Origami: Fortune Teller (Cootie Catcher)

A classic, kid-friendly fold-and-play project — no scissors or glue needed, just one square sheet of paper. Print this page for step-by-step folding instructions.

LevelEasyTime4 minutesPaper1 square sheetSteps5
  1. Step 1
    Step 1.

    Start with a square sheet of paper. Fold it corner to corner diagonally, then unfold; repeat for the other diagonal — this leaves an X-shaped crease as a guide.

  2. Step 2
    Step 2.

    Fold each of the four corners in to meet the center point, using the X creases as your guide. You now have a smaller square.

  3. Step 3
    Step 3.

    Flip the paper over, then fold each of the four new corners in to the center again, making an even smaller square.

  4. Step 4
    Step 4.

    Fold the small square in half one way, then unfold it. Fold it in half the other way, then unfold that too — these creases mark the finger pockets.

  5. Step 5
    Step 5.

    Slide your thumbs and index fingers under the four flaps on the underside and pinch to open and close your fortune teller like a mouth.

You made a fortune teller (cootie catcher)! 🎉

Next, try the Fox Face or see all origami guides.