Construction paper is best for this project because it’s sturdy, but you can also use standard copy paper. If you want to make a cube that’s a different size, start with a rectangle with a length-to-width ratio of 4:1. For instance, if you want to make a cube that measures 4 × 4 × 4 in (10 × 10 × 10 cm), draw a 16 in × 4 in (41 cm × 10 cm) rectangle to start.
If you chose to make a cube that’s a different size, adjust the measurements to divide the original rectangle into 4 even squares.
Try to keep your lines as straight as possible, or the sides of your cube may not connect.
You should now have a total of 6 boxes that measure 2 in × 2 in (5. 1 cm × 5. 1 cm).
The only box that won’t have a flap is the third box on your original rectangle. The very top and far-right boxes will have two flaps each, and the far-left, second-from-the-left, and bottom boxes will each have one flap. This will be 7 flaps total, and you’ll use them to glue your cube together.
Your template should be 1 big piece when you’re finished. If you accidentally make the wrong cut, either tape the template back together or draw a new one.
All of your folds should be in the same direction. For instance, you might fold upward along all the lines. Be sure to press each fold tightly to make a crisp crease.
You can use tape to fasten the flaps, if you prefer.
If you don’t have origami paper, you can use regular copy paper that’s been cut into squares instead.
Since the paper is square, it doesn’t matter whether you make this fold from side-to-side or top-to-bottom, but the crease will need to be arranged from top-to-bottom as you continue.
Do not unfold the paper after you make these folds.
The new fold will create a triangular edge on the bottom of your paper.
It’s okay if the corners of the folded square pop back up.
Once you do this, you’ll end up with a small square shape.
You should have 6 small squares when you’re finished.
You may need to bend the flaps to fit them into the center fold.
