Origami Paper Dimensions

For those new to the craft, an origami paper size of 20 cm or 8" square will be sufficient. Once you gain enough experience, you should be able to work with 10 cm or 4" square paper.

What Paper Types Can be Used in Origami?

Virtually all laminar material can be used in origami. The only prerequisite is it must maintain a crease. The traditional origami paper is the kami or koi. This thin paper is sold in many sizes but the most common is 75 × 75 mm (equal to 3 × 3 inches). It is also sold in 6-inch squares and 10-inch squares.

There is usually a color or pattern on one side. The patterns are as varied as origami paper sizes: some consist of color gradations while others have ornately designed flowers or gold decorations.

Washi

The washi is also used in origami. It is hand made and thus more expensive than other papers. It is thick with long fibers. It is also noted for its softness. Washi papers have trimmings like string, seeds, flowers etc.

They are also made with bamboo, wheat or bark. They can also be used with ink and have a shiny look. Owing to their cost, they aren’t as widely used as the kami.

Copy Paper

Origami paper size is not the only thing you should consider. The weight of the paper matters too. If you’re going to make cranes, copy paper weighing 70–90 g/m2 (19 to 24lbs) will be suitable. These papers can also be used to fold and make waterbombs.

The heaver paper types like the 100 g/m2 (about 25 lbs) can be wet-folded. The advantage of using this paper is the finished product has a more rounded appearance. Second, the model becomes sturdy when it is allowed to dry.

Other Paper Types

Dollar bills can also be used for origami. These include dollar bills, towels, banknotes and other special papers.

Notes on Origami Paper Sizes

Washi paper used in origami come in many sizes but the standard is 6" long on both sides. That is equal to 150 mm. The objects you make will get smaller proportionally. The important thing to keep in mind is that the dimensions must be exact. That is, if you use square paper, the sides must be precisely 90 degrees.

Common Origami Tools

Although traditional origami folding does not employ tools, one may do so especially with complex folds. The bone folder is utilized to make sharp creases on the paper. It’s also possible to use paper clips. These can act as an extra set of fingers.

A ruler and ballpoint embosser can also be used. For wet folded models, a spray is necessary. A spray can also be used on other finished models. This will keep the models intact and last longer.

To be good at folding, the origami paper sizes and the type have to
be considered together. When you get used to folding large paper, you can move on to more specialized paper materials.