How to Make an Origami Pinwheel

Medium7 steps Toys and things

The traditional pinwheel: a square creased into quarters, then collapsed so the four corners swing out into arms that all turn the same way. Two-colour paper shows it best.

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 coloured side up. Fold in half corner to corner, then unfold.
2
Fold in half along the other diagonal, then unfold.
3
Turn the paper over.
4
Fold the top and bottom edges to the middle, then unfold.
5
Fold the left and right edges to the middle, then unfold.
6
Turn the paper over.
7
Push the four edges in toward the middle along the creases. Each corner pulls out sideways into a point. Flatten it.
✓
Your pinwheel is done. Pin the centre to a stick or pencil eraser loosely so it can spin.

Tips

Crease the quarter lines sharply on both sides before the collapse.
Collapse slowly: push one edge in, then the next, and let each corner slide out on its own.