How to Make an Origami Spinning Top
Fold and assemble a high-speed modular paper spinning top using three square sheets for the base, body, and grip handle without needing tape.
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🧰 Required Tools & Equipment
- ✓ Scissors
- ✓ Ruler
- ✓ Bone folder or flat wooden ruler
📦 Materials & Supplies
- ✓ 3 square sheets of origami paper (15 cm x 15 cm) in contrasting colors
- ✓ Glue stick
⚠️ Safety Checkpoints & Warnings
- • Always point scissor blades away from yourself when trimming paper sheets to size.
- • Use a bone folder or ruler edge to press down sharp creases to prevent paper cuts on fingertips.
📋 Step-by-Step Guide (6 Steps)
Prepare and Square the Paper Sheets
Ensure all three sheets of origami paper are cut into exact 15 cm by 15 cm squares. Designate one color for the outer base frame, one for the middle ring, and one for the center spin handle. Lay all three flat on your work surface with the colored sides facing down.
- • Three identically sized paper squares arranged in chosen color sequence.
- • Using unevenly cut paper which causes wobble during spinning.
Fold the Outer Base Frame
Take the first paper square and crease both horizontal, vertical, and diagonal centerlines. Fold all four outer corners into the center point to create a blintz fold, flip the paper over, and repeat the corner folds. Turn the sheet over once more, fold four flaps outward into triangle pockets, and press flat to create a four-bladed outer rotor.
- • A flat square base featuring four symmetrical open triangular pockets on the corners.
- • Folding misaligned corners past the center crease line, causing warped base pockets.
Construct the Middle Ring Body
Take the second sheet and fold all four corners directly into the center point. Flip the entire square over to the smooth side and fold all four corners into the center a second time. Flip the square over once more and perform a third corner-to-center fold, forming a dense, layered square insert.
- • A compact, thick layered square roughly half the dimensions of the original sheet.
- • Forgetting to flip the paper between folds, which prevents the locking tabs from forming.
Shape the Center Grip Handle
Take the third sheet and fold all four corners to the center point twice without flipping the paper over between steps. Turn the paper over so the smooth side faces up and fold along both diagonal axes to create an X-crease. Pinch the four corners inward toward each other along the diagonal creases to pop the paper up into a four-finned triangular pyramid handle.
- • A 3D pyramid handle with four pinchable fins meeting at a top peak.
- • Not creasing diagonals deeply enough, making the pyramid collapse rather than stand upright.
Assemble the Three Modular Components
Insert the four corners of the middle ring body into the four open pockets of the outer base frame. Gently pry open the center slits of the middle body and slide the four bottom feet of the pyramid handle into these slits. Press down firmly in the center while securing the surrounding interlocking tabs flat against one another.
- • A fully interlocked three-tier disc with the pyramid handle protruding securely from the center.
- • Forcing the handle feet into pockets roughly, which tears the paper seams.
Sharpen the Pivot Point and Balance the Top
Turn the assembled top upside down and press the center intersection firmly with the tip of a bone folder to form a sharp, distinct pivot point. Check all four perimeter wings to ensure they sit at equal heights and angles. Place the top on a smooth, hard surface, grip the pyramid handle between your thumb and index finger, and twist briskly to test the balance.
- • The spinner rotates steadily in one spot for over 15 seconds without excessive vibration.
- • Leaving the bottom pivot blunt or off-center, which creates friction and stops the spin early.
Credit: inspired by an original tutorial by VitilikPro — watch the original on YouTube.
Don’t have everything?
- No Origami paper? Standard printer paper cut into exact 15x15 cm squares
- No Bone folder? Back of a spoon or smooth plastic ruler edge