How to Fold an Origami Star (Shuriken)

Last Updated: March 17, 2023 Tested

You don't have to go to a weapon store to have your very own "ninja star" or a "Shuriken". You can make one or several out of paper as a cheaper and safer alternative. It is also very fun to play with and a good project for you to do with your child. You can also show it off to your friends!

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Making a Square of Paper

1
Begin with a rectangular piece of paper. Ordinary loose paper or construction paper will do. We will make a square piece of paper from this. If you're already starting with a square piece of origami paper, skip the next two steps.
- Alternatively, you can find a range of origami paper on Amazon.
2
Fold the diagonal of the square. Fold the top right hand corner diagonally down so the top of the paper lines up with the left side, forming a point at the top right corner.

Advertisement
3
Remove the extra piece. Cut or carefully tear along the edge so you are left with a square of paper.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Forming the Parts

1
Fold the square in half. The fold should be parallel to the edges.
2
Cut the square in half. Cut the square in half into 2 equal parts. Scissors may make this easier.
3
Repeat. Fold each piece in half vertically again, parallel to the long sides.
4
Fold the ends. Fold the end diagonally, so the edges line up.
5
Repeat. Repeat this fold, on each end of each strip, making sure the folds are oriented as shown.
6
Make the triangle fold. Fold the end on the diagonal again. You should end with a big triangle facing you and two smaller triangles facing away from you.
7
Repeat. Repeat this same fold on each end of each strip. Make sure the orientations go opposite one another, as shown.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Putting Them Together

1
Turn over only the piece on the left and arrange the two parts, as shown.
2
Put the right piece on top of the left piece. There should be a square in the center of each piece that lines up, but if you can't find it yet, don't worry. Just line up the middles.
3
Fold the uppermost point inwards on the diagonal and tuck the point into the pocket.
4
Fold the bottom point upwards on the diagonal and tuck the point into the pocket.
5
Flip the whole thing over.
6
Fold the right point on the diagonal just as before and tuck it into the pocket.
7
Fold the left and final point on the diagonal and tuck it into the last pocket. You may have to coax a little to get it tucked in.
8
Put some tape in the middle of the tucked in middles (optional). This will keep the ninja star from becoming undone.
9
Enjoy your ninja star.

Community Q&A

Question

Do I really need to put tape on my origami star?

Community Answer

Not necessarily. If you followed the steps correctly, you may not need tape, but for some people it can be helpful for keeping the origami star in the correct shape.
Question

Can I use any size of paper?

Community Answer

Yes, but it has to be a rectangle or square. You can turn the rectangle paper into a square and begin.
Question

Can I use post-it notes?

Community Answer

Yes, you can but it will be a smaller ninja star so make sure you use big post-it notes.

Warnings

Be careful when throwing the stars. You could even injure yourself.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 211 Not Helpful 95
Edges can be sharp, keep away from small children.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 203 Not Helpful 96
Do not throw this at people or animals.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 202 Not Helpful 114