How to Fold a Traditional Origami Leaf

Depending on the season, trees either grow new leaves or shed them in vibrant shades of green, red, orange, yellow, or brown.

Let’s bring a bit of that beauty indoors with an easy traditional origami leaf.

This model is perfect for complete beginners, offering simple step-by-step instructions on how to fold a paper leaf.

Traditional Origami Leaf Step-by-Step Instructions

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Folding time: Less than 5 minutes
  • Model designer: Traditional
  • Paper we used: Custom-made paper
  • Recommended paper: Kami 15×15 cm

Step 1

origami leaf diagram step 1

Start with the colored side facing up and fold it in half diagonally.

Step 2

origami leaf paper fold step 2
origami leaf diagram step 2

Fold along the dotted lines to create the leaf stem.

🍂 Folding tip: You can adjust the width of the fold to make a larger or thinner stem.

Step 3

origami leaf paper fold step 3
origami leaf diagram step 3

Bring down the top corner and fold along the dotted line. The size of the paper strip can vary.

Step 4

origami leaf paper fold step 4
origami leaf diagram step 4

Bring the corner up and fold the paper to align with the bottom edge of the lower layer.

Step 5

origami leaf paper fold step 5
origami leaf diagram step 5

Again, fold the corner down to align with the top edge of the lower layer.

Step 6

origami leaf paper fold step 6
origami leaf diagram step 6

Again, fold the corner up to align with the top edge of the lower layer.

Step 7

origami leaf diagram step 7

Repeat folding the model up and down until you reach the top part.

Step 8

origami leaf paper fold step 8
origami leaf diagram step 8

Stretch the model by unfolding steps 3 to 7.

Step 9

origami leaf paper fold step 9
origami leaf diagram step 9

Fold the top layer of the model along the dotted line at the bottom right corner.

Step 10

origami leaf paper fold step 10
origami leaf diagram step 10

Repeat on the other side.

Step 11

origami leaf paper fold step 11
origami leaf diagram step 11

Lift open the top layer.

The Completed Origami Leaf

origami leaf paper fold completed
origami leaf diagram complete

Well done! You’ve just made your very own origami leaf.

Whether you use it for decorating, as part of a seasonal craft project, or simply to celebrate this time of year, your paper leaf brings a touch of nature’s charm into your home.

I hope you enjoyed folding with us! Feel free to share your creations with us in the comments or on socials.

Download the Full Origami Leaf Printable PDF Instructions

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By Clyde