The Top 100 Origami Books Of All-Time
Origami is the Japanese art of folding paper into decorative shapes and figures, and depending on what you are trying to create, is a great way to relax or become infuriated. The following collection of books will hopefully help you avoid the anger of not being able to make the paper bend to your will and skip right to the satisfaction of creating wood-pulp masterpieces. The top 100 origami books below have thousands of step-by-step instructions on how to create figures from flowers to dinosaurs to even Star Wars characters. No matter your interest, there is probably instructions in one of the books on how to make a paper version of it.
Happy Scrolling!
The Best Books to Learn Origami (Tie)
(Appear on 5 Lists)
Origami Design Secrets – Mathematical Methods for an Ancient Art by Robert J. Lang
Lists It Appears On:
- Folds
- Love Origami
- Marigami Origami
- Origami Spirit
- Origami.me
The magnum opus of one of the world’s leading origami artists, the second edition of Origami Design Secrets reveals the underlying concepts of origami and how to create original origami designs. Containing step-by-step instructions for 26 models, this book is not just an origami cookbook or list of instructions―it introduces the fundamental building blocks of origami, building up to advanced methods such as the combination of uniaxial bases, the circle/river method, and tree theory. With corrections and improved illustrations, this new expanded edition also covers uniaxial box pleating, introduces the new design technique of hex pleating, and describes methods of generalizing polygon packing to arbitrary angles.
World’s Best Origami by Nick Robinson
Lists It Appears On:
- About
- Marigami Origami
- Origami Spirit
- Origami.me
- South Ribble
World’s Best Origami is an amazing collection of more than 100 of the most unusual and best-loved origami patterns ever created. Expert origami artist Nick Robinson has collected traditional origami patterns as well as his own pieces and those from some of the greatest origami artists in the world- many in print here for the first time ever.
#3-7
(Appear on 4 Lists)
Genuine Origami: 43 Mathematically-Based Models, From Simple to Complex by Jun Maekawa
Lists It Appears On:
- Love Origami
- Marigami Origami
- Origami Art
- Origami Spirit
Like his counterpart in the U.S., prominent origami artist and scientist Robert J. Lang, Jun Maekawa approaches origami from the perspective of mathematical and geometric principles. InGenuine Origami, Maekawa takes readers, step-by-step, through the fundamentals of his method, beginning with the basics and guiding them through simple figures (a mouse, an elephant, Santa Claus) all the way up to such highly sophisticated models as his signature creations, the devil and the peacock.
Origami from Angelfish to Zen by Peter Engel
Lists It Appears On:
- Folds
- Love Origami
- Origami Spirit
- Origami.me
The book begins with a clear and concise introduction to the terminology and basic techniques of paperfolding. Then, in a fact-filled exposition of origami’s history and theory — including an extraordinary interview with Japan’s legendary master, Akira Yoshizawa — the author, a writer and architect, explores origami’s links with mathematics, art, philosophy, and nature.
Origami in Action – Paper Toys That Fly, Flap, Gobble, and Inflate by Robert Lang
Lists It Appears On:
- Folds
- Origami Art
- Origami Spirit
- Origami.me
Every project in the book can really move! Origami in Action presents 39 actions origami models that are as animated as they are exquisite. Each project is complete with clear step-by-step diagrams, instructions, and a photograph of the finished model. Included are such traditional favorites as the cootie catcher and the waterbomb, as well as some modern novelties–a strumming guitar player and a toothy Tyrannosaurus Rex.
Origami Omnibus: Paper Folding for Everybody by Kunihiko Kasahara
Lists It Appears On:
- Folds
- Love Origami
- Origami Spirit
- Origami.me
With more than 250 projects of many different types and levels of difficulty, this bestselling, encyclopedic work contains traditional and modern paper-folding methods, and includes folds for the beginner and works calculated to challenge the experts.
Origami to Astonish and Amuse by Jeremy Shafer
Lists It Appears On:
- Folds
- Marigami Origami
- Origami Spirit
- South Ribble
In Origami to Astonish and Amuse Jeremy Shafer has taken the art of paper folding in an entirely new direction. Filled with hundreds of entertaining models and folding ideas, ranging from amazingly simple to ridiculously complex, this is origami at its most fun and creative.
#8-14
(Appear on 3 Lists)
Animal Origami for the Enthusiast: Step-by-Step Instructions in Over 900 Diagrams by John Montroll
Lists It Appears On:
- Folds
- Love Origami
- Origami.me
Papercrafters who have mastered the basic folds of origami will find hours of enjoyment and personal satisfaction creating this parade of charming paper models. Animal Origami for the Enthusiast will inspire every dedicated origamian, while offering ample opportunity to hone papercrafting skills.
Complete Origami by Eric Kenneway
Lists It Appears On:
- Folds
- Origami Art
- Origami Spirit
Over 300 step-by-step diagrams, from simple and easy origami to more complex projects, with easy-to-follow instructions on how to make professional looking objects.
Creative Origami by Kunihiko Kasahara
Lists It Appears On:
- Folds
- Love Origami
- Origami Art
A revolutionary method of teaching how to invent and apply creativity through origami folds. Including designs for traditional origami and contemporary designs.
Easy Origami by John Montroll
Lists It Appears On:
- Learn Paper Craft
- Origami.me
- South Ribble
Here is a collection of 32 simple projects for novice origami hobbyists — clearly illustrated and with easy-to-follow instructions that even beginning papercrafters can follow with success. Subjects range from an ultra-simple hat, cup, and pinwheel to the more challenging (but still unintimidating) penguin, pelican, and piano.
Mythological Creatures and the Chinese Zodiac in Origami by John Montroll
Lists It Appears On:
- Folds
- Love Origami
- Origami.me
Origamists at all levels of proficiency will enjoy this book, since the models range in difficulty from simple to complex. Written by an expert who is the author of many popular books on the art of paperfolding, it features crisp instructions and easy-to-follow two-color diagrams that make these unicorns, centaurs, dragons, and other creatures a pleasure to fold.
Origami for the Connoisseur by Kunihiko Kasahara
Lists It Appears On:
- Folds
- Love Origami
- Origami.me
f you are an accomplished paperfolder you will be inspired by the beauty and logic of the geometric form as discovered in such designs as Hourglass, Rotating Tetrahedon, Brain Ticklers, and Extraterrestrial Being. You will delight in the wit and poetry of representational origami as you create delicate and winsome patterns for Kitten, Goose, Pelican, Giraffe, Camellia, Spiral Snail Shell, Ground Beetle, Pine Cone, Fox, and many more designs. What’s more, you will find the key to successfully mastering numerous intricate techniques and complex paper fold…with ease!
Origami Zoo: An Amazing Collection of Folded Paper Animals by Robert J. Lang and Stephen Weiss
Lists It Appears On:
- Folds
- Origami.me
- Origami Spirit
Choose among the dolphin, penguin, swan, owl, goose, kangaroo, praying mantis, or even the mythical Pegasus or extinct wooly mammoth. Each of these thirty-seven new projects is true origami-folded from a single piece of paper with no cutting or gluing-and is complete with clear step-by-step diagrams, instructions, and a photograph of the finished model.
#15-33
(Appear on 2 Lists)
Absolute Beginner’s Origami by Nick Robinson
Lists It Appears On:
- Origami.me
- Origami Spirit
Love origami, but frightened off by those strange dotted lines and shaded areas that make it seem like a bizarre geometry exercise? Absolute Beginner’s Origami calms those fears, using a remarkable three-step system and step-by-step full-color photos to guide readers into the basics of folding, through intermediate steps, and on to putting it all together to make real origami. Twenty enchanting designs are presented in three easy-to-follow stages: first, bases and folds. Next, combining bases and folds and learning to interpret those line drawings. Finally, learning to fold origami paper into real, elegant origami animals and objects: butterflies, swans, dogs, and more! By the end of the book, readers will understand how to read those line drawings and explore the wonderful world of origami with excitement and confidence.
Brilliant Origami by David Brill
Lists It Appears On:
- Folds
- South Ribble
Crease and Fold: Innovative Origami Projects Anyone Can Make by Sok Song
Lists It Appears On:
- Origami.me
- Origami Spirit
Inspired by traditional techniques, Sok Song captures the timeless spirit of origami in every modern model he designs. Inside, he shows how paper can be transformed into anything from an exquisite watercolor orchid to a wallet made from a subway map. These imaginative projects will teach you the fundamentals of origami as you create playful animals and other designs perfect for greeting cards, jewelry, and more.
Dinosaur Origami by John Montroll
Lists It Appears On:
- Love Origami
- Origami.me
It’s been 65 million years since they roamed the Earth—but in the imaginations of people of all ages, dinosaurs still rule! This collection of 25 origami models of prehistoric creatures is suitable for enthusiasts at all skill levels, especially intermediate folders.
Fabulous Origami Boxes by Tomoko Fuse
Lists It Appears On:
- Origami Spirit
- South Ribble
FABULOUS ORIGAMI BOXES includes designs for nesting boxes, simple triangle and square boxes and more complex hexagonal and octagonal boxes. Detailed illustrations provide step-by-step instructions on the correct way to crease and fold origami paper. Many of the designs are made of one sheet of paper, but some combine individual units with intriguing results.
Marvelous Modular Origami by Meenakshi Mukerji
Lists It Appears On:
- Origami.me
- Origami Spirit
This richly illustrated book provides step-by-step instructions for the construction of over 30 different modular origami structures. The author describes basic folding techniques required to construct the “modules” that are used as building blocks to construct complex ornamental models. The diagrams are clear, crisp, and easy to follow, and are accompanied by inspiring color photographs. Additional tips encourage the reader to design their own original creations.
Origami Art: 15 Exquisite Folded Paper Designs from the Origamido Studio by Michael G. LaFosse and Richard L. Alexander
Lists It Appears On:
- Origami.me
- Origami Spirit
These featured origami projects will amaze and astound paper folders with their intricate and lifelike qualities. Also featured within this origami book, are articles on paper selection and preparation for each project; advanced techniques, such as “wetfolding” and compound origami plant design and construction.
Origami Boxes by Tomoko Fuse
Lists It Appears On:
- Folds
- Origami Art
TOMOKO FUSE is a respected member of Origami USA, The British Origami Association, and the Japan Origami Association. She is the author of the best-selling origami books ORIGAMI BOXES, UNIT ORIGAMI, QUICK & EASY ORIGAMI BOXES and JOYFUL ORIBAMI BOXES.
Origami Butterflies by Michael LaFosse
Lists It Appears On:
- Love Origami
- Origami Spirit
Anyone would look twice at a flower with one of these paper butterflies perched on it. World renowned origami artist Michael LaFosse introduces Origami Butterflies with craft projects for the beginner or the intermediate paper folder looking to expand their repertoire. This unique collection of origami designs will help you create folded paper models of common and exotic butterflies from around the world. Use it to craft eye-catching origami for your friends, to beautify your home—or as a wonderful gift for butterfly lovers.
Origami Flowers: Popular Blossoms and Creative Bouquets by Hiromi Hayashi
Lists It Appears On:
- Learn Paper Craft
- Love Origami
This special book tells you how to turn ordinary, square origami paper into pentagons, hexagons and octagons, and then by using radial creases, into intricate flowers with five, six and eight petals or even doubled numbers of folded petals. With this book, you can make colorful, fancy potted flowers and ikebana out of store-bought origami paper by adding stems and leaves as shown. Paper, scissors, and imagination are all you need to decorate your home with blooming flowers of your own.
Origami Insects and Their Kin by Robert J. Lang
Lists It Appears On:
- Folds
- Origami.me
Among the projects are a treehopper, spotted ladybug, orb weaver, tarantula, tick, ant, butterfly, scarab beetle, cicada, grasshopper, dragonfly, pill bug, praying mantis, paper wasp, samurai helmet beetle, scorpion, and more. For each project, the author has supplied clear step-by-step instructions and diagrams. You’ll also find helpful sections on symbols and terms as well as general folding directions. Intermediate to advanced paperfolders will find hours of challenge and satisfaction in creating the cleverly designed creatures in these pages.
Origami Kit for Dummies by Nick Robinson
![Origami Kit for Dummies [With 25 Sheets of Origami Paper in 5 Colours] by Nick Robinson](https://www.bookscrolling.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Origami-Kit-for-Dummies-With-25-Sheets-of-Origami-Paper-in-5-Colours-by-Nick-Robinson.jpg)
Lists It Appears On:
- Origami Spirit
- South Ribble
Origami Kit For Dummies gives you all the material you need to get started in origami. Included in the kit is an expert guide book to origami, covering the different bases and techniques you need to create a huge variety of models. Illustrations and detailed instructions show you how to make 75 unique models, such as a frog, a settee, fantastic geometric shapes and even a festive Santa! There are also 25 sheets of 5×5″ origami paper in five fun colours. So get folding, and show off your creations in style!
Origami Sculptures by John Montroll
Lists It Appears On:
- Folds
- Love Origami
Origami Sculptures brings stunning detail and realism to paper folding. John Montroll, a world renowned master of origami, teaches you how to fold beautiful masterpieces, each from a single square sheet of paper. Birds, dogs, mammals, and insects are shown, and a number of the models include the Dog Base and Insect Base, from which a variety of creatures can be folded. Several of the models are folded using innovative techniques to bring out the subject’s three-dimensional characteristics. There are 22 fun-to-fold projects including a Panda Bear, a Camel, a Scottish Terrier, a Walrus folded from a dollar bill instead of the usual square, and of course, an Elephant. This third edition also includes a Giraffe. Each project is accompanied with notes and photos of the animal being represented.
Origami Sea Life by John Montroll and Robert J. Lang
Lists It Appears On:
- Love Origami
- Marigami Origami
In Origami Sea Life, John Montroll and Robert J. Lang have collaborated to produce a truly elegant work. The pages of this book contain some of the most creative origami published to date. Each project is accompanied by a biological sketch of the animal to enhance the visual description. There are 38 models in all ranging from the lowly barnacle to the mighty whale. In between are to be found a cuttlefish, angelfish, lionfish, and fiddler crab, to name but a few of the unusual origami projects presented. Each project is illustrated with step-by-step instructions, utilizing the unique folds which make each of these animals so lifelike. Beginner and expert alike will find hours of creative fun in these pages. Origami Sea Life also includes a summary of the history of origami sea life. Information on types of paper and the technique of wet folding make this book indispensible for all those with an interest in papercraft.
Ornamental Origami by Meenakshi Mukerji
Lists It Appears On:
- Origami.me
- Origami Spirit
This book is a great resource for people who enjoy polyhedra, symmetry, geometry, mathematics and origami. The types of models presented are similar in nature to the models in Mukerji’sMarvelous Modular Origami, but some of the chapters are more advanced and all of the designs are new. The reader can learn about polyhedra while making these models and is left with the ability to design one’s own models.
Teach Yourself Origami by John Montroll
Lists It Appears On:
- Love Origami
- Origami Spirit
Origami master John Montroll introduces nearly 50 figures that range from simple to sophisticated. They’re perfect for those who are familiar with the basics but seek more challenging models as well as for experienced folders.
The Complete Book of Origami by Robert J. Lang
Lists It Appears On:
- Folds
- Origami.me
Hours of enjoyment await with this big book of origami fun. Whether you’re an experienced paperfolder or you’re just entering the origami world, you’ll find 37 captivating models galore right here, in all their well-illustrated glory. Robert J. Lang, a veteran origami artist, accompanies his step-by-step directions with more than 1,000 detailed drawings, plus a photograph of the finished model.
Trash Origami by Michael LaFosse
Lists It Appears On:
- About
- Origami Spirit
The origami models are presented for the reader who may have little or no previous folding experience, making it a great origami-for-kids book and an effective way to learn origami. However, experienced paper folders will also be intrigued by the novel nature of the folds and the unusual materials involved. The origami designs are made from old calendar pages, candy wrappers, envelopes, newspaper, postcards, paper grocery bags and more. The accompanying DVD video tutorial will make the folding process clearer and aid folders of all skill levels. Also provided is a guide to everyday materials that have the most folding potential leaving readers inspired to design and display their very own “trash” origami.
Works of Satoshi Kamiya by Satoshi Kamiya
Lists It Appears On:
- Origami Art
- Origami.me
#34-100
(Appear on 1 List)
| 110 Beautiful Origami Models for Presents and Decorations | Mitsunobu Sonobe | Marigami Origami |
| 3-D Geometric Origami | Rona Gurkewitz and Bennett Arnstein | Folds |
| A Thousand Cranes: Origami Projects for Peace and Happiness | Florence Temko | Origami Spirit |
| Advanced Paper Aircraft Construction (Book) | Origami Art | |
| African Animals in Origami | Love Origami | |
| Amazing Origami for Children | Steve and Megumi Biddle | South Ribble |
| art pop Origami Flowers (Book) | Origami Art | |
| Championship Paper Airplanes | Paul Jackson | Folds |
| Dollar Bill Animals in Origami | John Montroll | Folds |
| Essential Origami | Steve and Megumi Biddle | Folds |
| Exquisite Modular Origami | Meenakshi Mukerji | Origami.me |
| Extreme Origami | Kunihiko Kasahara | Love Origami |
| Famous Aircraft in Origami: 18 Realistic Models | Love Origami | |
| Fascinating greeting cards / Faszinierende Grusskarten2 | Origami Art | |
| Fascinating Origami – 101 Models by Adolfo Cerceda | Adolfo Cerceda; by Vicente Palacios | Folds |
| First Book of Origami | Kodansha International Ltd | South Ribble |
| Folding Paper: The Infinite Possibilities of Origami | Robert J. Lang | Love Origami |
| Follow-the-Directions: Easy Origami | About | |
| Here’s Looking at Euclid | Alex Bellos | Origami Spirit |
| How to Make Origami Airplanes That Fly | Love Origami | |
| Insect Fumiaki Kawahata | Fumiaki Kawahata | Origami Art |
| Math in Motion: Origami in the Classroom K-8 | Barbara Pearl | Origami Spirit |
| Minigami | Gay Merrill Gross | Origami Spirit |
| Money Origami: Make the Most of Your Dollar! | Michael G. LaFosse and Richard L. Alexander, | About |
| Multimodular Origami Polyhedra – Archimedeans, Buckyballs, and Duality | Rona Gurkewitz and Bennett Arnstein | Folds |
| My First Origami Kit: 20 Kid-Tested Sticker Fun Projects | Joel Stern | Origami Spirit |
| Oribana Delight – Paper flowers and vases | Origami Art | |
| Origamania | Lionel Albertino(Book) | Origami Art |
| Origami 5: Fifth International Meeting of Origami Science, Mathematics, and Education | Patsy Wang-Iverson, Robert J. Lang and Mark Yim | Origami.me |
| Origami Aircraft | Jayson Merrill | Origami Art |
| Origami Avions de Papier | Origami Art | |
| Origami Birds and Insects | John Montroll | Marigami Origami |
| Origami Dream World | Kawasaki (Book) | Origami Art |
| Origami Essence | Román Díaz | Origami Spirit |
| Origami for Busy People | Marcia Joy Miller | Origami Spirit |
| Origami for Christmas | Chiyo Araki | Folds |
| Origami for the Enthusiast | John Montroll | Folds |
| Origami Hearts | Francis Ow | Folds |
| Origami insects (Book) | Origami Art | |
| Origami Insects II | Robert J. Lang | Origami.me |
| Origami Inside-Out | John Montroll | Folds |
| Origami Inspirations | Meenakshi Mukerji | Origami Spirit |
| Origami Jewelry | Ayako Brodek | About |
| Origami on the Move | Origami Art | |
| Origami Ooh La La! Action Origami for Performance and Play | Jeremy Shafer | Origami Spirit |
| Origami Rings and Wreaths | Tomoko Fuse | Origami Spirit |
| Origami Skeleton of Tyrannosaurus Rex | Issei Yoshino | Folds |
| Origami Step by Step | Step; by Robert Harbin | Folds |
| Origami Tanteidan 4th Convention | Folds | |
| Origami Tessellations: Awe-Inspiring Geometric Designs | Eric Gjerde | Origami Spirit |
| Origami Toys | Paul Jackson | Origami Spirit |
| Origami Zoo: 25 Fun Paper Animal Creations! | Paul Jackson | Origami Spirit |
| Origamido | Michael Lafosse | Folds |
| Panier Fleuri | Lionel Albertino (Book) | Origami Art |
| Paper Made! | About | |
| Papiroflexia | Eduardo Clemente | Origami Art |
| Picture-Perfect Origami | Nick Robinson | Origami Spirit |
| Polyhedron Origami for Beginners | Miyuki Kawamura | Origami Spirit |
| Prehistoric Origami: Dinosaurs and Other Creatures | Love Origami | |
| Star Wars Origami: Star Wars Origami: 36 Amazing Paper-folding Projects from a Galaxy Far, Far Away. | Chris Alexander | About |
| The New Origami | Steve and Megumi Biddle | Folds |
| The World Record Paper Air Plane Book | Ken Blackburn & Jeff Lammers | Folds |
| Unit Polyhedron Origami | Tomoko Fuse | Origami Spirit |
| Wings & Things – Origami That Flies | Stephen Weiss | Folds |
| Works of Satoshi Kamiya 1995-2003 | Satoshi Kamiya | Origami.me |
The Best Origami Book Lists Consulted
| Source | Article |
| About | Best Origami Books |
| Folds | Origami Books in Our Collection |
| Learn Paper Craft | Best Origami books |
| Love Origami | Origami Books |
| Marigami Origami | Offline Origami Surfing – Books |
| Origami Art | Books of origami |
| Origami Spirit | A Collection of Origami Books I Love and Recommend |
| Origami.me | Awesome Origami Books |
| South Ribble | Recommended Origami Books |
