How to Make Easy Origami Leaves (for Beginners)

Paper leaves that look like they took skill but fold in under 20 minutes. These use a diagonal accordion technique, the same method that makes the finished texture look intricate when it is actually very forgiving for beginners.

They are good for autumn wreaths, table arrangements, adding greenery to origami decorations, or mixing with paper flowers. One sheet of paper per leaf. A small dab of glue at the end. Scissors only to trim a tiny tab at the back.

If this is your first time working with accordion folds, you will be comfortable here. The technique is used in several other origami tutorials on this site, so this leaf is a solid one to start with.

What You Need

Square craft paper, 6×6 or 8×8 inches. Larger paper is much easier on your first attempt. 8×8 gives you more room to keep the accordion folds even. Standard construction paper works well. Thinner paper is fine, but press lightly on each fold or the layers may tear. Below 4×4 inches the pleats become too small to crease cleanly. Origami paper is ideal if you have it.

Craft glue or a glue stick. You only need two small dabs, one at the base and one at the tip. White PVA glue (like Elmer’s) is best; it dries clear and stays slightly flexible. A glue stick works but grips more stiffly. Hot glue is too fast here since you need a couple of seconds to position the pinch.

Scissors. Used only at Step 10 to trim a small strip from the back. Any pair works.

How to Make Origami Leaves: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Fold the Paper in Half Lengthwise to Mark the Center Line

Start with your square sheet face-up. Fold it in half lengthwise, top edge down to bottom edge, and crease firmly. Unfold it again. You now have one crisp crease running down the center of the paper. This line is your guide for the next step.

Step 2: Fold Both Outer Edges in to Meet the Center Line

Fold the left edge in to align with the center crease, then repeat on the right side. Both edges should meet neatly at the center with no gap and no overlap. The paper is now about one quarter of its original width. Run a fingernail along each fold to sharpen the crease.

Step 3: Fold the Entire Strip in Half Lengthwise Again

Fold the whole strip in half lengthwise once more so both folded edges are now tucked inside. You have a narrow four-layer strip. The open edge faces you and the folded spine is on the opposite side. Crease firmly, but not so hard it is impossible to open smoothly later at Step 7.

Step 4: Fold a Small Diagonal Crease at One Open End

At one of the short open ends of the strip, fold a small diagonal pleat at roughly 45 degrees. The width of this first pleat sets the width of every fold that follows, so keep it consistent. About 1 to 1.5 cm wide is a good starting point for a 6×6 sheet.

Step 5: Build the Diagonal Accordion by Repeating the First Fold

Flip the strip and fold back at the same diagonal angle to make the second pleat. Match the width of this fold exactly to the first. Even, consistent pleats are what give the finished leaf its clean ribbed texture. Take your time here. If the pleats drift wider or narrower as you go, the leaf will look uneven, and you will need to re-fold from Step 4.

Step 6: Continue Accordion Folds Until You Reach the Other End

Keep alternating diagonal folds, flipping the strip each time, until you reach the far end. You should have a compact, fan-like shape. All pleats should be the same width and angle throughout. Hold the bundle up against the light if you want to check alignment.

Step 7: Open Out the Last Half-Fold from Step 3

Gently unfold the outer layer that you folded in Step 3, just open that one layer back out. The accordion pleats stay in place. This step adds width to the leaf blade. The shape should now look wider and more leaf-like when you hold it flat.

Step 8: Pinch and Glue the Bottom to Create the Stem Base

Squeeze the bottom end of the accordion together so all the pleats compress into a tight bundle. Apply a small dab of craft glue and hold it pinched for about 30 seconds while it sets. This becomes the stem end of the leaf.

Step 9: Pinch the Top into a Point and Apply a Small Dab of Glue

Gently press the top of the accordion into a tapered point and apply a tiny dab of glue to keep the tip closed. Hold until set. The leaf shape, wide in the middle and pointed at both ends, should now be clearly visible. The ribbed texture from the accordion folds runs along the surface.

Step 10: Trim the Protruding Tab at the Back with Scissors

Flip the leaf over. There will be a small strip of paper sticking out from the back edge. Trim it flush with scissors. That is it, your origami leaf is finished. Make a few more in different shades and sizes for a full arrangement.

Tips for Better Results

Paper size on your first attempt. Start with 8×8 inches. The larger the sheet, the easier it is to keep your accordion folds even. You can scale down once the technique feels natural.

Making a bouquet. Make six to eight leaves in varying sizes and shades. Wrap floral wire around the base of each with tape, then group them with paper flowers. Works especially well with a maple leaf or two in the mix.

Paper type variation. Printer paper works for practice but is slightly stiff. Origami paper gives the crispest result. For autumn decor, kraft paper or recycled brown paper gives a nice earthy look.

When the leaf won’t hold its shape. Hold the base and tip pinched for a full 30 seconds after gluing. If you let go too early the accordion springs back. PVA glue needs a moment to grip.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size paper works best for origami leaves?

Any square from 4×4 to 8×8 inches works. For a first attempt, go with 6×6 or 8×8, since larger paper makes it much easier to keep the accordion folds even. Below 4×4 inches the pleats become too small to crease cleanly. Standard construction paper or origami paper both give good results.

Can I use regular printer paper instead of craft paper?

Yes. Printer paper works for practice. The folds are slightly stiffer and less crisp than with craft paper. For leaves you plan to display or use in a wreath, 65-80lb colored craft paper gives a cleaner result and holds the accordion shape better over time.

Why won’t my origami leaf hold its shape?

The most common reason is uneven accordion folds. If the pleats are different widths, the leaf won’t compress cleanly at the ends. Take extra care on Steps 5 and 6. After gluing the base and tip, hold each end pinched for at least 30 seconds before letting go.

Do I need a template to get the leaf shape?

No template needed. The leaf silhouette comes entirely from the folding and pinching in Steps 8 and 9. The accordion pleats create the ribbed texture automatically. There is no cutting or tracing until the tiny trim at the very end.

Can I make a bouquet or wreath with these paper leaves?

Yes. Make six to eight leaves in different sizes and shades of green. Attach floral wire or a wooden skewer to the base of each with tape or extra glue. Group them with paper flowers for an autumn arrangement, or press them into a foam wreath base with a dab of hot glue. They also pair well with origami maple leaves for a fuller fall display.