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How to Make an Origami Box (Masu Box)

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The traditional masu box: a strong square box with no glue. The flat creasing steps come first; the last steps raise the walls and lock them in place.

You need: One square of paper. 15 cm (6 inch) origami paper is ideal; any square sheet works.

Print instructions (PDF) See the steps Printable paper

Step by step

1
Start with the white side up, turned like a diamond. Fold in half corner to corner, then unfold.
2
Fold in half along the other diagonal, then unfold.
3
Fold all four corners in to the centre.
4
Fold the top edge to the centre, then unfold.
5
Fold the bottom edge to the centre, then unfold.
6
Fold the left edge to the centre, then unfold.
7
Fold the right edge to the centre, then unfold.
8
Unfold the top and bottom triangles.
9
Lift the left and right sides up along the creases so they stand up as two walls.
10
At the top end, push the corners in along the creases to make the third wall, then fold the top point over the wall and down into the box.
11
Do the same at the bottom end. Press the flaps flat inside.
✓
Your box is done. Fold a second square slightly larger to make a lid.

Tips

Precise creases matter more here than in any other model: the walls only stand straight if the creases are exact.
Fold a second box from a slightly bigger square to make a lid.