Flowers & nature · Step-by-step guide
Classic Paper Lily
Open a folded square into a lily with four long petals and gently curled tips.
What you’ll need
- One 15 × 15 cm thin paper square per flower unit
- A round pencil or shaping tool, optional
Origami · Folding and shaping
Make it, step by step.
11 steps · Original diagrams with English instructions
Read each picture from left to right, then top to bottom. The steps make one four-petal flower unit. The fuller finished examples can be used as inspiration for arranging multiple units.
Finished model
Open image at full size ↗Use this finished example to compare the shape and proportions of your model.
Collapse the square base
Open image at full size ↗Crease both diagonals and both midlines. Bring the two sides inward and flatten into a layered square.
Squash the first pocket
Open image at full size ↗Fold an edge to the center and unfold it. Lift the flap upright.
Open its pocket from the middle and squash it flat, aligning the center crease.
Prepare the petal folds
Open image at full size ↗Repeat the pocket fold on the remaining faces. On one face, fold the two lower edges to the center.
Unfold those two edges and open the lower point upward.
Lengthen the petals
Open image at full size ↗Bring the sides inward along their creases and flatten the raised flap.
Fold the small triangular flap down and repeat the sequence on the other faces.
Narrow each petal
Open image at full size ↗Turn a layer sideways to expose a smooth face. Fold its two side edges toward the center.
Repeat around the model, then rotate it so the long split points face upward.
Open and curl the flower
Open image at full size ↗Spread all four long points outward to open the lily.
Gently curl each petal tip outward with your fingers or around a round pencil.
A fuller flower arrangement
Open image at full size ↗This finished example has a fuller, layered outline. The step sequence above explains the individual four-petal unit.
Finished model
Open image at full size ↗Use this finished example to compare the shape and proportions of your model.
Follow the diagrams alongside the step-by-step English instructions.
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