To Foldly Go

Origami is the art of paper folding, which is often associated with Japanese culture. In modern usage, the word “origami” is used as an inclusive term for all folding practices, regardless of their culture of origin.

Task

Fold for fun in this traditional origami challenge, and come up with a new uniform for your group!

Resources

• Scissors
• Camera or phone
• Coloured pens or pencils
• Sheets of paper, at least 15cm square
• Step by Step Instructions

Instructions

1. Begin by folding the paper in half horizontally and then vertically. Then unfold. There should be a slight crease in the paper running up and along.
2. With the paper flat, fold the bottom of the paper up to within one centimetre from the top. Then turn the paper over.
3. Fold the sides of the paper into the middle. It’s okay if the sides overlap slightly.
4. The top flap of the sides that were just folded should then be folded back on both sides. This should leave you with a right-angled triangle (or ‘lapel’) shape on both sides, with the narrowest points at the bottom in the middle.
5. The strip of unfolded paper along the top should now be folded down. Tuck it behind the right-angled triangles. Then turn your paper over.
6. With scissors, carefully cut down the crease that runs from the centre top to bottom. The cut only needs to be about an inch long. Fold down the two sides of the cut to make a ‘collar’ shape. With the arms poking out from the back, you should now have your shirt shape.
7. Decorate your shirt. Don’t forget to draw on badges and scarves!