How to Make an Origami Lily (Folding Instructions + Video)

Origami lilies are adorable and you can use them in so many ways. Learn how to make classic origami lily flowers with our easy step-by-step folding instructions and video tutorial. 

Hello Craftaholics, we’re back with another origami flower pattern. We’re working on a series of origami flower projects and this week, we decided to craft origami lily or origami iris. Before we get started, please know that this is an advanced origami project but we tried to break down the steps to make it a little easier. 

Did you know that lily is the symbol of purity? Well, actually, white lilies symbolize purity and that’s why white lilies are often used at Christian weddings. 

There are quite a few options of origami lily folding but the pattern we’re following is one of the classic ones. It was first documented in 1885; you can check out the original content in this article. 

These origami lilies can be used for so many other crafts. You can use them to craft garlands or mobile decors; you can add an origami lily or two to decorate a gift box. You can also make a bunch of origami lily flowers and craft a bouquet, or use them to make brooches for guests (in a special event) and the list goes on.

We used 1 single sheet of A4 size craft paper to make 2 origami lily patterns. Considering you already have a pair of scissors and craft glue at home, all you need is some square craft papers. Even a couple of origami lily flowers won’t cost more than a dollar.

How to Make an Origami Lily

Supplies You’ll Need

Materials

• Colored craft paper
• Craft glue

Tools

• Scissors

Origami Lily Folding Instructions

Step 1: Base Folds

Prepare a piece of square craft paper. Fold the square paper into half from both sides (vertically and horizontally). Flip the paper to the other side. This time, fold the paper diagonally, from both sides. Draw the diagonal folds upwards and push the vertical-horizontal creases inwards; this will form a star pattern with 4 points/corners.

Step 2: Flatten Base Paper and Form a Triangle Pattern

Now, bring 2 corners /points together and thus divide the 4 corners into 2  groups. Flatten the current pattern. This should form a triangle shape, with 2 flaps on each side.

Step 3: Working on the Triangle Flaps

Take any one of the triangle flaps and hold it at a 90 degrees angle with the rest of the pattern. Hold the closed end of the flap and flatten the flap by keeping its closed-end (outer side) aligned along the middle.

Step 4: Flip and Fold Top Corners

The crease of the flattened flap should be aligned right along the middle. Now, rotate the current pattern, drawing the top corner of the main triangle pattern facing down. Now, the current pattern should have 3 corners along the top side. We are going to work with the middle part. Fold the right and left corners (not the top corner) inside and align them with the middle crease.

Step 5: Bring the Top Downwards and Flatten

Now, hold the top corner and draw it all the way to the opposite corner. This part is tricky, carefully and slowly flatten the middle part with the main triangle base.

Step 6: Prepare the 3 other Triangle Flaps

One by one fold the rest of the flap following the same technique. This should form a somewhat diamond-shaped pattern. Draw the longer side of the diamond pattern up. The longer side has flaps.

Step 7: Open Vertical Pattern and Fold the Sides Inwards

Draw any one of the flaps all the way to the opposite side. We are going to work with the closed end of the current pattern now. Fold the right and left (top side) corners of the top layer inwards and align them with the middle crease.

Step 8: Prepare the Rest of the Parts Similarly

Similarly, fold the rest of the sides (the pattern has a total of 4 layers/flaps/parts). Now, hold the closed end of the current pattern and keep the open end facing upwards. 

Step 9: Forming the Petals

Carefully open the top layers, these are the petals of our origami flower pattern. There should be a total of 4 petals.

Step 10: Prepare Rest of the Patterns and Assemble

Similarly, craft another piece of origami flower. Take a small piece of yellow paper and ut thin fringes along any one side of the paper. Roll the intact side of the yellow paper and thus, the stamen of the origami lily is ready. Assemble the 2 origami flower patterns together by inserting one inside the other. Insert the papercraft stamen inside the center hole of the top origami flower pattern. If necessary, apply a drop of glue to secure the patterns. 

You can also watch this tutorial on our youtube channel. Don’t forget to hit the subscribe button and turn on the notification bell to stay updated.

Watch Video Tutorial: How to Make Origami Lilies 

As said earlier, making origami lilies is a bit more difficult than others. So, we have added a video tutorial to assist you. You may also watch this tutorial on our youtube channel for better quality [if you do, please don’t forget to subscribe 🙂 ]

Folding Origami Lilies: Tips for Beginners

Here are some tips if you’re having difficulty crafting the origami lily.

• Use 2 pieces of square paper, of the same size. If you need to prepare the square paper yourself, use a ruler and pencil to trace the square shape perfectly.
• Make the initial/base folds as neatly as possible (the vertical and cross folds). 
• Be careful when folding the triangle flaps, pulling or folding them too hard can ruin the paper. 
• Use craft glue to attach the 3 origami lily patterns together; to secure the pattern.

Here are some of our origami craft tutorials that you may also like

• How to Fold Origami Maple Leaf
• How to Make Origami Bat
• How to Make Origami Leaves
• How to Make Origami Lotus
• How to Make Origami Butterfly

Origami projects are one of the best ways to build and develop a child’s motor skills and it is also great for adults looking for a therapeutic craft session. We really hope you like our origami lily tutorial and enjoy crafting them yourself. If you do re-create our origami lilies, please do tag us on Facebook or Instagram (use #thecraftaholicwitch) and show us how you’re using or decorating the origami lilies.

Happy Crafting!

Thank You