Step 1: Gather your supplies
Before you start folding, you’ll need to gather some supplies. You’ll need a square piece of paper, preferably 15cmX15cm (6 inches by 6 inches), as well as some patience and a bit of creativity. Make sure the paper you choose is crisp, and not too thin, so it will hold its shape better. You can use any design of paper you like, but traditional Japanese patterns and plain white or solid colors work best.
Step 2: Fold the paper in half horizontally
Take your square piece of paper and fold it in half horizontally, making sure to create a sharp crease. Unfold the paper and you’ll be left with a crease down the middle that’ll be your guide for the next step.
Step 3: Fold the paper in half vertically
Next, fold the piece of paper in half vertically, lining up the corners to make sure it’s completely straight. Again, make sure to create a sharp crease before unfolding.
Step 4: Fold the edge to the centre crease
Fold the two bottom corners of the paper to the center crease, creating a triangular shape at the bottom. Make sure the edges are aligned with the center crease, and then press down firmly to create sharp creases.
Step 5: Fold the top edge downwards
Now you need to take the top edge of the paper and fold it downwards until it meets the bottom edge. It should create a smaller triangle at the top of the paper.
Step 6: Create the kimono collar
Take the top layer of the folded piece of paper and fold it upwards, creating the kimono collar. Crease the paper and make sure it’s symmetrical so that it looks like a V-shape when you’re done.
Step 7: Shape the arms and legs
To create the arms and legs of your origami girl, you’ll need to make some simple folds. Fold the top layer of the paper diagonally to create the right arm, and then fold it down again to make it look more like an arm. Repeat the process on the other side of the paper to create her left arm.
For the legs, take the bottom of the paper and fold it upwards towards the center crease. Then fold it back down to create feet. This peekaboo fold will create a gap between the legs giving it a more finished look.
Step 8: Decorate your kimono girl
Now it’s time to add some details to your origami girl’s kimono. You can draw a pattern or design onto the paper using paint or markers, or simply leave it as is. If you want to add additional layers, you can use another small piece of paper, folded into an obi/hair bow, or shoulder sash, and secure it to the middle part overlapping the collar.
Step 9: Create the head and hair
To make the head and hair, take another piece of paper and fold it in half diagonally. Next, fold the paper in half vertically and unfold it to reveal a crease down the middle. Now fold the two bottom corners of the paper inward, creating a diamond shape. Take the paper and fold it in half vertically, aligning the pointed edge of the diamond with the fold. Unfold again, leaving a crease down the middle of the paper. Now fold the top layer of the paper back down towards the bottom, creasing it along the middle line. Turn the paper over to reveal the head and hair.
Step 10: Finishing touches
Finally, attach the head and hair to your origami kimono girl’s body, using glue or tape to keep it in place. You can also use a marker to draw on some more details.
Congratulations! You have now created an origami girl in a kimono, ready to display or give as a gift. It’s a fun and satisfying craft that’s perfect for beginners and intermediate paper folders. The possibilities are endless with origami, so feel free to experiment with different shapes, designs, and colors until you have created your perfect kimono girl origami.