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You can make an origami water lily with just one square sheet of paper, and the process is simpler than you might think.
This beautiful paper flower is a classic origami project that looks far more complex than it actually is to fold.
If you’ve been wondering how to make an origami water lily, you’re in the right place because this guide breaks down every step in a friendly, easy-to-follow way.
Learning how to make an origami water lily is a rewarding experience that produces a stunning three-dimensional bloom you can use for decor, gifts, or just for fun.
In this post, we’ll explore the best paper to use, the exact folding sequence to create your origami water lily, and a few handy tips to make sure your first attempt turns out perfectly.
Let’s dive right into the folds and get your paper blooming.
Why You’ll Love Making an Origami Water Lily
Making an origami water lily is a fantastic project because it uses a single sheet of paper and requires no cuts or glue.
The origami water lily is known for its elegant, layered petals that fan out from the center, mimicking the real aquatic flower.
This model is also a great intermediate step for folders who have mastered basic folds and want to challenge themselves with something a bit more intricate.
The best part about learning how to make an origami water lily is that once you understand the base, you can easily scale it up or down using different paper sizes.
You can make a giant origami water lily with a large sheet of wrapping paper or a tiny one with a Post-it note.
The technique remains the same, so the skill is truly versatile.
1. The Best Paper for Your Origami Water Lily
Choosing the right paper is the first secret to successfully making an origami water lily.
Standard origami paper, which is thin and crisp, works beautifully because it allows for precise creases without becoming too bulky.
If you’re using thicker paper like cardstock, you’ll find it much harder to make the multiple folds needed for an origami water lily.
The paper needs to be a perfect square, so if you only have rectangular sheets, you’ll need to trim them down first.
For a classic look, use paper that is colored on one side and white on the other, though solid colors also produce a gorgeous origami water lily.
Keep in mind that the chosen paper will determine how crisp your final petals look, so pick something you love.
2. The Folding Sequence to Make an Origami Water Lily
Now, let’s get into the actual steps of how to make an origami water lily.
Start with your square paper colored side down and fold it in half diagonally to form a triangle.
Unfold it, then fold it in half diagonally the other way, and unfold again to create an X-shaped crease.
Next, fold the paper in half horizontally and vertically, unfolding each time to create a grid of crease lines.
Now, bring all four corners into the center point, pressing them down to form a smaller square.
This is called a blintz fold, and it’s the foundation of your origami water lily.
Once you have your small square, fold the four new corners into the center once again.
Flip the entire piece over and repeat the process, folding the four corners into the center on this new side.
Your paper should now be a much smaller, thicker square, and this is where the magic of the origami water lily starts to happen.
Flip the paper over one more time, and carefully unfold the last set of folds just a little bit.
You’ll see petal-like flaps starting to form, and you’ll gently pull these outward to create the bloom of your origami water lily.
3. Unfolding the Petals to Complete Your Origami Water Lily
This final step is what transforms a folded square into a lovely origami water lily.
Hold the folded model firmly in one hand, and with the other, gently lift one of the four flaps from the center.
Pull it upward and outward, flattening it down to create a single petal.
Repeat this with the remaining three flaps to form the first layer of your origami water lily.
You’ll notice a second set of flaps underneath, so lift those as well to create the inner petals.
As you pull these outer layers outward, they’ll wrap around the inner ones, giving your origami water lily that classic layered look.
The final step of learning how to make an origami water lily is to curl the tips of the petals slightly for a more natural appearance.
You can do this by wrapping the points around a pencil or your finger to give them a gentle curve.
Making an Origami Water Lily with Multiple Layers
One of the most stunning variations for an origami water lily is to use two or even three sheets of paper folded together.
You can make an origami water lily with multiple layers by stacking two squares on top of each other before you start folding.
This creates a much fuller and more dramatic flower when you open all the petals.
If you want to know how to make an origami water lily that looks like a real lotus, this multi-layer technique is the way to go.
Just place one square directly on top of the other, making sure the corners align perfectly, then proceed with the same folding sequence.
When you get to the petal-opening stage, you’ll have twice as many layers to pull out, which results in a truly spectacular origami water lily.
You can use two different colors to create a beautiful gradient effect where the inner petals are a contrasting shade.
1. Using Two Sheets of Paper
To make an origami water lily with a two-tone effect, place a smaller square on top of a larger one and treat them as a single sheet.
The larger bottom sheet will form the outer petals of your origami water lily, while the smaller top sheet forms the inner ones.
This is a brilliant way to customize your flower and make an origami water lily that stands out.
The folding process remains identical, so you don’t need to learn any new steps.
2. Using a Paper Clip as a Temporary Hold
If you’re working with multiple layers, it can be helpful to secure the sheets together with a paper clip before you begin folding.
This prevents the paper from shifting and ensures your origami water lily has perfectly aligned petals.
Remove the clip once you’ve made the first few creases and the layers feel secure.
This small trick makes the process of learning how to make an origami water lily much less frustrating.
Where to Use Your Completed Origami Water Lily
Once you’ve mastered how to make an origami water lily, you’ll probably want to show it off.
These paper flowers make wonderful table centerpieces when placed on a bed of green paper leaves.
You can string several origami water lilies together to create a lovely garland for a party or a nursery.
You can also attach a wire stem to your origami water lily and place it in a vase with other paper flowers.
Since it’s made of paper, it will last forever, which is a major advantage over real flowers.
Making an origami water lily is also a great group activity for kids and adults alike.
The repetitive folds are meditative, and the surprise of seeing the flower bloom is always a delight.
You can even use waterproof paper to create an origami water lily that you can float in a real bowl of water.
So, How Do You Make an Origami Water Lily?
You can make an origami water lily by using a single square of paper and folding all four corners into the center multiple times, then gently pulling the flaps outward to form petals.
The whole process of making an origami water lily takes just a few minutes once you get the hang of it.
We hope this guide has shown you exactly how to make an origami water lily and inspired you to try it out today.
Grab a piece of paper, follow the steps, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating your own beautiful origami water lily.
Happy folding.