This easy origami candy cane is a charming festive project you can make with just one square sheet of paper.
Great for Christmas trees, cards, table settings, or gift toppers!
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Looking for a simple, no-mess craft to get you in the Christmas spirit? This origami candy cane is just the thing.
Made with a single square sheet of paper, it's a quick and fun project that adds a festive touch to gifts, décor, or handmade cards.
Because it's flat, it's perfect for slipping inside holiday letters or using as a bookmark too!
The best paper to use is double-sided-colored or patterned on one side and white on the other-to mimic the classic candy cane swirl.
You can use origami paper, scrapbook paper, or even wrapping paper trimmed into a square. Once folded, the candy cane holds its shape without scissors, making it a great option for kids and beginners alike.
Use your finished candy cane as a tree ornament, place card embellishment, or tag decoration.
Make a bunch and string them together for a paper garland or tuck one into a homemade advent calendar pocket. It's a quick craft with lots of festive potential!
Why You'll Love This Pattern
- Super easy and quick-perfect for last-minute decorating
- Flat enough to include in cards or letters
- Great for gift toppers, tags, or table settings
- Kid-friendly and classroom-appropriate
- Customizable with different color papers or festive patterns
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Skill Level
★☆☆☆☆ (Easy)
Materials Needed
- 1 square sheet of paper (preferably with one colored/patterned side and one white side)
- Glue or double sided tape (used to hold final folds in place)
Instructions
Step 1: Start with the color you want on the main part of your candy can facing down. Arrange your paper to sit like a diamond shape.
Step 2: Fold the bottom point up towards the top point, leaving a gap of about 0.40 inches (1 cm).
Step 3: Flip your paper over.
Step 4: Fold the bottom edge up slightly. The width of this fold is up to you, just don't make it too narrow.
Step 5: Once again, fold the bottom edge up, along the edge of the fold you made in the previous step.
Step 6: Continue to fold the bottom edge up until you reach the top edge. Apply a little glue or double sided tape to the end to hold it in place.
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Step 7: Fold the left edge down slightly as shown.
Step 8: Rotate your paper so it sits as shown.
Step 9: Fold the top tip down slightly. Completed candy cane.
Tip: If you used thick paper and the folds aren't quite holding their shape, you could place it under something heavy like a book.
Tips For Success
- Practice on scrap paper before using your favorite pattern.
- Gently curve the folded cane with your fingers for a more natural shape.
- You could try making this with leftover wrapping paper.
Color, Paper Ideas, and Variations
- Red and white paper - for a classic candy cane look.
- Green and white - for a fun twist on tradition.
- Metallic origami paper - adds a glam touch for tree decorations.
- Scrapbook or patterned paper - great for gift toppers and garlands.
- Make mini ones - from 3 inch x 3 inch (7.5 cm x 7.5 cm) squares for ornaments or card inserts.
- Let kids decorate - use plain white paper and let them color their own!
FAQ
Yes-just make sure it's a square. Origami or wrapping paper works best.
Ornaments, garlands, bookmarks, cards, tags, gift wrap decoration-the possibilities are endless!
Other Paper Crafts You Might Like To Try:
Helpful Origami Tips
If you're curious to learn more about origami, you might like to look at our basic guides on how to make some common origami folds.
Start with the valley fold and mountain fold-these are the foundation of most origami models.
Once you're comfortable, you might like to try the petal fold for 3D shapes, and explore the bird base and square base for more complex designs.
The water bomb base is also great for creating inflatable or geometric models, like this inflatable origami rabbit.
Useful Paper Craft Terms
Want to learn a little more about paper crafts and origami?
We've made this helpful printable just for you. It explains common terms and helpful tips you might come across when you are folding origami or making a paper craft project.
You can download the useful paper craft terms printable PDF here.
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