Printable paper cup
One of the easiest and most useful origami models: six folds and the square becomes a cup that opens. Use it to hold crayons, popcorn or small treasures.
Preview of the printable sheet: Paper cup
In the print window, set the paper to A4 or Letter and the scale to 100%.
- 1 sheet of paper for the template and 1 for the step-by-step guide
- Safety scissors to cut out the square
How do you make an origami paper cup?
Fold a square on the diagonal into a triangle with the fold at the bottom. Bring the left corner to the right edge so that the top edge of the flap is parallel to the base. Do the same with the right corner. Fold one top point to the front and the other to the back. Open the pocket.
How to make it
- Cut out the square along the solid line. Start with the printed side down.
- Printed side down, one corner pointing at you. Fold the bottom corner up to the top corner.
- Bring the left edge to the base and mark only the spot where the fold touches the right edge. Unfold.
- Fold the left corner to that spot.
- Fold the right corner to the corner of the flap, on the other side.
- Fold the front top point down, over the flaps.
- Fold the other point to the back.
- Done! Open the cup.
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
- On the printed sheet the spot from step 2 is already marked: it is where lines 2 and 3 reach the edge.
- The top edge of each flap should be straight, parallel to the base of the triangle.
- For a sturdier cup, tuck the front point into the pocket of the flap.
- A cup made of copy paper does not hold liquid for long: use it for dry things.
Ways to play
- Use it as a crayon holder or a popcorn cup.
- Make several cups and toss paper balls into them.
- Draw a face on the cup and turn it into a finger puppet.
Frequently asked questions
Does the paper cup hold water?
For a short time. Copy paper soaks through quickly. For drinking, use parchment paper or food-safe paper.
How big is the cup?
With the 18 cm square on the sheet, the cup is about 7 cm tall.
How do I find the right spot without the printed sheet?
Bring the left edge of the triangle to the base and pinch where the fold meets the right edge. The left corner goes to that pinch.
How do I print it at the right size?
In the print window, choose A4 paper and set the scale to 100%. Plain copy paper is the best choice for folding.
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