Origami: Paper Hat

The classic folded paper hat, made from one tall sheet of paper. Follow the pictures: dashed lines show where to fold, and blue arrows show which way. No scissors or glue needed.

LevelEasyTime3 minutesPaper1 tall rectangle (printer paper or newspaper)Steps6

Valley fold (fold toward you)
Mountain fold (fold behind)
Fold in front
Fold behind
Fold to this spot

Step 1.
Fold in half
Hold the paper tall, white side facing up (the colored side is underneath). Fold the top edge down to meet the bottom edge and press the crease flat.
Step 2.
Make a center crease
Now the paper is half as tall, with the colored side showing and the folded edge at the top. Fold it in half from left to right, press just enough to mark the middle, then unfold.
Step 3.
Fold the top corners down
Fold each top corner down so its edge lines up with the center crease. The two corners meet at the dot and make a pointed roof.
Step 4.
Fold the front strip up
A strip is left at the bottom, and it has two layers. Fold just the front layer up over the bottom of the roof. This is the brim.
Step 5.
Turn over and fold the back strip
Turn the paper over. Fold the other strip up the same way, so there is a brim on both sides.
Step 6.
Open your hat
Put your fingers inside the bottom and gently pull the two sides apart to open the hat. Pop it on your head!

You made a paper hat! 🎉

Printer paper makes a small hat for a toy or a little kid. For a hat that fits a grown-up, use a double page of newspaper. To make it sturdier, fold the brim ends that stick out around the sides and add a bit of tape.

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