How to Make a Ninja Star from Rectangular Paper

Last Updated: December 28, 2021

Mom's not too keen on the metal ninja stars, so you'll have to go the paper route. Not a problem! You may not be killing any bad guys with 'em, but they fly through the air just as fast and are incredibly easy to make -- and paper cuts are the worst. Just be sure to wield your powers carefully!

Steps

1
Take one piece of 8.5"x11" paper.
2
Fold the paper in half.

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3
Cut the paper along the newly created crease mark.
4
Fold both papers "hot dog style". Repeat. You should have a smaller and funny rectangle.
5
Valley fold and unfold each element the other way.
6
Valley fold the bottom half to the right and upper half to the left at 45 degree angle to create a crease that ends at the middle crease. Repeat with second paper.
7
Flip both papers over.
8
Valley fold both rectangular ends in half to create two squares. Repeat with second paper.
9
Fold those squares in half diagonally bringing corners closer to center of paper and creating two triangles. Repeat with second paper.
10
Fold those triangles across the center. Crease well and unfold. Repeat with second paper.
11
Turn both papers over and put one on top of the other. The one on top should be vertical while the paper on the bottom should be horizontal and flat.
12
Fold the bottom triangle down on the top paper and do the same to the other side of the bottom paper. Do the same to the top paper now but tuck the square from the top into the pocket you just folded up on paper.
13
Finished.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I do this with a small piece of paper?

Community Answer

It's harder with small paper. Get some practice first with normal-sized paper, and then move on to the small paper.
Question

How do I tuck the edges nicely?

Community Answer

By making sure you have very good creases, as this will help it to bend more easily and slip under the paper.
Question

Can I make a ninja star out of a long piece of paper without scissors?

Community Answer

Yes; you could fold the paper where you need the cut and then carefully tear it (folding the crease back and forth on both sides of the paper can make it much easier to tear), or fold the excess in.

Warnings

Although made of paper the corners can be quite tough. Be careful not to hit someone or yourself in the eyes.

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Things You'll Need

One sheet 8.5"x11" paper
Scissors (Optional)
If you do not have scissors, fold the paper where it needs to be cut, then create a small rip at the top of the crease. After that, just push the two sides of the sheet away from each other