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
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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. |
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Step 2:
Fold the left-edge and right-edge of the paper towards the central midline. Unfold |
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Step 3:
Fold the top-edge and bottom-edge of the paper towards the horizontal midline. Unfold. |
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Step 4:
Fold and unfold the paper in half along the diagonals so there is an “X” crease. |
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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. |
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Take a look at this fabulous crease pattern! Notice the inner square: this will be the base of the box. |
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Step 6:
Re-fold the creases so the paper stands upright forming the sides of a box. |
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Pinch the corners together. |
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Fold the small triangular flap over the edge of the paper. |
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Press the flap into the corner of the box. Re-enforce the crease with your fingernails. |
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Repeat on the other 3 corners. |
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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.
