- step detail
- bouquet
- in a vase
- gift topper
Origami Lily Flower
A classic paper lily folded from a single square — no glue, no scissors. Perfect for bouquets, gift toppers and festive décor. Clear visual steps, backed by written instructions in any language.
Adult help suggested for under-8s (small folds). No sharp tools needed.
Last reviewed · Tested by our studio team
Watch it made
No video linked to this record yet.
What you’ll need
0 of 5 gathered
Measurements
- Paper square
- 15 × 15 cm
- For a mini lily
- 7.5 × 7.5 cm
- Finished flower
- ≈ 8 cm wide
- Wire stem
- 20 cm
Printable fold template (PDF) — not uploaded yet
Step-by-step instructions
Visual + written · any language- 1fold base
Fold the base
▶ 0:34Start with a square, coloured side down. Fold corner to corner both ways, then edge to edge, and collapse into a preliminary (square) base. Crease each fold firmly with a bone folder.
- 2shape petals
Shape the petals
▶ 1:48Bring the lower edges of the top flap to the centre line to form a kite. Repeat on all four flaps, front and back, keeping the points aligned.
- 3curl petals
Open and curl
▶ 2:52Gently open each of the four petals outward. Curl the tips over a pencil or your thumb for a natural, lifelike bend.
- 4finished lily
Finish the lily
▶ 3:40Adjust the petals until evenly spaced. Slip a wire stem through the base and add a folded leaf for a complete flower.
Tips
- Use thin, crisp paper (60–80 gsm) for the sharpest folds.
- For a bouquet, make lilies in three sizes and mount on floral wire.
- Score fold lines lightly first if your paper is thick or textured.
Troubleshooting
My petals won’t stay open
Re-crease the base folds firmly — soft creases spring back. A dab of glue at the base helps for display pieces.
The paper tears at the tips
Curl more gently and avoid over-thin paper. 70–80 gsm holds curls without cracking.
It looks lopsided
Check that all four kite folds meet the exact centre line before opening the petals.
Try a variation
- mini lily bunch
Mini lily bunch
Use 7.5 cm squares to make a cluster of small lilies for a card or gift topper.
- two-tone lily
Two-tone lily
Fold paper that’s a different colour on each side for a striking edge.
- lily garland
Festive garland
String finished lilies on thread for Diwali, weddings or birthdays.
Supplies we recommend
Contains affiliate links — we may earn a small commission.
- origami paper pack
Double-sided origami paper
15 cm · 100 sheets
No retailer linked yet - bone folder
Bone folder tool
For crisp creases
No retailer linked yet - floral wire
Floral wire & tape
For stems & bouquets
No retailer linked yet
Made it? Show us! 🎉
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Made by the community
✓ Approved- community lily@meera_makes
- community lily@paperjoy
- community lily@anaya.art
- community lily@foldit
- community lily@sana_crafts
- community lily@crafty_lu