pinch and spread. Pinch the bottom end tight and spread the top out into a fan.

Keep cool!

Wrap tape around the bottom so it stays pinched, then wave it.

What to fold next