Fun
How to fold an origami flower
Fold an easy origami tulip in two parts: the flower from one square and a stem with a leaf from a green square, then slot them together.
Tulip flower
Easyabout 3 minutes3 stepsPaper: Square, 15 cm (6 in); red, pink, yellow or purple
Start with the white side up and the square turned like a diamond. Fold the top corner down to the bottom corner to make a triangle.
Swipe the diagram or use the ← → keys. Space plays and pauses.
Paper colour
Print all steps
1 page, six steps to a page, in the paper colour you picked.
Reading the diagrams
- - - valley fold (towards you) · -·-· mountain fold (away) · thin grey lines are creases already made. Arrows show where the paper goes; a hollow arrow means push in.
All steps
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See every model with a difficulty filter on origami instructions.
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Frequently asked questions
Which flower is this?
This page shows the traditional origami tulip: a flat flower head made from a triangle with two petals folded up, and a separate stem with a leaf. It is one of the easiest origami flowers and a favourite with children.
How do the flower and stem fit together?
The bottom point of the flower is made of two loose layers with a pocket between them. Slide the thin top of the stem into that pocket; a dab of glue holds it if the flower will be moved around.
Can young children fold this?
Yes. Both parts use only straight folds. Younger children may need help lining up the stem folds, because the stem gets narrow; a larger square for the stem makes it easier.
How can I make a bouquet?
Fold several flowers in different colours with a stem each, and stand them in a cup or a paper vase, or glue them onto a card in a row for a flower-bed picture.
What paper colours look best?
Red, pink, yellow and purple for the flowers, and green for the stems. Paper coloured on one side shows white on the inside of the petals, which gives the tulip a little contrast.
About this tool
This origami flower is a tulip in two pieces, the classic first flower for children and beginners. The flower head starts as a simple triangle, and two slanted folds lift its corners into petals. The stem is a square folded into a long thin diamond, halved lengthways, with its wide end folded out as a leaf.
Each piece has its own set of animated diagrams — switch between them with the tabs above the viewer. Every fold is shown in standard notation, with dashed valley folds, dash-dot mountain folds and arrows for the moving paper.
Choose a paper colour to preview the flower in your colours, and download each part as a PDF for US Letter or A4. A handful of tulips makes a lovely card for Mother's Day or a spring classroom display.