Guide to Buying Origami Paper

Here is a guide to a variety of Origami Papers. I have included lots of pictures of the various papers that I have bought and I give you some insights as to what each type of paper is all about. The papers range from small sizes to larger sizes and from economy brand to the more expensive (and elegant) types.

About paper

Of course you can use any kind of paper to fold origami. You can just cut squares from printer paper or even gift wrapping paper. And this is particular economical when you are first starting out. But as you do more origami you are going to want to get better paper. Below is a selection of paper that I have bought and my thoughts about each one of them. And then further below I get into the more beautful Chiyogami and Washi papers.

Origami Paper Traditional Prints 8 1/4

I like the size of this paper (8 1/4 inches) It is good for big hands and for small hands. It comes in six different patterns and is double sided in that there is a pattern printed on both sides. One side is a pattern and the other side is the same pattern with the colors reversed. See my accompanying picture for the patterns. This package also comes with a small booklet that shows you how to fold six different items like (see my accompanying picture) a kimono, crane, Star box,lantern, fishing boat,and Hashi Wrapper which is good for holding chopsticks or pencils . The paper itself is pretty good and it holds sharp creases and is durable. So, if you are a beginner this is a good paper for you. It is also good paper for kids because of the durability and the larger size. And as a little bonus you also get a nice sheet of gold paper which you can save for a special project.

Here is a look at the paper that comes in this package.

And here are the six folds that you learn in the little booklet that accompanies the paper.

Melissa & Doug Origami Paper (6"x6")

This is a decent little selection of very vibrant and fluorescent colors. You get 51 sheets and a generous number of them are metallic which are my favorites. This comes in a nice little box that has a string seal on it which helps to keep the paper safe and organized. It also comes with a little stapled booklet that shows you how to fold five different projects: Airplane, Swan, Fortune Cookie, Wishing Star and Inflatable cube. See my accompanying picture to view these five projects. The paper is okay. But it is pretty durable which is good for learning, refolding and working at the projects. It is colored on one side and white on the other. I love the bright colors, but some of the colors will bleed through to the white just a little bit and will leave a bit of smudging on your fingers. So, that is why this is only four stars. The instructions are pretty clear but I had trouble with the swan. I couldn't quite get it right. Nonetheless it is a nice little kit that gives you the paper and folding instructions for a good start. I like the star and the inflatable cube the best.

This picture shows you some of the paper and the five projects that come along in the instructions.

Origami Paper Pattern 6 3/4

I like this paper. It is thin yet durable and it has a little bit of a vellum feel to it similar to the outer wrapper on a chocolate bar. Not quite but similar. It comes in a variety of colorful small print repeating patterns and on the opposite side of each sheet is the corresponding solid color. The picture on the cover shows patterned color on one side and blank white on the other but this isn't what I got. Being almost seven inches square means it is a little bit easier to work with. It comes with a fold out booklet that gives you some introductory folding instructions and six different projects: Swan, Pig, Tortoise, Samurai Helmet, Rowboat, and Star Box. One nice thing about these folds is that they have a Japanese Origami feel to them; The folds in the booklet would be a bit of a challenge for absolute beginners but if you have done a little origami you will get them. The picture below shows some of the paper and the six projects in the booklet.

Japanese Papers

Japanese paper is not solely for Origami and there is some overlap and interchangeability between the different types of paper and these definitions have changed over the centuries. The definitions, paper consistency, construction and prints do vary but I will give you some general guidelines for understanding and selecting Japanese paper for origami.

The major things to realize about these kinds of papers is that they are thicker than your normal paper and have a bit of a cloth consistency and feel to them. The prints are always quite beautiful and they make for some gorgeous projects. But, in my opinion these are not typically as good for very complex folding because of their thickness and consistency. You have to get some and try it to get a feel for it.

Washi Paper - This is the term for Japanese handmade paper. And is considered to be the finest and most expensive paper. While it used to be hand made (and still is) It is now often machine made, but no less beautiful. Traditional Washi paper is made from the bark of the Gampi tree, the Mitsumata shrub, and the and the Kozo shrub. It can also be made from materials like bamboo, hemp, rice and wheat. Washi come from wa meaning Japanese and Shi meaning paper. If you are looking to make beautiful folds to display to others you might consider washi.

Yuzen and Chiyogami - These two terms for Japanese paper are today interchangeable but traditionally Yuzen paper had textile patterns on it and Chiyogami had repeating wood block patterns.

Shinwazome Paper - This is thick textured that has embossed and raised patterns. It is paper that is often described as luxurioius and it often is embossed and detailed with gold highlights.

Yuzen Chiyogami Origami Paper- Set of 30 Sheets

Yuzen Chiyogami- Set of 30 Sheets Gorgeous origami papers from Japan. These are high quality rice papers with brightly printed patterns; highlighted with metallic gold. This set includes 15 patterned sheets and 15 solid color sheets. They measure 3-15/16"x3-15/16".

Shinwazome Chiyogami Origami Paper

Shinwazome Chiyogami...This set includes 7 sheets with 7 assorted color designs. This is very "deluxe" origami paper; with metallic accents and raised embossed lines. The sheets are high-quality printed rice paper; and measure 5-7/8" x 5-7/8".

Japanese Print Chiyogami- Origami Paper

Yuzen Chiyogami- set of 40 Origami sheets (#YW-112)

This absolutely gorgeous pack of papers contains 20 sheets of decorative papers and 20 sheets of solid contrasting colors. The decorative sheets are amazing- each one is a work of art in itself featuring beautiful patterns outlined in metallic gold! These sheets measure 4"x4" (or 100mm x 100mm).

Washi Style Origami Paper, 120 sheets #N8383

Assorted designs of Washi paper for your origami or craft needs! Package of 120 sheets of 6 inch square paper with assorted Japanese designs! 30 different designs in a variety of colors in an easy to use size.

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