Easy Origami Apple — Step-by-Step Tutorial for Beginners

How to make an origami apple step by step

Easy Origami Apple — Step-by-Step Tutorial for Beginners

Learn how to fold an origami apple step by step. A simple, beginner-friendly paper craft with tips, variations, and kids-friendly instructions.

Folding a paper apple is a quick, satisfying origami project that’s perfect for beginners and kids. With one square sheet of paper and a few simple folds, you can create a cute, three-dimensional apple to use as decor, a gift topper, or a classroom craft. This guide will walk you through the process origami apple step by step, include tips for neat results, and suggest creative variations.

Materials & Preparation

• Square origami paper — 15 × 15 cm (6 in) is ideal; red is classic but use any color.

• Small strip of green paper (optional) — for leaf and stem.

• Scissors (optional) — only if you want to trim or add a leaf shape (true origami traditionally avoids cutting).

• Bone folder or the back of a spoon — for crisp creases (optional).

• Work on a clean, flat surface with good lighting.

Tip: Double-sided paper (red on one side, white on the other) gives nice contrast for some steps.

Overview — What You’ll Make

You’ll fold a slightly rounded apple shape with a small top fold that accepts a paper stem or leaf. The model is sturdy enough to stand on a tabletop and simple enough for kids with supervision.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Start with a square

Place your square paper color side down. Fold the paper in half diagonally to make a triangle; crease well and unfold. Fold the opposite diagonal and unfold. You should have an X crease.

Step 2 — Make a waterbomb base

Fold the paper in half horizontally and vertically, then collapse along the creases so the paper forms a small square (this is the waterbomb base). The open flaps should face you.

Step 3 — Form the basic apple block

With the square (waterbomb) base, fold the top layers’ right and left corners to the center line so you get a kite or diamond shape. Flip and repeat on the other side.

Step 4 — Round the sides

Open each side slightly and press gently to create a rounded profile. You can make small inside reverse folds on the sides to soften the edges — this helps the apple look plumper.

Step 5 — Tuck the top to make the crown

Fold the top point down about 1/3 of the way to flatten the apple’s top. Tuck the very tip into a small pocket you create between layers (or secure with a tiny bit of glue if you prefer), forming a neat crown where the stem will attach.

Step 6 — Make and add the stem & leaf (optional)

Cut a small narrow strip from green paper and fold it to make a short stem, and cut a small leaf shape. Tuck or glue the stem into the top fold. If you prefer pure origami, fold a tiny leaf from a small square and insert it.

Step 7 — Final shaping

Gently press and round the sides with your fingers until you like the apple’s look. Use a bone folder to sharpen any remaining creases and help the model stand.

Tips for a Cleaner Fold

• Sharp creases matter: use a bone folder or fingernail to press folds firmly.

• Paper choice: lighter origami paper folds easily; craft paper can be too thick for small models.

• Practice makes perfect: try once with scrap paper, then fold with your final colored sheet.

• Scale it up: use larger paper for classroom groups or small sheets for tiny apples.

Variations & Creative Uses

• Mini apple garland: make 8–12 small apples and string them into a garland for party decor.

• Gift toppers: glue a tiny apple to gift wrap or cards.

• Classroom activity: combine apple folds with leaf and worm origami for themed crafts (e.g., “Back to School”).

• Color play: fold green and yellow apples to mimic different apple varieties.

Troubleshooting

• Apple won’t stand: press the bottom edges flat and ensure folds are symmetrical.

• Paper tears at top: use lighter paper or reduce the depth of the top tuck.

• Model is too flat: make deeper side tucks to increase volume.

Conclusion

Folding an origami apple step by step is a fun, beginner-friendly project that produces a sweet handmade object in minutes. Try color variations, use it as decoration, and share photos of your finished apples with us at jessica@inspiringflow.com or tag @InspiringFlow on Instagram — we love to feature reader crafts!