How to Make an Abstract Origami Lotus

Last Updated: October 8, 2020

Here is the easy way to make an origami flower, the lotus. Since all of the folds are fairly straightforward, this is a great project for beginners. The result is a sharp, abstract rendition of a lotus flower that can be decorated in any way you like.

Steps

1
Fold a square piece of paper diagonally both ways. Unfold. (If you don't have a square piece of paper, you can easily make one from a rectangular sheet.)
2
Fold all of the corners to the center. This is called a blintz fold.

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3
Repeat.
- For additional layers, repeat this step an additional time. It will make the flower a little more difficult to work with, but it'll add four extra petals. Be sure to make your creases very sharp.
4
Flip the paper over and fold these corners in also.
5
Take about half of one back flap and fold it halfway out. Repeat for all of them.
6
Flip it back over to the front (you should be able to see the pointy tips of the flaps from the previous step sticking out at the sides). Unfold the flaps from the center to the corners.
7
Repeat with the next layer of flaps.
8
Finished.

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Community Q&A

Question

When making the lotus flower, can I add more layers?

Redhoodkill

Community Answer

You could, but it would make the paper harder to work with, so you may want to just do the required amount of folds, which is three or four folds.
Question

Can I add a third layer of petals?

Community Answer

Yes, but you might want bigger paper. Small paper could work, but if you have bigger paper, use it.
Question

Can lotus look attractive with other papers?

Community Answer

Yes. You don't need origami paper. Brown bag paper or sheet music will look nice, too.
Question

Is there a limit to the number of petals that I could add to lotus origami?

Community Answer

It depends on how thick your paper is. If you have thin paper, you can do as many petals as you desire.
Question

Could I tape my origami when I'm done?

KirstinKitten

Community Answer

You can if you'd like, but traditionally, origami is done without the use of tape or adhesives.
Question

Can I make it have a stem without using glue or tape?

Community Answer

Yes, you can definitely have a stem for this lotus. Grab a green piece of paper, roll it into a tube and then staple it instead of gluing or taping. Attach it to the bottom of the flower.
Question

What are the different colours that lotus flowers exist in? And what are their meanings?

Community Answer

The different colors of the lotus flower in Buddhism hold significant meanings. White: This color symbolizes being pure in body, mind and spirit. It symbolizes the heart of the Buddhas, and also represents overcoming obstacles of the human nature. Red: This color symbolizes emotional attachments of the heart.