Origami Mouse

Create an adorable traditional origami mouse with this fun and easy guide!

Perfect for decorations, gifts, or as a delightful surprise for someone special.

This traditional origami mouse is a charming design that showcases the creativity and versatility of origami.

This delightful paper folding project is not only simple to make but also perfect for various occasions, from birthday parties to playful decorations in your home.

With just a square sheet of paper, you can craft an endearing mouse that can be used for gifts, card decorations, or even as a fun addition to your desk decor.

This design is an excellent way to introduce children to the world of traditional origami, as it encourages creativity and fine motor skills.

You can use a variety of papers, including plain colored paper, patterned paper, or even metallic sheets, to customize your mouse to your liking.

This origami mouse can serve multiple purposes, such as being a cute addition to your holiday decorations, a whimsical gift for a friend, or even a unique bookmark.

It’s particularly fitting for Halloween decorations, where it can add a playful touch to spooky displays or be part of a fun Halloween-themed craft project.

Whether you’re crafting alone or with friends, this project is sure to bring smiles and joy.

Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions on how to make a traditional origami mouse!

Why You'll Love This Pattern

• Quick and easy to make, ideal for beginners and children.
• Versatile for decorations, gifts, or as playful desk accessories.
• Customizable with various colors and patterns for any occasion.
• A fun way to enhance your skills in DIY crafts and paper crafts.
• Perfect for parties, classroom projects, or just to spread joy.
• This origami mouse is easy to make and can be made in a matter of minutes!
• Don't let the number of steps to make this mouse overwhelm you! We have broken down how to make this mouse to make it as easy as possible to understand.

Skill Level

Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆ (Easy)

Materials Needed

• Square paper: A 6x6-inch (15cm x 15cm) sheet is ideal for creating a medium sized mouse. You can also experiment with larger squares (8x8 or 10x10 inches (20cm x 20cm or 25cm x 25cm)) for a bigger mouse. Or you could even use smaller paper to make tiny mice!
• Type of paper: Lightweight origami paper, scrapbook paper, or colored cardstock (120-160 gsm) will work well. Choose paper that reflects your style and the occasion you’re celebrating.
• Note: Thicker paper like cardstock works better for bigger mice.
• If you are making tiny mice, its best to use thinner paper like origami paper because this will make folding easier.

We used a 6x6-inch (15cm x 15cm) sheet for our origami mouse, but feel free to try different sizes to create mice in various dimensions. Larger paper will yield bigger mice that can make a striking statement.

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

Step 2: Fold the top point down to meet the bottom point.

Step 3: Unfold previous step.

Step 4: Fold the left point to meet the right point.

Step 5: Unfold previous step.

Step 6: Fold the lower left and right edges to the middle crease. This should form a kite shape.

Step 7: Unfold previous step.

Step 8: This time, fold the top left and right edges to the middle crease.

Step 9: Refold the lower left diagonal crease and pinch the left point outward.

Step 10: Flatten the point up.

Step 11: Repeat steps 9 and 10 on the right side.

Step 12: Rotate the paper so the paper is horizontal. The front flaps should be pointing to the left.

Step 13: Fold the front flaps to the right.

Step 14: Fold the front flaps back to the left.

Step 15: Fold the lower front flap diagonally to the right, matching it with the central vertical crease.

Step 16: Repeat previous step for the upper front flap.

Step 17: Unfold previous step.

Step 18: Fold the lower flap to the right.

Step 19: Refold the right flap.

Step 20: Fold the upper flap to the right. It should be sitting on top of the lower flap.

Step 21: Fold the right most point to meet the point where the left most diagonal creases come together.

Step 22: Unfold previous step.

Step 23: Flip the paper over from top to bottom. Make sure the crease you made in the previous step is on the right.

Step 24: Refold the crease from step 21.

Step 25: Fold the bottom and top right diagonal edges to match the vertical central crease.

Step 26: Fold the bottom section to the top section, matching the edges.

Step 27: Flatten the paper. Adjust the paper so that it sits in the position as shown in the picture.

Step 28: Fold the left point to the right, using the existing crease line as a guide. The fold should also match with the lower right point.

Step 29: Fold the flap back towards the left. Make sure you leave a gap.

Step 30: Unfold the flap towards the left so that the origami sits flat.

Step 31: Carefully open the paper to the position shown in the image.

Step 32: Reverse inside fold the last 2 creases.

Tips For Success

• Color Combinations: Experiment with using double-sided paper to create unique mice that display different colors on each side.
• Mouse Sizes: Play with different paper sizes to create mice of various dimensions for different applications, like bookmarks or desk decor.
• Personal Touch: Consider drawing on the mouse’s face to personalize it further before giving it away.

Common Mistakes & How To Avoid Them

• Imprecise folds: Ensure your folds are crisp and accurate for a neat final product. Use a bone folder if needed.
• Wrong paper type: Thin or overly textured paper can be challenging to work with; opt for lighter cardstock or origami paper for best results.
• Rushing the process: Take your time with each step to ensure the mouse turns out beautifully.

Other Crafts You Might Like To Try:

• Origami Masu Box
• Triangle Origami Corner Bookmark
• Christmas Tree Napkins Fold
• Origami Swan
• Origami Stocking
• DIY Pinecone Wreath
• Origami Cup

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.