How to Make Origami Bag

Origami is the traditional Japanese art of paper folding, and creating an origami bag is a fun and creative way to explore this craft.

With just a single sheet of paper and some simple folds, you can craft a functional, decorative bag perfect for holding small items or as a delightful gift. This guide will walk you through the steps of how to make origami bag, regardless of your skill level.

Overview of Making an Origami Bag

Making an origami bag tutorial is a simple yet rewarding process that involves a series of precise folds to transform a flat piece of paper into a three-dimensional object. The key materials required are a square sheet of paper, preferably sturdy enough to hold its shape, and a flat surface for working.

The process typically involves folding the paper to create the base, sides, and handles of the bag, resulting in a compact and functional design. Whether you’re crafting for practical use or as a decorative project, the steps are easy to follow and suitable for beginners. By mastering the basic folds, you can customize the size, color, and style of your origami bag to suit your preferences.

Choosing the Right Paper for Origami Bags

Selecting the right paper is crucial for creating sturdy and visually appealing origami bags. Ideally, you should opt for paper that is thick enough to hold its shape but still flexible enough to fold with precision. Specialty origami paper, craft paper, or even lightweight cardstock can work well, depending on the size and purpose of the bag.

Additionally, consider the aesthetics of the paper, such as color, pattern, or texture, to enhance the overall design of your project. If you’re aiming for a more decorative bag, patterned paper can add a creative flair, while plain, solid colors offer a clean and minimalistic look. For eco-conscious crafters, recycled or repurposed paper can be a sustainable and unique choice.

10 Methods How to Make Origami Bag

1. Basic Origami Bag (Simple Fold)

Creating a simple origami bag begins with a square piece of paper. To start, fold the paper in half diagonally, then unfold. Repeat this fold on the other diagonal, unfolding it afterward. This creates an “X” crease on the paper. Next, fold the edges of the square inward to meet at the center crease, forming a smaller square. Fold the top and bottom edges down to form flaps, which will form the top and bottom of your bag.

Afterward, fold the left and right edges towards the center, securing the sides of the bag. Lastly, gently open the folds to form the 3D shape of the bag. This method results in a simple but functional origami bag, ideal for small items or as a decorative piece.

2. Origami Bag with Handles (Intermediate Fold)

For a more functional origami bag with handles, start with a square piece of paper. First, fold the paper in half diagonally, creating a crease, and then unfold. Fold the four corners towards the center to form a smaller square. Once this is done, fold the top and bottom edges down, creating a flat base for the bag.

To add the handles, take two additional strips of paper and fold them into small rectangles. Attach them securely to the top of the bag by gluing or folding the strips into small pockets on either side. These handle additions provide a more usable bag structure, perfect for a fun and creative project.

3. Origami Envelope Bag (Flap Design)

An envelope-style origami bag is an elegant and simple design. Begin with a square piece of paper, and fold it in half diagonally to create a triangle. Afterward, fold the left and right corners of the triangle towards the top point to create a smaller triangle shape.

Next, fold the top portion down towards the base, creating a flap that will serve as the opening of the envelope bag. To form the 3D shape, open the bag and press along the creases to create depth. The final result is a stylish bag with a clean, professional look, perfect for carrying small gifts or notes.

4. Origami Tote Bag (Simple Rectangular Fold)

For a more practical origami bag, you can create a tote bag shape. Begin with a rectangular sheet of paper, as it allows for more spacious folding. Start by folding the paper in half lengthwise, creating a crease, then unfold it. Fold the top and bottom edges inward to the center crease.

Next, fold the left and right edges inward, forming a smaller rectangle. At this point, fold the bag from the center to form the sides, and then carefully shape the top into a handle by folding the top part of the bag back on itself. This method creates a roomy tote bag that is both functional and stylish.

5. Origami Purse (Intricate Design)

For an elegant origami purse, begin with a square piece of paper, and fold it in half diagonally. Once unfolded, fold all four corners to the center to form a smaller square. From here, fold the top and bottom edges down to create a pocket-like shape.

To create the purse’s flap, fold the top part of the square down, leaving a slight overlap to mimic a purse opening. For the handle, fold two small rectangular strips of paper, attaching them to either side of the purse. This design has a sophisticated flair and can be personalized with decorative touches like embellishments or colored paper for a more luxurious feel.

6. Origami Basket Bag (With Weave Effect)

To create an origami bag with a unique woven effect, start with a square piece of paper. Begin by folding the paper into a grid pattern by creating evenly spaced horizontal and vertical creases. Then, cut along some of the creases, leaving the corners intact. Begin folding the strips of paper alternately over and under each other to form a woven texture.

After completing the weaving, fold the edges of the paper upwards to form the sides of the basket bag. For added detail, fold the top edges over to create a rounded, more polished look. The resulting bag has a charming woven effect and offers a visually appealing structure.

7. Origami Handbag (Advanced Design)

For a more advanced origami handbag, start with a square piece of paper, ideally a large size for ease of folding. Begin by folding the paper diagonally, then fold all corners toward the center to form a smaller square. Fold the top and bottom edges down, creating a flat base.

To create a more detailed handbag, refine the shape by folding the corners inward to form rounded edges. For the handles, fold two strips of paper into small rectangles and attach them securely to the top of the bag. This version requires more advanced folding techniques but results in an elegant and sophisticated handbag with a more structured look.

8. Origami Shopping Bag (Large Size)

If you want to create a more substantial origami shopping bag, begin with a large square piece of paper. Start by folding the paper in half diagonally, then unfold it and fold the edges towards the center crease to create a smaller square. Fold the top and bottom edges downward to form a flat base, and then fold the sides of the square inward to create a narrower shape. Next, fold the top portion back to form the bag’s handle.

The size and structure of this bag make it perfect for use as a decorative shopping bag or for carrying lightweight items. This bag design is practical, spacious, and simple to make.

9. Origami Satchel Bag (With Flap Closure)

Creating an origami satchel-style bag involves a bit more detail but results in a stylish and functional piece. Start with a square piece of paper and fold it diagonally. Once the crease is made, fold the corners toward the center to create a smaller square. Fold the top and bottom edges down to form a flat base.

The defining feature of the satchel bag is the flap, which is created by folding the top portion of the bag down, ensuring that the flap slightly overlaps the bottom of the bag. For the handles, take two rectangular strips of paper, fold them into smaller rectangular shapes, and attach them to the sides of the bag. This version of the origami bag has a more sophisticated look and a functional flap closure.

10. Origami Clutch Bag (Compact Design)

For a smaller, more compact version of an origami bag, the origami clutch bag is an excellent choice. Start with a square piece of paper and fold it in half diagonally, then unfold. Fold the four corners of the paper towards the center to form a smaller square. Afterward, fold the top and bottom edges down to form a flat base.

The clutch bag’s distinctive feature is its compact, sleek design. Fold the top portion slightly back to create the bag’s closure, and you can add a handle by folding a small strip of paper into a handle and attaching it to the sides. This simple yet elegant clutch bag is perfect for formal occasions or as a small gift.

Conclusion

In conclusion, creating an origami bag is an enjoyable and creative process that can result in a wide variety of functional and decorative pieces. From simple, fold-based bags to more intricate designs with handles, flaps, and closures, origami offers countless possibilities for creating bags in different shapes and sizes.

Thanks for reading, and we hope this has given you some inspiration on how to make origami bag!