How to make a paper cup
A cup that really holds water, in five folds. Here's a paper cup that really holds water, step by step: a diagram for every fold below, and every step playing in 3D in Crease, so you can watch the paper move and turn it round.
You need: a square of paper (15 cm or 6 in is ideal). Coloured on one side is best, but any paper works.
Free in your browser. Watch each fold, slow it down, turn it round.
Step by step
The dashed line is a valley fold (fold towards you); dash-dot is a mountain fold (fold behind). The arrow shows where the paper goes.
Fold the bottom corner up to the top corner to make a triangle.
Fold the right corner across so its tip touches the left edge. Keep the bottom of the flap level.
Now fold the left corner across the same way, so its tip touches the right edge.
Fold the front flap at the top down over the front.
Fold the back flap down behind. Squeeze the sides gently to open your cup!
Done! Well folded.
Tips
- Line up the corners or edges first, then press the crease flat from the middle outwards.
- Run a fingernail along every crease: sharp creases make the later steps easier.
- Stuck on a step? Open Paper cup in Crease and watch it fold in 3D, as slowly as you like.
More easy origami
Origami for beginners: the folds, the bases and where to start →