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Origami: Paper Fan

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

  1. Step 1 diagramStart with a rectangular sheet of paper, held so the long edge runs left to right. Fold a narrow strip along the bottom edge upward, about 1 inch (2-3 cm) wide.
  2. Step 2 diagramFlip the paper over and fold another strip of the same width right next to the crease you just made — this starts a back-and-forth accordion pattern.
  3. Step 3 diagramKeep flipping the paper over and folding same-width strips all the way across until you reach the far edge — you’ll end up with a fully pleated, zig-zag stack.
  4. Step 4 diagramPinch the whole pleated stack together at one short end and fold that pinched end forward at a slight angle to lock the layers together, forming a small handle — no glue or tape needed, the crease holds it.
  5. Step 5 diagramHolding the handle at the bottom, gently fan the pleats open into a semi-circle.