All models

How to fold an origami samurai helmet

A Japanese classic for Children's Day. Corners fold down and up into horns, the front layer folds twice into a brim, then the bottom opens.

You need: 1 square sheet (newspaper size makes one you can wear). Hard, 8 steps, about 7 minutes.

Steps

  1. Make a triangle. Fold the top corner down to the bottom corner.
  2. Side corners down. Fold the left and right corners down to meet the bottom point.
  3. Flaps up to the top. Fold the bottom points of both flaps up to the top point.
  4. Fold out the horns. Fold the top points of both flaps out to the sides, creasing from the centre of their bottom edge, to make the horns.
  5. Front point up. Fold just the front layer's bottom point up so its tip sits a little less than halfway from the bottom edge of the horns to the top point.
  6. Fold the brim. Fold the same layer up again along the bottom edge of the horns.
  7. Tuck the back. Fold the back point up behind the helmet.
  8. Open the helmet. Stand the helmet up with the horns facing you. Slip your fingers between the front and the back and spread the bottom into a diamond.

Ready for battle!

Put it on with the horns at the front. Newspaper size fits a head.

How to wear it

  1. Fold it from a newspaper-sized square, about 45 cm across, so it fits your head.
  2. Slip your fingers between the front and the back and spread the bottom open.
  3. Put it on with the horns and brim at the front, over your forehead.
  4. Press the creases lightly so it keeps its shape, and fold it flat again to store it.

What to fold next