Step-by-step Instructions to Make an Origami Sword

Fashioning a sword out of an origami paper will have you dueling in no time. And with the step-by-step instructions given in this CraftCue post, you will have not 1 but 2 unique origami swords.

Think Green, Act Green

Instead of purchasing specialty origami paper packs from craft stores, make the models using paper that’s lying around your house―magazines, newspapers, junk mail, used wrapping paper, receipts.

Traditional Japanese origami requires you to use square sheets of paper to build a variety of models. These papers come in different colors, prints, and patterns. But nowadays, the strict rules of using only a square-shaped paper is not mandatory. Today, we can use paper in different shapes, sizes, and patterns to make beautiful models.

And keeping this thought process alive, we decided to compile helpful, step-by-step origami sword instructions that you can follow. So, get your sheets of paper ready, and let’s make some swords.

1. Valley Fold – Illustrated as the black dashed line, when you make a valley fold, the paper forms a Vshape.
2. Mountain Fold – Illustrated as the white dashed line, the paper looks like a mountain peak (^) when folded.
3. Flat Fold – Illustrated as the red dashed line, when you make this fold, it cancels the previous fold, valley, or mountain by flattening the folded crease line.

Origami Sword 1

Keeping the traditional Japanese origami techniques intact, we are going to make a wonderful sword. Depending on the size of paper used for this model, you can control how small or large the sword will be.

Try to use a double-sided paper while creating the sword as it gives the model more depth. Once the sword is ready, you will see exactly what we’re talking about.

STEP 1

Keeping the front side of the paper facing down, make a horizontal valley fold on the rear side of the paper.

STEP 2

Unfold the paper and make a vertical valley fold on the same side of the paper.

STEP 3

Unfold the paper and flip it over so that the front side of the paper is facing you.

STEP 4

On the front side of the paper, make a diagonal valley fold. This will be done by folding the top-left corner of the paper down and placing it over the bottom right corner of the paper.

STEP 5

Unfold the paper and make another diagonal valley fold. This time, we will fold the bottom-left corner of the paper and place it over the top-right corner.

STEP 6

Unfold the paper and get ready to turn the paper in such a way that it resembles the diamond shape.

STEP 7

Make 2 valley folds on either side of the paper.

STEP 8

Once you’ve made the valley folds, turn the model over.

STEP 9

Once the model is turned over, make 2 vertical valley folds.

STEP 10

After you make this fold, if you look at the bottom, there will be 2 small triangular pieces of flaps there. Unfold them so they are sticking out towards the side of the model.

STEP 11

Make 2 valley folds with these small triangular sides.

STEP 12

In this step, you need make a valley fold and then a mountain fold. We have distinguished both these folds using 2 separate (black and blue) colored lines.

STEP 13

Now, as instructed in the image above, make a squash fold. It is nothing but a valley fold, a mountain fold, and a flat fold. It has been illustrated by steps 1 to 3 in the image above.

STEP 14

After you have made 2 squash folds on either side of the model, make a horizontal valley fold at the bottom of the sword.

STEP 15

Next, we will make a horizontal valley fold and then a mountain fold; illustrated by the black and blue lines.

STEP 16

Here, we will make 2 squash folds on either side of the model to complete the shape of the sword.

STEP 17

Turn your model over and marvel at the sword as it’s finished.

Origami Sword 2

Even though the traditional Japanese origami doesn’t allow you to cut and/or glue paper together, using the modular or unit origami technique, you can use 2 or more sheets of paper to create a variety of models. Using the same technique, we will learn how to make a paper sword in a few easy-to-follow steps.

To make this sword, we will be using 2 rectangular-shaped double-sided papers. The first piece of paper will be used to make the sword’s blade, whereas the second one will become the guard.

STEP 1

First, we will work with the first piece of paper. Make a horizontal valley fold in the middle of the paper, and unfold it.

STEP 2

On the right side of the paper, make a vertical valley fold (going inwards).

STEP 3

On the same folded side, make a small mountain fold.

STEP 4

Turn the model over so that you can see the center crease line on top. On both sides of the center crease line, make 2 valley folds towards it.

STEP 5

At the left-hand corner of the model, make 2 diagonal valley folds.

STEP 6

Make a final horizontal valley fold by folding the model in half. With this, we have completed the sword’s blade.

STEP 7

With the second piece of paper, we will make 2 valley folds―horizontal and vertical.

STEP 8

Make 2 more valley folds with the top and bottom halves of the paper. The folds should meet in the middle, over the center crease line.

STEP 9

Here, we need to make one more valley fold with both the halves.

STEP 10

Now that you have a thin strip-like model ready, make a valley fold from the right side that comes somewhat close to the center of the model.

STEP 11

From the left side, make a similar valley fold and tuck the right edge in between the layers of the right side.

STEP 12

Vertically turn the model.

STEP 13

On the top and bottom of the model, make 2 diagonal valley folds, and then unfold them.

STEP 14

Open the model from the center and fold it from the top and bottom crease line we made earlier.

STEP 15

At the top and bottom of the model, make 2 final valley folds to complete the guard.

STEP 16

Slide the sword’s blade through the middle of the guard to finish the model.

We hope that you could follow the two origami sword tutorials and were explained properly. And even though the swords are made with paper, please be careful while playing with them. If proper care isn’t administered, the pointed edges of the sword can be dangerous.