Learn how to create an adorable toy – an origami spinning top. This is a modular origami project that consists of three pieces of paper.
This origami spinner top features a balanced, symmetrical design that allows it to spin smoothly. Its delicate appearance looks similar to our Origami Basket.
Three pieces of paper fold its spinning top, so you can change the color combination and give your spinning toy tool a unique appearance. You will see the color moving as spinning strips when it is spinning.
To play with this toy correctly, hold the top of this spinner with your thumb and forefinger, rub it quickly, and release it. It works better on a flat surface or tabletop. I believe you will be happy during the making process and while playing.
If you are new to origami, start here from our beginner guide to know the basics and how to read the step-by-step instructions.
- Folding time: 20 minutes
- Paper: 15×15 cm / 3
- Difficulty: Middle
Material
Prepare three pieces of 15×15 cm origami square paper to create a 10.54×10.54 cm spinner top. Feel free to experiment with various colors to give your project a unique outlook.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1
Take out one of the papers and place it with the desired display color side down to begin folding, fold, and unfold it horizontally, then vertically.
Step 2
Fold and unfold it diagonally from both sides.
Step 3
Fold the top and bottom edges to align with the horizontal crease.
Step 4
Fold the left and right edges to align with the middle vertical crease, crease them well, and unfold them.
Step 5
Fold the bottom edge to align with the vertical crease on the left side, leaving a crease, and unfold it.
Then, fold it again to align with the vertical crease on the right side, and unfold it.
Step 6
Bring up the left edge and open the opening along the two slanted creases [picture 1].
Then, press the left edge toward the right side along the crease indicated by the black dotted line [picture 2].
Finally, fold the top and bottom corners to the left side [picture 3].
Step 7
The same to the right side, bring up the right edge and open the opening along the two slanted creases [picture 1].
Then, press the right edge toward the left side along the crease indicated by the black dotted line [picture 2].
Finally, fold the top and bottom corners to the right side [picture 3].
Step 8
Lift the four flaps, open and squash them to form four small squares.
Step 9
Fold the two edges of each small square that are in the center of the paper to align with the diagonal crease of that small square. Then, fold the triangles at the four corners of the paper, crease them well, and unfold them. Finally, unfold the four small squares.
Step 10
Here we will make four petal folds.
Mountain fold the creases you made in the previous step, indicated by the yellow lines. Then, lift the point of each small square that lies in the center of this sheet and fold it along the crease shown by the white dotted line in each of the four directions. Finally, flatten the fold.
Step 11
Fold the four corners in the center of this paper toward each of the four sides along the black dotted lines, making the two slanted edges of the resulting four white triangles align with the creases indicated by the white dotted line.
Finally, fold the four red triangles toward the center.
Step 12
Take another piece of paper and place it with the desired display side down. Fold it diagonally from both corners, then unfold it.
Step 13
Fold the four points to meet the center intersection point formed by the two creases you made. Then, turn over the paper from left to right.
Step 14
Fold the four points to meet the center intersection point, then flip the paper over from left to right.
Step 15
Repeat the previous step one more time.
Fold the four points to meet the center intersection point, then flip the paper over from left to right.
Step 16
Fold the four corners in the center to meet the four points of the paper separately.
Step 17
Assemble the two modules by tucking the four corners of the smaller one into the pockets of the bigger one separately, as you can see in the following pictures.
Step 18
Take out the last piece of paper and place it with the desired display color side face up. Fold it diagonally from both corners, then unfold it.
Step 19
Fold the four points to meet the center intersection point two times.
Step 20
Fold and unfold it in half horizontally, then vertically.
Step 21
Mountain fold the four creases indicated by the red dotted lines, then push each side of the square to the center to create an X shape.
Turn over it from left to right.
Step 22
Tuck the four corners of this X-like unit into the pockets of the assembled unit, as the following pictures show.
Step 23
Now you can try to spin it.
Our origami Dreidel is a toy with the same gameplay as this project. Compete with your friends to see who can get the most game pieces.
I would also recommend our origami jumping frog, this lovely origami frog can jump when you press the butt, so make a contest to see who folds the origami frog that can jump the longest.
Origami Dreidel
Origami Jumping Frog
What’s Next
Now you have completed making this interesting origami spinner top. Next, check out our other origami toy ideas. Happy folding!
Other Origami Toy Ideas
