How to Fold an Origami Star (Shuriken)

Co-authored by Robert Homayoon

Last Updated: April 9, 2024 Fact Checked

You don't have to go to a weapon store to have your very own "ninja star" or a "Shuriken". You can make one or several out of paper as a cheaper and safer alternative. It is also very fun to play with and a good project for you to do with your child. You can also add it to your ninja costume or just show it off to your friends!

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Making a Square of Paper

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Begin with a rectangular piece of paper. Ordinary loose paper or construction paper will do. We will make a square piece of paper from this. If you're already starting with a square piece of origami paper, skip the next two steps.
- Alternatively, you can find a range of origami paper on Amazon.
Fold the top right hand corner diagonally down so the top of the paper lines up with the left side, forming a point at the top right corner.

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Cut or carefully tear along the edge so you are left with a square of paper.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Forming the Parts

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Fold the square in half. The fold should be parallel to the edges.^{[1]
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Cut the square in half into 2 equal parts. Scissors may make this easier.^{[2]
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Fold each piece in half vertically again, parallel to the long sides.
Fold the end diagonally, so the edges line up.^{[3]
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Repeat this fold, on each end of each strip, making sure the folds are oriented as shown.
Fold the end on the diagonal again. You should end with a big triangle facing you and two smaller triangles facing away from you.
Repeat this same fold on each end of each strip. Make sure the orientations go opposite one another, as shown.^{[4]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Putting Them Together

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There should be a square in the center of each piece that lines up, but if you can't find it yet, don't worry. Just line up the middles.^{[6]
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You may have to coax a little to get it tucked in.^{[8]
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This will keep the ninja star from becoming undone.

Expert Q&A

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Question

How do I fold a sharp crease?

Robert Homayoon
Origami Expert
Robert Homayoon is an Origami Expert known for his engaging YouTube videos and accessible instructions. He has been teaching origami on YouTube since 2009. His channel has a following of over 676,000 subscribers, and his videos have garnered over 211 million views. Robert uses his channel to highlight his passion for teaching people origami, crafts, and how to solve puzzles. He graduated from SUNY Albany in 2007 and earned his D.M.D degree from Temple University Dental School in 2013.

Robert Homayoon

Origami Expert

Expert Answer

I often employ a technique where I use my thumb and fingernail, with the tip of my pointer finger, to run along the crease line. It's not exactly pinching the fingernail together but rather using the fingernail and the tip of the finger to align and define the crease sharply. Simultaneously, I secure the paper with my other hand to prevent any potential shifting that might occur while dragging my thumb and pointer finger along the fold. This ensures precision and stability in the crease.

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Question

Do I really need to put tape on my origami star?

Community Answer

Not necessarily. If you followed the steps correctly, you may not need tape, but for some people it can be helpful for keeping the origami star in the correct shape.

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Can I use any size of paper?

Community Answer

Yes, but it has to be a rectangle or square. You can turn the rectangle paper into a square and begin.

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Tips

This works best with thicker paper, such as from magazines

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Make three or more stars at once and stack them so their shapes are almost lined up, but are spaced apart slightly. Grip them between your thumb and index finger and throw all the stars at once from your side to the front, like a frisbee.

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You can decorate the ninja star using glitter glue markers, glitter pens etc.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

You can make more points by folding your ninja star so it looks like half of an 8-pointed star. Then, make one more and attach them or stack thin ninja stars together. This allows you to build layers without making it too bulky.
For an added effect, spray paint your finished ninja star. Just make sure to do this after you've folded it completely so you don't waste paint coating the inside. A glossy metallic looks slick!
Be careful when tucking in the paper at the end. It's easy to mess up the whole thing if you don't pay attention to where you are tucking the folds. Go slowly and double check each tuck.
You can use different colored paper to make it more fun. It looks great when thrown if you use contrasting shades. Interlocking rainbow colors look neat as they spin.
Creasing the folds firmly makes a big difference. Carefully crease each fold you make so the paper holds its shape. Sloppy folds lead to a sloppy star.
If it doesn't fly right when thrown, try putting a quarter in the center on the inside. The added weight can help it sail better through the air.

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Warnings

Be careful when throwing the stars. You could even injure yourself.

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Edges can be sharp, keep away from small children.

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Do not throw this at people or animals.

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