Sliding Origami Rectangle Box

Create a versatile sliding origami rectangle box with origami that's perfect for gifting or organizing.

Designed like a matchbox, this craft is both stylish and practical for small items.

This sliding origami rectangle box is a must-try craft for anyone who loves blending creativity with functionality.

Modelled after the design of a matchbox, this clever box features a sliding lid that adds a touch of sophistication to the classic origami container.

Whether you're looking to package small gifts for favors or parties, candies, or keepsakes, or need a stylish way to organize hair accessories, craft supplies, or even stationery, this box has you covered.

Its compact size and customizable design make it an excellent choice for a variety of occasions, from Christmas to birthdays or even as party favors.

Lightweight cardstock is ideal for this project, giving it both durability and charm.

Plus, the sliding lid not only looks great but also keeps your items secure, making it a functional storage solution.

Perfect for both beginners and experienced crafters, this origami project allows you to experiment with paper patterns, colors, and textures.

With just a few simple materials and folds, you can create a practical and eye-catching box that is as fun to make as it is to use.

Other easy origami boxes you might like to try include this Easy Cat Origami Box, Triangle Origami Box With Lid, Heart Origami Box With Lid, Origami Candy Box, or this Origami Star Box.

Why You'll Love This Pattern

• Unique Matchbox Design: Sliding lid adds functionality and elegance.
• Perfect for Gifting: Great for wrapping jewelry, small treats, or party favors.
• Versatile Uses: Ideal for organizing small items like hair clips, elastics, or candies.
• Beginner-Friendly: This tutorial for a sliding origami rectangle box is perfect for beginners.
• Customizable: Choose paper designs and sizes to suit any occasion.

Skill Level

Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆ (Easy)

Materials Needed

• 2 sheets of square origami paper, decorative paper, or lightweight cardstock (recommended for durability)
• Glue
• Scissors
• Ruler

Example Size:

• 6 inch x 6 inch (15 cm x 15cm) square sheets will make a box that is about 3 inches (7.5 cm) long and 1.5 inches (4 cm) wide.

Instructions

For this sliding origami rectangle box, you will need 2 sheets of square paper of the same size.

MAKING THE INNER BOX

Step 1: Start with the color you want your inner box to be facing down.

Step 2: Fold the top edge to the bottom edge.

Step 3: Unfold previous step.

Step 4: Fold the left edge to the right edge.

Step 5: Unfold previous step.

Step 6: Fold the left and right edges to meet the middle crease.

Step 7: Fold the bottom edge up to meet the middle crease.

Step 8: Unfold previous step.

Step 9: Fold the bottom edge up to meet its nearest horizontal crease (the one you made in step 7).

Step 10: Unfold previous step.

Step 11: Repeat steps 7 to 10 for the top edge.

Step 12: Fold the left edge of the paper to meet the middle crease.

Step 13: Fold the right edge of the paper to meet the middle crease.

Step 14: Fold the top right corner down diagonally to meet the left edge.

Step 15: Unfold previous step.

Step 16: Fold the top left corner down diagonally to meet the right edge.

Step 17: Unfold previous step.

Step 18: Repeat steps 14 to 17 for the bottom.

Step 19: Open out the left and right edges of the paper as shown.

Step 20: Lift the top edge of the paper up along the existing creases. The sides will start to collapse on themselves.

Step 21: Place some glue on the upper part of the top.

Step 22: Fold the top edge into the box and press it down to the side so that the glue holds.

Step 23: Repeat steps 20 to 22 for the bottom edge.

Step 24: Completed inner box.

MAKING THE OUTER BOX

Step 1: Start with the color you want your outer box to be facing down.

Step 2: Fold the left edge of the paper to the right about ⅓ the length of the paper (if using 6 inch [15cm] square paper, make this fold about 2 inches [5 cm] long).

Step 3: Fold the right edge of the paper to the left, leaving about a 3mm gap from the flap you folded on the left.

Step 4: Trim 5 mm from the top edge.

Step 5: Flip your paper over from left to right.

Step 6: Fold the top edge down by 0.80 inches (2 cm).

Step 7: Repeat previous step for the bottom edge.

Step 8: Unfold previous 2 steps.

Tips For Success

• Ensure folds are crisp and precise to avoid uneven edges. It can help to use a bone folder for a nicer finish.
• Use a ruler for clean folds and measurements, especially for cardstock.

Color, Paper Ideas, and Variations

• Colors: Use festive patterns for holidays or soft pastels for baby showers.
• Creative Ideas: Add a ribbon or sticker seal for an extra touch of charm.
• Variations: Use metallic or textured cardstock for a luxe finish.

Other Paper Crafts You Might Like To Try:

• Long Heart Origami Bookmark
• DIY Gift Bags From Wrapping Paper
• Origami Lucky Stars
• Hexagon DIY Pen Holder
• 3D Origami Angel
• Tropical Paper Flowers
• Christmas Origami

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.