Four broad, flat petals surround a hollow square cup above a long pointed stem.
Why this level: Trisect the top angle, squash four narrow pockets, petal-fold them, and open a three-dimensional cup.
You need: 1 sheet of origami paper
This daylily is known as a traditional Japanese paper flower. Its square base begins with the top angle divided into thirds. Small pockets become petal folds, then open around a square center above a long stem. Its first folder and exact date of origin are not known.
Did you know? The petals can be curled around a pencil. This guide uses the flat fold-back alternative, leaving a clear square center and angular petals.
Begin with the white side up. Bring opposite corners together and unfold, then repeat on the other diagonal.
Turn over. Match the top and bottom edges, crease and unfold; repeat with the left and right edges.
Bring the horizontal and vertical creases inward while the diagonal creases fold outward. Flatten the small square and put its closed corner at the top.
Work with the front layers. Divide the top right angle into three equal angles, open the side pocket, and squash it flat with its center crease aligned.
Work with the front layers. Divide the top right angle into three equal angles, open the side pocket, and squash it flat with its center crease aligned.
Crease the two lower edges of this small pocket to its center and unfold. Lift the lower tip, tuck the side folds inward, and flatten the flap upward.
Mountain-fold the outer half of the raised narrow flap along its center. Tuck it directly behind the wide triangle attached to the same flap.
Crease the two lower edges of this small pocket to its center and unfold. Lift the lower tip, tuck the side folds inward, and flatten the flap upward.
Mountain-fold the outer half of the raised narrow flap along its center. Tuck it directly behind the wide triangle attached to the same flap.
Turn the whole model over.
Work with the front layers. Divide the top right angle into three equal angles, open the side pocket, and squash it flat with its center crease aligned.
Work with the front layers. Divide the top right angle into three equal angles, open the side pocket, and squash it flat with its center crease aligned.
Crease the two lower edges of this small pocket to its center and unfold. Lift the lower tip, tuck the side folds inward, and flatten the flap upward.
Mountain-fold the outer half of the raised narrow flap along its center. Tuck it directly behind the wide triangle attached to the same flap.
Crease the two lower edges of this small pocket to its center and unfold. Lift the lower tip, tuck the side folds inward, and flatten the flap upward.
Mountain-fold the outer half of the raised narrow flap along its center. Tuck it directly behind the wide triangle attached to the same flap.
Keep the closed top together. Separate the layers into four pairs and spread them toward the front, back and sides, preserving their order like book pages.
Ease the four lower flaps apart evenly. Let the inner folds unfold until a hollow square cup forms between them.
Fold the broad petal outward along one side of the square rim. Keep the petal flat for the angular finish.
Fold the broad petal outward along one side of the square rim. Keep the petal flat for the angular finish.
Fold the broad petal outward along one side of the square rim. Keep the petal flat for the angular finish.
Fold the broad petal outward along one side of the square rim. Keep the petal flat for the angular finish.
Turn the whole flower so its long stem points down. Settle the square center and four petals evenly.