Learn how to make a fun origami Jacobs Ladder toy from folded squares and either paper strips or long ribbon. These two methods are simple and you can use materials you probably already have at home. These paper toys make great gifts.
I decided to make two tutorials, one for each method. Which one you want to make depends on what you have available, if you do have some long plastic ribbon, I do recommend the ribbon version because you get a neater and sturdier result. However if you only have paper to work with, the origami Jacobs Ladder toy will still work really well and so long as you use paper that won’t simply rip apart it will be sturdy enough too.
The ribbon version entails threading three long ribbons through the middle of the squares. The paper strip version entails cutting paper strips and using glue to stick them to the paper squares. Using thick paper or card is recommended for the ribbon version, thin paper or origami paper is recommended for the paper strip version.
Supplies used: the card I used is from Cricut. The leaf tool can be bought here, the best glue ever (UHU) and here is some double sided tape. The coloured origami paper I think may be regular Aitoh origami paper.
Origami Jacobs Ladder Toys
Level: ★★☆☆☆
Ribbons Version:
You will need:
▸ 2 sheets of square paper/card per square. Paper size used: 15 x 15 cm
Final square size: 7.5 x 7.5 cm
▸ Ribbon (I used plastic ribbon)
▸ Scissors
▸ Glue or double sided tape
Paper Strip Version:
You will need:
Origami Squares: (I made 7)
▸ 2 x square sheets of paper for each square. (total: 14 sheets) (You could also just cut some square card).
▸ Scissors
▸ Glue
Paper size used: 15 x 15 cm
Final square size: 7.5 x 7.5 cm
Paper Strips: (for 7 squares you need 21 strips)
Length: the width of your square x (multiplied by) 3.
Height: the width of the square ÷ (divided by) 5.
Size used: 22.5 x 1.5 cm.
Each square will need 3 strips.
To make it easier to measure the strips of paper, use a ruler and knife to cut the strips. If you don’t have access to a knife, measure and mark on each side of the paper, draw lines with pencil and use scissors to cut the strips.
I hope you enjoyed making and playing with the origami Jacobs Ladder! It was fun to make the tutorials, by the way if you’re looking for a true origami Jacobs ladder, Yami Yamauchi has one, here.
You can check out my personal favourite origami papers, paper craft tools and more on my Amazon.com store.
More Origami Toys/Puzzles:
Origami Tangram
An origami tangram puzzle designed by Francis Ow. This is a great gift for young kids and adults. Make it from square papers.
Origami Spaceship
An origami spaceship with an attachable flame. This origami rocket is great on a flat surface or hanging up in a display or mobile.
