Choosing the right paper can make or break your origami experience. Whether you’re folding your first crane or tackling a complex dragon, paper selection directly impacts your success. With hundreds of options available, from specialty Japanese papers to the sticky note on your desk, how do you know which one to choose?
You don’t need expensive paper to start. Many incredible models can be created with materials you already have. That printer paper in your office works perfectly for practice. Those colorful magazines make stunning decorative pieces. Even dollar bills transform into memorable gifts.
This guide covers everything about origami paper selection. We’ll start with understanding paper weight (GSM) and recognizing suitable papers at home. Then we’ll explore traditional papers like Kami and Tant, venture into specialty papers for added texture and visual impact, and reveal professional materials for complex creations.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.
What is GSM?
When we talk about paper, GSM stands for “grams per square meter.” It’s basically how we measure paper thickness. Think of it this way: the lower the GSM, the thinner your paper. The higher the GSM, the thicker it gets.
To give you some context, most newspapers fall between 35 to 55 GSM. Your regular printer paper? That’s usually 70 to 100 GSM. Business cards are much thicker at 350 to 400 GSM.
For origami, you want something in the 50 to 60 GSM range. This sweet spot lets you handle complex folds without the paper tearing on you.
Common Origami Papers You Already Have
For most beginners, you don’t need special origami paper. Look around your home or office. You’ve got plenty of options that work just fine for starting your origami journey.
1. Standard A4/Letter Size Paper
Pros: Standard size, super easy to find
Cons: Limited colors, too thick for complex models, tears easily
Printer paper is everywhere, which makes it perfect for practice. At 70 to 100 GSM, it’s thicker than ideal origami paper, so stick to simple projects with it. Most printer paper comes in white, though you can find colors options if you search around.
Here’s something interesting: if you want to fold paper airplanes, printer paper actually works great. For official Guinness World Record attempts, the rules specify that the maximum paper size allowed is A4 and the maximum density is 100 GSM. So your standard office paper fits perfectly within these requirements! Many record holders have used regular A4 paper for their championship flights.
2. Notebook Paper
Pros: Thinner than printer paper, great for practice
Cons: Lines can be distracting, limited sizes
Got old notebooks lying around? Perfect! Notebook paper typically runs thinner than printer paper, making it ideal for simple models and basic folds. Try classic projects like origami cranes or origami jumping frogs with these sheets.
3. Newspaper
Pros: Large format, free, traditional choice
Cons: Tears easily, ink can smudge
The big advantage of newspaper? Size flexibility. You can cut it to any dimension you need. Plus, using newspaper for certain decorative pieces is actually traditional in many cultures. Just handle it gently since it’s quite thin.
4. Magazine Pages
Pros: Colorful patterns, free material
Cons: Varying thickness, glossy finish can be slippery
Magazine pages bring instant color and pattern to your projects. They’re fantastic for decorative pieces like origami Christmas stars. Just remember that different pages have different thicknesses, so test a page before committing to a complex fold.
5. Sticky Notes
Pros: Perfect squares, tons of colors available
Cons: Small size limits project options
Whether you’re at the office or home, sticky notes are everywhere. They come in endless colors and patterns these days. The main limitation? Size. Most sticky notes are 3×3 inches, so complex projects are out.
Want to make the most of them? Check out Easy Sticky Note Origami Instructions where we’ve collected over 50 projects specifically designed for sticky note dimensions.
6. Gum Wrappers
Pros: Unique metallic finish, always portable
Cons: Tiny size, very limited project options
Gum wrappers have that special shiny finish that makes even simple folds look fancy. The downside? They’re tiny, so your options are limited. But hey, creating a miniature masterpiece is its own challenge.
If you’re interested, Gum Wrapper Origami Projects offers 7 specific designs that work with these small wrappers.
7. Dollar Bill
Dollar bills make surprisingly awesome origami gifts. Think about it: you’re giving someone money, but you’ve turned it into something creative and personal. I’ve folded dollar bill hearts for tips at restaurants, and the servers always light up when they see them.
The paper quality of US currency is actually perfect for origami. It’s not really paper at all. It’s 75% cotton and 25% linen, which makes it super durable and flexible. You can fold and unfold it many times without it tearing.
Want to learn more? Check out 27+ Easy Dollar Bill Origami where you’ll find tons of tutorials specifically designed for dollar bills. From simple shirts to complex peacocks, there’s something for every skill level.
Now let’s look at how to buy the right origami paper for your projects.
Origami Paper for Beginners
If you’re ready to move beyond household paper, you’ve got three main options as a beginner: Kami origami paper, Tant origami paper, and Double-sided Colored Paper.
The third one is similar to Tant but lower quality, mainly aimed at kids and casual crafters who won’t be doing lots of folding. Let me break down each one for you.
1. Kami Paper – The Best Starter Paper
Pros: Precise sizing, high quality, handles repeated folding well
Cons: Slightly pricey
GSM: 60 GSM
Common sizes: 6″ x 6″ (15cm x 15cm), 9.8″ x 9.8″ (25cm x 25cm)
The word “Kami” originally just meant “paper” in Japanese. Over time, it’s become the standard term for those classic square sheets you see everywhere. One side is colored, the other is white. This is hands down the most popular origami paper out there.
Most origami designs are actually created with Kami paper in mind. This is especially true for animal models. Designers use the colored side for the body and cleverly reveal the white side for features like noses, mouths, eyes, and ears. It makes your creations look way more realistic.
Most of the tutorials on our website use standard Kami paper too.
Taro’s Origami Studio is a New York shop that imports paper straight from Japan. They carry all the standard Kami sizes: 6″ x 6″ (15cm x 15cm), 9.8″ x 9.8″ (25cm x 25cm), and 13.8″ x 13.8″ (35cm x 35cm). You can even buy single colors in the regular 6″ size.
Toyo Paper is a Japanese manufacturer that offers similar Kami paper at lower prices than Taro’s.
2. Tant Paper
Pros: Precise sizing, good flexibility, perfect for flowers and decorative projects
Cons: Slightly expensive
GSM: 60 GSM
Standard size: 6″ x 6″ (15cm x 15cm)
“Tant” comes from the Japanese word “tanshoku” (単色), which means “single color” or “solid color.” This special origami paper has both sides the same color. It’s thicker than regular origami paper with a nice texture. The colors are super vibrant, and the thickness makes it great for complex models.
Japanese companies originally created this paper, but now many manufacturers make similar double-sided colored sheets. The name “Tant paper” has just stuck as the general term.
Tant paper is perfect for origami flowers and decorative pieces. Having both sides the same color hides fold lines and makes your creations look more realistic.
I still recommend buying authentic Japanese Tant paper. Both Taro’s Origami Studio and Toyo offer genuine origami Tant paper.
3. Double-sided Colored Paper
Pros: Cheap, lots of colors, easy to find
Cons: Lower quality
Double-sided Colored Paper is basically the same type as Tant paper. But here’s the thing: most people just want colorful paper for simple crafts and cutting projects. They don’t need expensive specialty paper.
These users won’t be folding repeatedly, so paper durability doesn’t matter much. That’s why this is actually the best-selling “origami paper” on the market. Search for origami paper on Amazon, and this is what pops up first.
The quality isn’t great for serious folding, but you can’t beat the price. It’s still a solid choice for beginners who want to practice without breaking the bank.
Origami Paper for Intermediate Folders
So you’ve been folding for a while now. You’re getting bored with plain colored paper. Time to level up your game with specialty papers that’ll make your creations really stand out.
I’m going to show you some unique origami papers next. Different materials, different patterns, different effects on your finished pieces. Let’s dive in.
1. Momigami Paper
Pros: Durable, flexible, fabric-like texture
Cons: Pretty expensive
The Japanese word “momigami” means “crumpled paper” or literally “kneaded paper.” When you touch Momigami paper, it feels just like fabric. That’s what makes it special.
You can use Momigami for all sorts of art and craft projects. I’ve seen people make lampshades, paper bags (some types you can actually sew!), gift wrapping, book binding, and decorative projects. The possibilities are endless.
There are lots of ways to make Momigami paper. Different paper types, various starches, unique crumpling techniques. But no matter how it’s made, all Momigami shares these qualities: it’s durable, flexible, and has that amazing fabric-like texture.
For origami, Momigami paper works great for origami flowers and decorative pieces. Even origami animals look fantastic with it. The beautiful texture really makes your art pieces pop.
On our website, you’ll see lots of origami flower and decoration photos using Momigami paper. But here’s the thing: the Momigami paper in those photos isn’t made the traditional way.
It looks like regular paper that’s been pressed with a pattern mold to create that similar textured look.That’s why it’s cheaper. Unfortunately, I haven’t found any websites selling this mass-produced version of Momigami paper yet.
If you want traditionally made Momigami paper, you can buy it from kozo.studio. Just be prepared for the price tag. It’s really expensive.
2. Washi, Chiyogami, and Yuzen – Japanese Traditional Papers
Pros: Long and strong fibers, lightweight yet durable, natural texture and sheen
Cons: Expensive, thicker paper, not suitable for complex models
Washi is the umbrella term for traditional Japanese handmade paper that’s been around for over 1,000 years. It’s made from plant fibers like kozo (mulberry), mitsumata, and gampi. People use washi for everything from calligraphy and painting to packaging, interior decoration, and lamp making.
Yuzen paper is a decorative type of washi that originated from the Edo period dyeing technique called “Yuzen-zome.” The surface features gorgeous patterns – think geometric designs, traditional Japanese motifs, and more. The colors are rich and vibrant with incredibly detailed patterns.
Chiyogami is another decorative washi. The word “chiyo” means “thousand years,” symbolizing longevity. Like Yuzen, it features beautiful patterns, but the style leans more toward traditional Japanese designs like cherry blossoms, chrysanthemums, cranes, and geometric patterns. The colors are typically more subdued and elegant compared to Yuzen.
Generally speaking, handmade washi costs the most. Decorative Yuzen and Chiyogami papers are relatively cheaper, but high-quality ones still aren’t cheap.
At OrigamiOK, we’ve created lots of origami pieces with these papers. They really are stunning.
If you’re specifically looking for these papers, check carefully to make sure you’re getting genuine washi, Chiyogami, or Yuzen paper.
I recommend buying from reputable brands. Taro’s Origami Studio sells 6 inch/15 colors/100 sheets of solid color washi that’s traditionally made in Japan. It’s perfect for wet-folding too.
For Chiyogami and decorative papers, Japanese origami paper brands like Toyo and Aitoh offer lots of great options.
2. Mulberry Paper and Unryu Paper
Pros: Long and strong fibers, lightweight yet durable, natural texture and sheen
Cons: Expensive, thicker paper, not suitable for complex models
Mulberry Paper is made specifically from mulberry bark fibers. The surface is relatively smooth with fibers distributed pretty evenly. You won’t see those dramatic fiber patterns like you do with Unryu paper. The texture feels tough and smooth with incredible strength.
Unryu Paper translates to “cloud dragon paper” in Japanese. It’s also made with mulberry fibers, but here’s the difference: during production, they intentionally preserve and highlight those gorgeous fiber patterns. While Mulberry Paper aims for even fiber distribution, Unryu Paper celebrates those wild, natural textures.
This makes Unryu paper perfect for decorative projects, while Mulberry Paper works better for writing and painting.
I’m not the only one who loves these papers. Tons of paper artists and craftspeople collect both Mulberry and Unryu papers. They’re usually sold in large sheets, and since they’re incredibly strong, you don’t have to worry about tearing them. That toughness makes them great for complex origami projects.
They’re also fantastic for simple projects. I’ve folded butterflies and cranes with these papers, and the results are stunning. The finished pieces look almost translucent and ethereal. There’s something magical about how light passes through those natural fibers.
3. Foil Paper
Pros: Holds creases perfectly, super thin and easy to shape, gorgeous metallic finish
Cons: Any little folds or mistakes you make will stay there forever.
GSM: 50 GSM
Foil paper has one shiny, reflective side (usually gold or silver, but you can find all sorts of metallic colors now) and the back is typically white. Sometimes you’ll find versions with colored backing, which can add interesting effects to your models.
The way they make this paper is pretty cool. They print color onto a roll of aluminum foil, then glue it to regular paper using acrylic adhesive. Once it dries, they cut it into squares.
Remember those gum wrappers I mentioned earlier? Most of them are actually foil paper! At OrigamiOK, we’ve created tons of fun projects with this material. The metallic finish makes even simple models look fancy and gift-worthy.
4. Kraft Paper
Pros: Super affordable, easy to fold, comes in tons of sizes
Cons: That brown color isn’t exactly exciting, limited color options
GSM: 30-300 GSM (most origami-friendly versions are 30-60 GSM)
Common sizes: Available in pretty much any size you want
The name comes from German, where “kraft” means “strength.” And boy, does this paper live up to its name. The manufacturing process, called the kraft process, turns wood into a pulp that’s almost pure cellulose fibers. That’s why this stuff is so tough – you can fold it again and again without it falling apart.
Traditional kraft paper has that distinctive brown color and rough texture. It’s not winning any beauty contests, I’ll admit. But here’s something interesting: nowadays you can find kraft paper where one side is brown and the other side has colors or patterns. Best of both worlds – the strength of kraft with a bit more visual appeal.
Most kraft paper for origami runs about 30 GSM, which makes it surprisingly thin for how strong it is. You can fold complex models without worrying about the paper tearing at crucial moments.
At OrigamiOK, we’ve discovered that colored kraft paper makes absolutely gorgeous origami animals. There’s something about that natural, earthy texture that just works for wildlife models. The matte finish gives them a more realistic look than shiny papers ever could.
My advice? Don’t dismiss kraft paper just because it’s brown. It’s cheap, reliable, and perfect for practicing new models. Plus, if you’re into that minimalist, natural aesthetic, kraft paper origami has its own unique charm. Sometimes simple is exactly what you need.
6. Waxed Paper
Pros: Super thin, translucent, dirt cheap
Cons: Every crease shows up clearly
GSM: Usually around 30-40 GSM
Common sizes: Available in rolls, cut to any size you need
Waxed paper possesses several distinctive qualities: it’s thin and tough, with a beautiful translucent quality that gives finished models an ethereal appearance. The smooth surface eliminates common frustrations such as tearing, bunching, or fuzzy edges that plague other paper types.
This paper excels particularly when creating models with multiple layers concentrated in specific areas. Realistic insects with intricate leg and wing details benefit greatly from waxed paper’s thinness, as you can fold numerous layers without creating bulk.
The visible creases characteristic of waxed paper serve a dual purpose. Every fold appears with crystal clarity, which many folders appreciate when working with crease patterns (CP). The clear visibility of fold lines helps when following complex diagrams. However, this transparency means any mistakes remain permanently visible in the finished model.
At OrigamiOK, we created an origami snowflake using waxed paper, and the translucent effect proved absolutely stunning. When held against light, the model appears to glow from within. This unique transparency adds a magical quality to decorative pieces that standard paper cannot replicate.
7. Glitter Paper
Pros: Stunning sparkly surface that catches light beautifully
Cons: Glitter particles can shed, usually very thick at 250-300 GSM, not suitable for complex origami projects
GSM: 250-300 GSM (standard), 120 GSM (origami-friendly versions)
Glitter paper is manufactured by coating regular paper with tiny sparkly particles or applying a glitter adhesive layer to the surface. This decorative paper creates a strong visual impact and adds immediate sparkle to any origami project.
However, this paper type comes with significant limitations for origami folding. The most notable challenge is that glitter particles tend to shed during handling and folding.
Most commercially available glitter paper is manufactured at cardstock weight, typically ranging from 250 to 300 GSM. This thickness makes it unsuitable for traditional origami techniques.
Fortunately, some manufacturers now produce origami-specific glitter paper at approximately 120 GSM. While still thicker than ideal origami paper, this weight allows for basic folding techniques. These lighter versions work well for simple projects such as decorative stars, hearts, or gift boxes. Complex models requiring intricate folds or numerous layers should be avoided with this material.
8. Colored Tissue Paper
Pros: Ultra-thin at only 14 GSM, translucent quality
Cons: Can be challenging to fold due to extreme thinness
GSM: 14 GSM
Colored tissue paper is specifically designed for packaging and decorative purposes. Its defining characteristics are ultra-thin construction and translucent properties that allow light to pass through beautifully. Despite being incredibly thin, this paper demonstrates remarkable tensile strength and can withstand cutting, crinkling, and folding without tearing easily.
This paper excels in various artistic applications. It’s particularly well-suited for creating tissue paper pom-poms, floral decorations, collages, tassels, gift bag decorations, and other festive party decorations.
When tackling complex origami models that require numerous folds concentrated in specific areas, tissue paper becomes an invaluable material. The 14 GSM weight means you can create models with many layers without the bulk that thicker papers would create. This is especially important for realistic models where details matter.
At OrigamiOK, we’ve successfully created beautiful lotus flowers and phoenixes using colored tissue paper. The combination of tear resistance and ultra-thin properties makes this paper an excellent choice for these intricate projects.
9. Christmas Wrapping Paper & Decorative Kraft Paper
Pros: Rich variety of festive patterns, perfect for holiday decorations
Cons: Requires cutting to desired dimensions
GSM: 60-80 GSM (typical wrapping paper)
Common sizes: Sold in rolls, typically 30″ wide
Christmas wrapping paper and decorative kraft paper offer excellent options for seasonal origami projects. These papers feature patterns specifically designed for Christmas and other holidays, making them ideal for creating festive origami decorations.
Since these papers are primarily manufactured for gift wrapping, their weight and texture are optimized for that purpose rather than complex folding. The paper typically ranges from 60 to 80 GSM, making it suitable for moderately complex models but not ideal for projects requiring numerous intricate folds. The coating on some wrapping papers can make precise creasing more challenging, so selecting uncoated or lightly coated varieties yields better results.
At OrigamiOK, we’ve created numerous beautiful origami projects using decorative wrapping papers. The unique texture of kraft paper combined with festive Christmas patterns produces exceptionally attractive finished pieces.
When working with wrapping paper, remember that you’ll need to measure and cut your squares carefully. A paper cutter or cutting mat with ruler ensures clean, precise edges that are essential for successful origami.
10. Patterned Origami Paper – Adding Visual Impact to Simple Folds
In the world of origami, beautiful patterns can completely transform even the simplest projects. At OrigamiOK, we’ve experimented extensively with patterned papers to create stunning origami artwork.
The magic of patterned paper lies in how it adds instant visual interest without requiring advanced folding skills. A simple origami box folded from geometric pattern paper looks like a designer piece. An origami butterfly made with floral prints seems to come alive. The paper does half the work for you.
We’ve compiled an extensive collection of patterned origami papers that we’ve personally tested in our projects. In our showcases, you’ll see the actual purchase links alongside photos of completed models using these papers. While we strive to match the exact papers used in our demonstrations, some variations might exist due to availability.
Origami Paper for Complex Folders
The origami papers we’ve covered above will handle 99% of origami projects for most folders. But when you’re tackling super complex models with hundreds of steps, you’ll need specialized papers to achieve those intricate designs.
While I mentioned earlier that Waxed Paper (30-40 GSM) and Tissue Paper (14 GSM) can handle complex multi-hundred step projects, they’re not perfect solutions.
With waxed paper, reverse folding (flipping a crease to fold in the opposite direction at the same location) becomes extremely difficult.
Tissue paper shows the least visible creases, but reverse folding remains challenging. The material feels quite soft and tends to collapse during folding.
When you want to fold perfect complex origami projects, you might need these specialized papers. They’re typically handmade and expensive.
Origamido Paper
Abaca and cotton fiber blend, colored with iron oxide pigment.
Origamido paper is by far the finest origami paper available. Created by Michael Lafosse and Richard Alexander specifically for origami, it’s nearly perfect: “lightweight, strong, crisp, takes creases easily, and doesn’t weaken excessively after folding.”
This paper is primarily used for their own brand of origami models and occasionally becomes available for sale. You can only purchase it at the Origamido Studio in Hawaii.
Origami-shop.com sometimes offers limited quantities when available.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right origami paper transforms your folding experience. Whether you’re starting with printer paper from your desk drawer or investing in handmade Origamido paper, each material brings its own character to your creations.
For beginners, Kami paper remains the gold standard. It’s affordable, reliable, and perfect for learning. As you progress, experimenting with specialty papers like Tant, Momigami, or foil opens up new creative possibilities. And when you’re ready for those mind-bending complex models, papers like Lokta and Origamido provide the performance you need.
Remember, expensive paper doesn’t automatically make better origami. The best paper is the one that matches your skill level, project requirements, and budget. Start simple, practice often, and gradually explore new materials as your folding improves. Every master folder started with a simple square of paper. The journey is just as rewarding as the destination.
