Origami Water Bomb Base

The origami water bomb base is a versatile origami fold that serves as the starting point for collapsible and inflatable designs.

It’s most commonly used to create the classic origami water bomb, but it also plays a role in models like the inflatable origami rabbit.

Once you’ve mastered this fold, you’ll be able to bring fun, three-dimensional designs to life.

Let’s get started!

The water bomb base is a simple yet essential fold in origami.

It creates a symmetrical structure that can be collapsed or expanded, making it ideal for inflatable models.

This base is most famously used in the origami water bomb, a balloon-like shape that inflates with a puff of air.

However, it’s also the foundation for many playful designs, including the inflatable origami rabbit, which forms a round, puffy rabbit when properly folded.

What makes the water bomb base unique is its ability to transform.

If you're just starting out, this is a great base to practice, as it helps improve precision and symmetry.

If you’re new to origami, check out our collection of easy origami for beginners to get comfortable with foundational folds before trying this one.

Now, let’s go step by step to create a perfect water bomb base.

Skill Level

★☆☆☆☆ (Very Easy)

Materials Needed

1 square sheet of origami paper

Instructions

Step 1: Start with the color you want on the outside facing down.

Step 2: Fold the bottom left corner up to meet the top right corner.

Step 3: Unfold previous step.

Step 4: Fold the bottom right corner up to meet the top left corner.

Step 5: Unfold previous step.

Step 6: Flip your paper over from left to right.

Step 7: Fold the bottom edge up to meet the top edge.

Step 8: Unfold previous step.

Step 9: Fold the left edge to meet the right edge.

Step 10: Unfold previous step.

Step 11: Flip your paper over from left to right.

Step 12: Hold your paper on the left and right as shown. Gently press the paper in the centre where all the creases meet.

Step 13: Bring both the left and right edges of the paper inward. You will find the paper starts to collapse on itself.

Step 14: Continue to bring the edges inward and flatten to form a triangle shape. Completed waterbomb base.

Common Uses

The water bomb base is a key starting point for many inflatable origami models, including:

• Inflatable Origami Rabbit – A fun and unique model that puffs up into a rounded rabbit shape.

Related Folds

Once you’ve mastered the water bomb base, try these next:

• Bird Base – A fold used to create winged models like the paper crane.
• Square Base – A foundational fold for many traditional origami designs.
• Blintz Fold – A simple fold that prepares the paper for symmetrical designs.

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.