Origami Spinner

User-Contributed Project

User-Contributed Project

This project guide is not managed by MAKE staff.

Fold a 6-number spinner from a sheet of letter-sized paper -- no cuts or glue.

  • Author: Joel Stern
  • Time required: 10 minutes
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Add Note x
  • x 7

This origami model is from my book Origami Games, published in June 2010 by Tuttle. The diagrams utilize the standard origami symbols, which are explained in the first part of the book.

The book contains directions for making 21 different origami models, and describes 22 games--both competitive and collaborative--that can be played with them. The models are all made from regular printer paper (8 1/2 x 11 inches).

So many children have become addicted to technology, and have lost the ability and desire to make things themselves, and to use their imagination. Part of my intent with the book was to provide a hands-on, low-tech activity for parents to do with their children. Further, the cost of these games is negligible, which can be an important factor for families in these tough economic times.

Files
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Add Note Edit Step 1 — Origami Spinner  ¶ 

  • Start with a sheet of letter-size paper (8 1/2 x 11). Fold the left edge to the right and unfold.

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Add Note Edit Step 2  ¶ 

  • Fold the left and right edges to the center.

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Add Note Edit Step 3  ¶ 

  • Beginning the crease at the top left corner, fold the top right corner to the center.

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Add Note Edit Step 4  ¶ 

  • Fold the upper left corner down to lie along the right edge, creasing along the lower edge of the flap made in step 3.

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Add Note Edit Step 5  ¶ 

  • Fold the upper right corner down to lie along the left edge, creasing along the lower edge of the triangle.

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Add Note Edit Step 6  ¶ 

  • Fold the bottom portion of the model up along the lower edge of the triangle.

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Add Note Edit Step 7  ¶ 

  • Unfold to step 3.

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Add Note Edit Step 8  ¶ 

  • Repeat steps 3-6, this time beginning the crease at the top right corner, folding down the top left corner to the center. Then unfold to step 3.

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Add Note Edit Step 9  ¶ 

  • Press the shaded areas together, creasing along the indicated fold lines. Then lay the resulting flap over to the right.

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Add Note Edit Step 10  ¶ 

  • Repeat step 9 with the lower portion of the model, bringing the shaded areas together, and laying the resulting flap over to the left.

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Add Note Edit Step 11  ¶ 

  • Lift and squash the lower flap along the indicated crease lines.

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Add Note Edit Step 12  ¶ 

  • Fold the right side over to the left.

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Add Note Edit Step 13  ¶ 

  • Lift and squash the upper flap along the indicated crease lines.

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Add Note Edit Step 14  ¶ 

  • Fold the left side over to the right.

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Add Note Edit Step 15  ¶ 

  • Lift doubled flaps A and B up so they stand up at 90° from the plane of the model. Rotate the model 1/4 turn.

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Add Note Edit Step 16  ¶ 

  • Here is a view showing the model in perspective. Lift doubled flap A and place it entirely between the two flaps of B.

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Add Note Edit Step 17  ¶ 

  • Place flap X inside the pocket indicated. Repeat behind.

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Add Note Edit Step 18  ¶ 

  • Fold the protruding triangular flaps down, one on each side.

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Add Note Edit Step 19  ¶ 

  • Fold the tip of the triangular flap downward to completely lock the handle. Repeat behind.

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Add Note Edit Step 20  ¶ 

  • Here is the result. Turn the model over.

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Add Note Edit Step 21  ¶ 

  • Reinforce all creases passing through the center with mountain folds. This makes the model spin better. Turn the model back over.

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Add Note Edit Step 22  ¶ 

  • Number each of the six triangles to complete your spinner.

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Add Note Edit Step 23  ¶ 

  • The completed Spinner

For more information, check out the Paper Crafts category page.

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