Common Box

origami box

This common box takes less than 10 steps to make. It is simple but it is the least sturdy box available on this web site. The corners are a bit tricky but otherwise, it is a “quick and easy” container perfect for holding light-weight objects like small toys, beads, or cotton balls. If you need a place to put empty nut shells, this box will do the job just fine.

This is a “crease and collapse” design. You fold and unfold until all the creases are ready and then, in one swoop, you collapse the model into its final shape. Ready to make the creases?

Common Box

origami box

Step 1:

Start with a square sheet of paper with white-side facing up. Fold it in half (top to bottom and left to right) and unfold.

origami box

Step 2:

Fold the left-edge and right-edge of the paper towards the central midline. Unfold

origami box

Step 3:

Fold the top-edge and bottom-edge of the paper towards the horizontal midline. Unfold.

origami box

Step 4:

Fold and unfold the paper in half along the diagonals so there is an “X” crease.

origami box

Step 5:

Here comes the tricky corners: you need to bisect the angles so the creases are at a 22.5 degree angle.

The best way to do this is to align the vertical-crease with the diagonal-crease (connect red dots). Press down to make the crease, then unfold.

Do this for all four corners.See details below.

origami box
Fold the vertical crease to overlap with the diagonal crease. Press down.

origami box
Unfold.

origami box
Fold the horizontal crease to align with the diagonal crease. Press down.

origami box
Unfold.

origami box

Take a look at this fabulous crease pattern! Notice the inner square: this will be the base of the box.
You will use these folded lines to collapse the paper into a box.

origami box

Step 6:

Re-fold the creases so the paper stands upright forming the sides of a box.

origami box

Pinch the corners together.

origami box

Fold the small triangular flap over the edge of the paper.

origami box

Press the flap into the corner of the box. Re-enforce the crease with your fingernails.

origami box

origami box

Repeat on the other 3 corners.

origami box

origami box

origami box
The common box is done!

origami box
Side view.

Once you get used to folding the tricky corners, this common box is not hard to make. When making the creases, press down firmly to get nice, crisp creases. Be as accurate as you can, this will make the collapsing part easier.

origami box