How to make an origami heart
A neat paper heart with no cutting at all. It takes a few more folds than the animal faces, so it suits children who have done some origami before.
- Medium
- Age 6+
- About 10 minutes
- 8 steps
- No scissors
Lesson at a glance
- You need
- A square of paper. No scissors or glue.
- Time
- About 10 minutes (allow longer the first time)
- Level
- Medium · age 6+
- How to teach it
- Show the 3D folder on the board and pause after each step, or print the step sheet for each table. Both show the same folds.
Finished!
Step 1 of 8Place the square like a diamond, white side up. Fold it in half from left to right and open it, then from top to bottom and open it.
Keys: left and right arrows go back and forward, Space plays or pauses, R plays the step again, B shows the back. On the 3D picture, the arrow keys turn it and + and − zoom.
How to fold a heart: step by step
You need: one square of paper, 15 cm (6 inches) is ideal. Origami paper is easiest. To make a square from A4 or US Letter paper without scissors, fold one corner down to the opposite edge, crease the leftover strip firmly both ways and tear it off slowly. Red or pink paper with a white back looks lovely.
Place the square like a diamond, white side up. Fold it in half from left to right and open it, then from top to bottom and open it.
Fold the top corner down to the middle of the paper, where the creases cross.
Fold the bottom corner up to meet the top edge.
Fold the right half of the bottom edge up so it lines up with the center crease.
Do the same on the left side. The bottom of your heart now has a point.
Turn the paper over.
Fold the two top corners down a little, then fold the two side corners in, to round off the top of the heart.
Turn your heart over. It is finished!
Finished!
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What kids learn
- Fractions: the first creases split the square into halves and quarters.
- Shapes and angles: spot triangles, right angles and the heart’s point.
- Symmetry: the heart is symmetrical – fold it in half to check.
- Following instructions: eight steps in order.
Classroom tips for teachers
- Cards: make hearts for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day or thank-you cards.
- Kindness display: children write a kind message on the back of a heart for a class kindness tree.
- Math: after step 1, ask what fraction each part of the square is.
- Neat corners: the small corner folds at the top make the heart round. Show these slowly with the 3D app.
- SEND tips: use 20 cm squares and pre-crease the two center lines.
Standards links
- Math (1.G.A.3, 2.G.A.3): partition a square into halves and fourths.
- Math (4.G.A.3): recognize a line of symmetry.
- Arts (VA:Cr1.1): make a card using your folded heart.
- ELA (W.1.8): write a short kind message to go with it.
Links to the Common Core State Standards, NGSS and the National Core Arts Standards. Check against your own state’s standards.
Safety
No scissors or glue are needed. Use markers or crayons for faces. Keep paper away from mouths, and recycle the scraps.
More origami to try
More for your classroom
Frequently asked questions
Do I need scissors to make an origami heart?
No. This heart is folded from one square with no cutting or glue.
How do I make the top of the heart round?
Fold the two top corners down a little and the side corners in a little. Small folds give a rounder heart.