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Home » Origami

Traditional Origami Basket

May 13, 2025 by Emily · Leave a Comment

This traditional origami basket with a handle is a charming and practical DIY paper craft perfect for Easter, weddings, parties, and gift-giving.

Made from just one square sheet of paper and a small strip for the handle, this origami tutorial is easy to follow and requires no cutting or glue.

Use it to hold treats, small gifts, or decorative items for any occasion!

Purple and red origami basket.
Jump to:
  • Why You'll Love This Pattern
  • Skill Level
  • Materials Needed
  • Instructions
  • Tips For Success
  • Common Mistakes & How To Avoid Them
  • Color, Paper Ideas, and Variations
  • FAQ
  • Other Paper Crafts You Might Like To Try:
  • Stay Connected
  • Other Patterns You Might Like To Try:
  • Comments

Looking for a fun and creative way to present small gifts or treats?

This traditional origami basket with a handle is the perfect solution!

Made from just one square sheet of paper and a small strip for the handle, this easy DIY paper craft can be used for all kinds of occasions, from Easter and Christmas to Halloween, birthdays and weddings.

Whether you're looking for party favors, gift containers, or a decorative centerpiece, this origami basket adds a personal touch to any celebration.

This basket is simple to make, but the results are truly charming.

Its versatility makes it suitable for handing out sweets at Easter, holding small trinkets for Christmas, or serving as a wedding favor holder. You can also use it as a mini gift basket for birthdays or baby showers.

The best part? It requires no glue or cutting (except for the small handle strip), making it an eco-friendly and fun activity for both kids and adults.

With its customizable size and the option to use different colors or patterns, this basket can match any color palette and theme, whether it’s vibrant and festive or soft and elegant. Ready to try your hand at this easy origami project?

Let’s dive into the simple steps that will have you folding your very own paper basket in no time!

Yellow and white origami basket.

Why You'll Love This Pattern

  • Great for all occasions – Perfect for Easter, weddings, birthdays, baby showers, and party favors.
  • Beginner-friendly – Simple folds make this an easy craft idea for all skill levels.
  • No cutting or glue required – Except for the small handle strip, the basket is folded from one piece of paper.
  • Customizable – Use different colors, patterns, and textures to suit any theme.
  • Practical and decorative – Ideal for holding small gifts, candies, jewelry, or table decorations.
  • Fun for all ages – A great DIY paper craft for both kids and adults!

Skill Level

★☆☆☆☆ (Easy)

Materials Needed

  • 1 square sheet of paper (see below for size guide)
  • 1 strip of paper (see below for size guide)
 Basket Paper SizeHandle Paper SizeFinal Basket Size (size does not include handle height
Small Origami Basket4.5 inches x 4.5 inches (11.5 cm x 11.5 cm)4.5 inches x 1.2 inches (11.5 cm x 2.5 cm)1.5 inches x 0.75 inches (4 cm x 2 cm)
Medium Origami Basket6 inches x 6 inches (15 cm x 15 cm)6 inches x 1.5 inches (15 cm x 3.5 cm)2 inches x 1.2 inches (5.5 cm x 3 cm)
Large Origami Basket8 inches x 8 inches (21 cm x 21 cm)8 inches x 2 inches (21 cm x 5 cm)3 inches x 1.5 inches (7 cm x 3.5 cm)

Instructions

Making The Handle

Using your strip of paper.

Step 1: Start with the color you want your handle to be facing down. Arrange the paper to sit horizontally.

Step 2: Fold the bottom edge up to meet the top edge.

Step 3: Unfold previous step.

Step 4: Fold both the bottom edge and top edge in to meet the middle crease.

Step 5: Fold the bottom edge up to meet the top edge. Completed handle.

Steps 1 to 5 for making an origami basket handle.

Making the basket

Step 1: Start with the color you want the outside of your basket to be facing down. Arrange your paper to sit like a diamond. In this case, the outside of our basket will be white and the inside will be purple.

Step 2: Fold the bottom point up to meet the top point.

Step 3: Unfold previous step.

Step 4: Fold the left point to meet the right point.

Steps 1 to 4 for making an origami basket.

Step 5: Unfold previous step.

Step 6: Flip your paper over from left to right, arrange it to sit as shown.

Step 7: Fold the bottom edge up to meet the top edge.

Step 8: Unfold previous step.

Steps 5 to 8 for making an origami basket.

Step 9: Fold the left edge to meet the right edge.

Step 10: Unfold previous step.

Step 11: Fold all 4 corners in to meet the middle.

Step 12: Fold all of the inner corners out to meet the edges as shown.

Steps 9 to 12 for making an origami basket.

Step 13: Unfold the paper completely.

Step 14: Flip your paper over and arrange it to sit like a diamond shape.

Step 15: Hold the paper on the left and right points as shown. Then, bring the points down to meet the bottom point. You will find the paper will naturally collapse onto itself and form a square when flattened.

Steps 13 to 15 for making an origami basket.

Step 16: Fold the bottom point up (top layer only) to meet the top point.

Step 17: Fold the right side of the paper (top layer only) to the left like turning a page in a book.

Step 18: Flip your paper over from left to right and repeat previous 2 steps.

Step 19: Fold both the left and right points (top layer only) in to meet the middle.

Steps 16 to 19 for making an origami basket.

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Step 20: Unfold previous step.

Step 21: Fold the left side of the paper (top layer only) to the right, like turning a page in a book.

Step 22: Flip your paper over and repeat previous 3 steps.

Step 23: Rotate your paper 180 degrees so it sits as shown.

Steps 20 to 23 for making an origami basket.

Step 24: Fold the bottom point (top layer only) up along the existing crease line.

Step 25: Fold the remaining layers up along the same line from the previous step.

Step 26: Unfold previous step.

Step 27: Place your handle on the paper underneath the flap you folded up in the step 24.

Steps 24 to 27 for making an origami basket.

Step 28: Fold the bottom edge of the same flap up to meet the line shown.

Step 29: Flip your paper over from left to right and repeat steps 24 to 28. When you place your handle under the flap this time, gently curve it over to the other side instead of creasing it.

Steps 28 to 29 for making an origami basket.

Step 30: Fold all 4 outer points in as shown.

Step 31: Gently open out your basket. Re-crease along edges as needed.

Step 32: Fold the upper points down so they sit inside the basket. Completed basket.

Steps 30 to 32 for making an origami basket.

Tips For Success

  • Use sturdy paper – This will help your basket hold its shape.
  • Make sharp creases – A bone folder or ruler helps with precision.
  • Choose matching paper for the handle – A different color or pattern can add contrast.
  • Secure the handle if needed – While the traditional method tucks it into folds, you can also use a dab of glue for extra stability.
  • Experiment with sizes – Try making a set of baskets in different sizes for a beautiful display.
Origami baskets.

Common Mistakes & How To Avoid Them

  • Basket too floppy? Use thicker paper better structure.
  • Handle not staying in place? Fold the ends slightly before inserting or secure with a tiny glue dot.
  • Paper tearing at folds? Avoid using stiff cardstock and fold gently.
  • Basket looks uneven? Double-check your folds and align edges carefully.

Color, Paper Ideas, and Variations

  • Festive Themes – Use red and gold for Christmas, pastel shades for Easter, or floral prints for spring.
  • Textured Paper – Try handmade, glitter, or embossed paper for a unique effect.
  • Double-Sided Paper – A contrasting inside color adds a stylish touch.
  • Ribbon Handle – Replace the paper handle with a thin ribbon or twine for a delicate look.
  • Mini & Maxi Baskets – Create tiny baskets for table décor or large baskets for holding multiple treats.

FAQ

What kind of paper is best for this origami basket?

Origami paper, scrapbook paper, or lightweight cardstock works best.

Avoid thin printer paper, as it may not hold the shape well.

Can I make the basket without a handle?

Yes! The handle is optional, and the basket still looks great without it.

Can I make this basket bigger?

Yes! Just start with a larger square of paper, and adjust the handle strip length accordingly.

How strong is the handle?

The paper handle is sturdy enough for lightweight items, but if you plan to carry heavier treats, consider reinforcing it with tape or using ribbon.

Can kids make this origami basket?

Absolutely! This is an easy craft idea for kids, though younger ones may need help with precise folds.

Other Paper Crafts You Might Like To Try:

  • Simple Origami Box
  • DIY Shirt Gift Tag
  • Square Origami Envelope
  • Frog Corner Origami Bookmark
  • Crane Origami Box

Stay Connected

Made this pattern? Let us know how it went in the comments below!

Pin this post - Pin now to take your paper crafting skills to the next level.

Share on Instagram or Facebook - Capture the beauty of your finished paper craft project and share it on Instagram or Facebook! Tag us @foldyourway so we can see your work!

Purple and white origami basket.

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    How To Make Easy Origami For Kids
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    Origami Step By Step Instructions
  • Collection of traditional origami projects.
    Traditional Origami
  • Origami wreath.
    Easy Halloween Paper Wreath
  • Close up image of origami claws.
    How To Make Easy Origami Claws
  • Close up image of an origami wreath.
    How To Make An Easy Origami Wreath
  • Origami bookmarks.
    Bat Origami Corner Bookmark

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  • Origami Christmas tree.
    3D Origami Christmas Tree
  • Close up image of an origami bookmark.
    Crane Corner Origami Bookmark
  • Origami pinwheel.
    How To Make An Easy Origami Pinwheel
  • Paper poinsettia.
    Origami Poinsettia

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Author image.

Hi there, welcome to Fold Your Way!

My name is Emily. I am the founder, crafter, and photographer behind Fold Your Way.

More about me →

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