The 5 Best Origami Paper

Think of origami and you might think of paper cranes at weddings (they symbolize success and good fortune), but in reality, there is much more to origami than a simple, albeit beautiful, bird. What began as an art form from ancient Japanese culture, origami is composed of two words: oru, or 'to fold', and kami, or 'paper'. Literal translation? To fold paper. While that's precisely what origami is, there's much more to this beautiful, ancient art form than simply folding paper. Fantastic as a way to reduce daily stress, or even as a way to boost your thinking skills, origami has become popular the entire world over. Whether you're practicing the art of origami for classroom art projects, birthday parties, or simply to enjoy the stress-release of creating something with your hands, these are the 5 best origami paper sheet sets you'll find.

Origami Craze 500 Sheets

Vibrant Colors for Vibrant Origami Artwork

This double-sided, highly-foldable origami paper is a great option by Origami Craze.

Best Overall

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Whether you’re a beginner or a bit more advanced in the practice of folding origami, you’re going to want to find a paper that creases well, is forgiving in mistakes, and holds its shape over time. Additionally, you’ll also want bright, vivid colors, paper that folds easily and yet won’t tear, and paper that is delicate and silky smooth. When it comes to origami paper, this set by Origami Craze fulfills all those needs…and more.

Although typically one-sided paper is easier to fold and thinner, this double-sided paper is still lightweight with a smooth finish on both sides, making folding more complex designs entirely achievable. It’s also an excellent paper set option for beginners, as well, as the creases are forgiving and the paper doesn’t tear easily. Overall, this set of origami paper is the best on this list.

Pros:

Standard 6-inch square.
20 Vibrant Colors.
100 design e-book included with purchase.

Cons:

Paper is matte, not shiny or glossy.

BUBU Origami Paper 200 Sheets

Vivid Colors Set The Stage

This package of 200 sheets by BUBU is another fantastic choice.

Runner-up

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This runner-up origami set by BUBU is another fantastic option for a basic double-sided origami paper stock. The reason it’s number two on this list? Per package, you’ll only get 200 sheets of origami paper. But for under 8 dollars, it’s a steal. If you’re a beginner who just wants to explore the basic art of folding origami, this is a great option for you. You’ll find the standard 6 x 6 inch square, 20 different vibrant colors to choose from, and edges that won’t cure, creases that hold, and paper that is thin yet won’t easily tear.

Pros:

AZO free (no toxic smell)
Great option for basic origami crafts and art projects.

Cons:

Some customers noted that colors weren’t always as advertised.
Lower count number of 200 pieces of paper

Global Art Folia Origami Paper 500 Sheets

A Solid Option for Origami Beginners

This packet of 500 folding squares by Global Art is a solid option for beginners.

Best for Beginners

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Measuring in at the standard 6 x 6 inch square, these origami paper folding squares come in a pack of 10 colors, with 50 sheets each totaling 500 sheets of quality origami paper. As with any double-sided sheets such as this set, true beginners might have a more difficult time learning on paper that is the same color on both sides.

Aside from the fact that this paper is double-sided, this is a great option for those learning basic folds, The integrity of the paper holds up well over time, which means this origami paper is ideal for those that are creating an origami project or display, or as decorations.

Pros:

Colors are bright.
Typical size works well for many origami patterns.

Cons:

Paper texture is on the rougher side (it’s not as delicate as traditional origami paper), requiring a bit more force behind each fold.

Tuttle Publishing Kaleidoscope Pattern Origami Paper

Stunning, Colorful, Vivid: a Fun Twist on Tradition.

Tuttle Publishing has created a unique set of 500 sheets, with bright kaleidoscope designs.

Most Colorful Paper

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For a distinct look, this kaleidoscope origami paper by Tuttle Publishing is an absolute winner. You’ll find 12 unique patterns in this set of 500 sheets, and the paper is wonderfully thin, folds and stays creased easily, and with the fun design of this double-sided paper, you’ll take traditional origami folds to the next level. Coming in at the standard 6 x 6 inch square, this set lands a spot on this list for its totally unique take with its colorful patterns.

Pros:

Fun, funky kaleidoscope patterns in 12 different designs.
Eight projects included with purchase.
Double-sided design on each individual piece of paper.

Cons:

Paper has an odor.
Paper is matte.

DOURA Origami Paper 750 Sheets

Economy Pack with Storage by DOURA

With 25 bright colors in this pack of 750, this origami paper set is a great option for a classroom.

Most Economical

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With two sides of color to this paper, each sheet is thick enough that it won’t easily tear, yet thin enough that one can begin to explore more complex folds, At the same time, this origami paper is forgiving enough that folding and re-folding is possible…so no biggie if you make a mistake or two. As far as a basic origami set, with 25 different vivid colors and that typical 6 in square, this is a solid option for practicing basic, beginner, or intermediate folds. At this price point and with this amount of sheets, it’s also a solid option for stocking your kid’s art closet or even your classroom (for all you teachers out there).

Pros:

Comes in a tidy box that holds 750 double-sided sheets.
Edges don’t curl.

Cons:

Paper is best for beginner folds. It can tear easily in more intricate folds.
Paper is a bit thicker than traditional origami paper. It is similar in weight to copy paper.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do you need special paper for origami?

There are many different types of paper for folding origami. Each type of paper is better for certain skills, levels and outcomes. Because of the variety of origami paper, there is no single best paper to use…it all depends on what your goal is in folding origami. If you’re simply practicing a fold, you can use newspaper or basic printing paper (although these types of paper certainly are not as precise). Origami paper, specifically, makes folding into an art. You want precision, easy creasing. and the ability to make even lines. All of the above listed origami paper is of high=quality and appropriate for origami folding.

2. What is the best paper for origami beginners?

If you’re a beginner in the art of origami, kami is a thin paper that’s colored on one side and white on the other. It’s the easiest origami paper for those just learning. It’s a forgiving paper, and easy to create. Having double-sided sheets for learning on is a bit more difficult, although not always. On the one hand, it’ll be thicker paper. But when you’re folds aren’t perfect, the mistakes won’t show up as easily. Overall, though, one-sided paper is far easier to learn on when following patterns and learning precise folds.

3. What is the best type of paper for more advanced folding?

Again, there is no single best type of origami paper…it just depends on your goals. However, there are some papers that are considered far more difficult to use than simple kami paper. For example, foil paper (a shiny origami paper), is notoriously difficult to use because of how easily it makes a crease mark. Papers that make an easy crease mark are not as forgiving, meaning they aren’t ideal for beginners.