Origami Cup

Learn how to make a traditional origami cup with just one square sheet of paper!

This simple, functional paper craft is perfect for beginners and can be used for small snacks or decorative purposes.

This traditional origami cup is one of the simplest and most useful paper crafts you can make.

With just a single square of paper, you can create a functional cup that can hold small snacks, candies, or even be used as a creative desk organizer.

Although it's made of paper and not ideal for liquids, this charming origami cup has countless uses in everyday life.

This pattern is a great project for beginners who are new to traditional origami because of its simplicity and versatility.

You can use it as a fun and eco-friendly way to serve snacks at a party, hold small craft supplies, or even as a decorative piece for organizing your workspace.

The possibilities are endless, and since it requires only one square of paper, it's a quick and easy DIY craft that can be customized with different colors and patterns to suit any occasion or need.

In addition to its practicality, this traditional origami cup is a timeless design that has been passed down through generations.

It's a fantastic introduction to the world of origami for both kids and adults, combining both functionality and art.

Whether you use it as a party favor, a snack container, or a fun desk accessory, this traditional paper craft is a perfect example of how origami can add a touch of creativity to everyday life.

Let's get started with how to make an easy origami cup step by step and explore all the ways you can use this simple yet versatile design.

Why You'll Love This Pattern

• Extremely easy and quick to make, perfect for beginners.
• Functional as a snack holder, desk organizer, or even for small plants or seeds.
• Customizable with different papers for parties, events, or personal use.
• Great for kids or classroom projects due to its simplicity and usefulness.
• A classic, timeless design that has been used in traditional origami for generations.

Skill Level

Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆ (Easy)

Materials Needed

• Square paper: A 6x6-inch (15cm x 15cm) sheet works well for a small cup. You can also try using larger paper (8x8 inches (20cm x 20cm) or more) if you want a bigger cup to hold more items.
• Type of paper: Regular origami paper will work well for this project. Choose patterned or themed paper to suit your event, such as birthday or holiday celebrations.

Note: We used 6x6-inch paper for our sample, but feel free to experiment with larger sheets to create different-sized cups. The final size will depend on the original dimensions of the paper.

Step 1: Start with the color you want your cup to be facing down. Arrange the paper in a diamond shape.

Step 2: Fold the bottom corner to meet the top corner. You should now have a triangle.

Step 3: Fold down the upper right edge (single layer only) to meet the bottom edge.

Step 4: Unfold previous step.

Step 5: Fold the right corner to the left so that the tip of the corner meets the end of the crease made in step 3.

Step 6: Repeat previous step for the left corner. Try to keep the folds as symmetrical as possible.

Step 7: Fold the upper corner down (single layer only) tightly over the flaps made in the previous steps.

Step 8: Flip the paper over from left to right.

Tips For Success

• Size Options: If you need a larger cup, use larger paper. An 8x8-inch (20cm x 20cm) or even 10x10-inch (25 cm x 25cm) square will make a larger container that's perfect for holding snacks or craft supplies. If you are making larger cups, you could use thicker paper like cardstock.
• Decorative Uses: These cups can be used to hold small decorative items, candies, or even small toys at parties. You can also use them as a unique way to present small gifts.
• Sturdier Paper: If you plan to use the cup to hold heavier items like small plants or toys, consider using thicker paper or lightweight cardstock to ensure it maintains its shape.

Common Mistakes & How To Avoid Them

• Thin paper: Thin paper may collapse under the weight of items like small snacks or craft supplies. Be sure to use paper sturdy enough to hold the items you plan to put in the cup.
• Loose folds: Make sure your folds are sharp and precise, especially at the base of the cup. Using a bone folder or the edge of a ruler can help with creating clean lines.
• Improper paper size: If you're making a larger cup for holding more substantial items, don't forget to adjust the size of the square paper accordingly.

Other Crafts You Might Like To Try:

• Origami Candy Box
• Origami Masu Box
• Triangle Origami Corner Bookmark
• Christmas Tree Napkins Fold
• Cheesecloth Ghosts
• Origami Boat (With Square Paper)

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.