Learn how to fold an easy origami masu box from one sheet of square paper. This method gives you the perfect origami box and saves time. Great for beginners.
I know there are plenty of origami masu box tutorials on the internet already, on my YouTube channel there is one already as well. But after making masu boxes over and over again for different projects, I think I have the method perfected – and I’m sure this particular folding sequence is favoured by a lot of people.
A tiny change at the start makes assembling the box a lot simpler. A lot of tutorials have extra steps and more creases making the box less “clean”, including my old video on the box. If you want to make a lid, you can simply make another masu box, but this time, don’t fold the edges all the way to the center at 2:10 leave a gap of about 2mm on all edges. Your box will be a little bit wider.
There’s many many origami boxes with use this method, you can check out my modified masu boxes collection at the end of this post or click here to do a search for “Masu Box”. For a diagram of this origami box, check out the Origami Diagrams page (near the bottom). I also have a photo tutorial of this, here.
Easy Origami Masu Box
Design: Traditional
Level: ★★☆☆☆
You will need:
▸ 1 sheet of square paper.
Paper size example: 15 x 15 cm
Final model size: 5.3 x 5.3 cm
To get a box of a specific size, just triple the width. For example, if you want a box that’s 10 x 10 cm, you’d need paper that’s 30 x 30 cm.
You can check out my personal favourite origami papers, paper craft tools and more on my Amazon.com store.
So cool! I didn’t know there were multiple ways of making this box! The way I was used to making it was muck more complicated than this. Thanks again for sharing Chrissy!
i made a masu box that looks like a strawberry :3
(red origami paper with black dots i added myself)
Do anyone else’s models turn out kind of sloppy and floppy? haha. Is it just that I’m a beginner (well, rediscovering, technically, BUT it was many years ago and even then I was no expert) and they’ll just turn out better with practice? Or well, obviously they will because everything does, but could the paper actually have something to do with it? I AM using paper that was sold for origami, but maybe it’s softer to work better with intricate models (I’m using it for boxes, dividers, envelope folds, bigger things like that without a ton of tiny meticulous folding).
Paper sold for origami is very thin, with boxes especially, you’d be much better off using thicker paper. For this simple masu box, thin card can be used. You’re right, thin origami paper is great for complex models that require many layers! 🙂
I do enjoy your tutorials and are very grateful. I have learned a lot from you. Above all I love boxes and tatoos and I am always glad to receive your newsletter.
Thank you so much and regards from the southern part of Germany !
Claudia