Printable origami bookmark

How do you make an origami bookmark?

Fold a square on the diagonal to make a triangle with the base at the bottom. Bring the two base corners up to the top point and unfold. Fold down only the front layer of the top point. Bring each side corner up again and tuck its tip into the pocket. It slips over the corner of the page.

How to make it

1. Cut out the square along the solid line. Start with the printed side down.
2. Printed side down, one corner pointing at you. Fold the bottom corner up to the top corner.
3. Fold the two side corners up to the top corner and unfold.
4. Fold down only the front layer of the top corner, to the base.
5. Fold the left corner up and tuck its tip into the pocket.
6. Do the same with the right corner.
7. Done! Slip it over the corner of the page.

How to read the lines on the sheet

• A dashed line is a valley fold: the paper rises on both sides and the line sits at the bottom of the fold.
• A dash-and-dot line is a mountain fold: fold it away from you, and the line stays on the ridge, on the outside.
• A solid line is for cutting.
• The number on each line shows the step where you fold it. Some folds have no line because they are hidden; the second sheet shows them all.

Tips for a clean fold

• In step 3, bring down one layer only. The other stays up and is the back of the bookmark.
• In steps 4 and 5, the flap goes up the front, folds over the edge of the pocket and goes inside.
• If the flap will not stay in the pocket, a dot of glue does the job.
• For a smaller bookmark, use a 10 cm square.

Ways to play

• Turn it into a little monster: glue white paper teeth to the edge and draw the eyes.
• Make a bookmark as a gift for each book on the shelf.
• Create different animals: a cat, an owl, a fox, a frog.

Frequently asked questions