Best Origami Books for All Skill Levels
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While online tutorials (like the ones on Origamizen) are excellent resources, nothing quite compares to a comprehensive origami book. The best origami books offer clear diagrams, step-by-step instructions, and inspiration that you can return to again and again. This guide highlights the top-rated books for every skill level, from absolute beginners to advanced paper folders.
How to Choose the Right Origami Book
For Beginners
Large, clear diagrams
Basic models
Step-by-step photos
For Intermediate
More complex models
Diverse subject matter
Introduction to bases
For Advanced
Complex designs
Crease patterns
Theory & technique focus
Best Books for Beginners
Easy Origami (Dover Origami Papercraft)over 30 simple projects
★★★★★
(8,183 reviews)
Created by origami master John Montroll, this easy and fun collection of 32 simple projects with step-by-step instructions is perfect for the beginner origami hobbyist. The book starts with basic folding techniques and gradually introduces more complex folds, with each project carefully designed to build your skills progressively. Perfect for beginners and children, most models can be completed in 10-15 minutes.
Why this book stands out:
- Clear, detailed diagrams with step-by-step instructions
- Projects arranged by difficulty level
- Includes basic origami symbols guide and terminology
- Perfect introduction for absolute beginners
- Projects include animals, flowers, toys, and functional items
Origami Book for Beginners: Easy-to-Follow Instructions For 30 Amazing Paper Projects
★★★★★
(2,384 reviews)
This highly-rated beginner’s guide by Taro Yaguchi features 30 simple origami projects with clear, step-by-step photo tutorials for each model. The book starts with basic folding techniques and gradually introduces more complex folds. What sets this book apart is its use of photographs rather than just diagrams, making it exceptionally easy to follow along and understand each step in the folding process.
Why this book stands out:
- Full-color photographs showing each step, not just diagrams
- Projects arranged by difficulty level (Easy, Intermediate, Hard)
- Includes basic origami symbols guide and terminology
- Clear explanations for common folding techniques
- Accessible approach perfect for adults and children alike
Best Books for Intermediate Folders
Michael LaFosse’s Origami Butterflies: Elegant Designs from a Master Folder
★★★★★
(982 reviews)
This specialized book by origami master Michael LaFosse focuses exclusively on butterfly designs ranging from simple to complex. LaFosse, known for his artistry and innovation in paper folding, shares 26 original butterfly models along with detailed instructions and folding techniques. The kit includes 40 sheets of custom-designed origami paper with butterfly patterns, making it an excellent value.
Why this book stands out:
- Created by a renowned origami artist specializing in realistic designs
- Includes special folding techniques for creating lifelike butterflies
- Beautiful custom-designed paper specifically for these models
- Ranges from simple to complex for skill progression
- Detailed information about real butterfly species that inspired the designs
Genuine Origami: 43 Mathematically-Based Models, From Simple to Complex
★★★★★
(564 reviews)
Created by renowned origami master Jun Maekawa, this collection brings together 43 beautiful and elegant origami models that bridge the gap between intermediate and advanced folding. The models range from traditional Japanese subjects to modern geometrical designs, each with meticulously detailed diagrams and instructions. What makes this book special is how Maekawa integrates mathematical principles with artistic expression.
Why this book stands out:
- Perfect progression from intermediate to advanced techniques
- Authored by a mathematician who explains the geometry behind origami
- Includes a mix of traditional designs and innovative modern models
- Exceptionally clear diagrams with detailed folding sequences
- Introduces more advanced concepts like box-pleating and circle packing
Advanced Origami Reference Books
Origami Design Secrets: Mathematical Methods for an Ancient Art
★★★★★
(638 reviews)
This definitive work by Robert J. Lang, one of the world’s foremost origami artists, reveals the mathematical and engineering principles behind creating original origami designs. Rather than just providing models to fold, this book teaches you how to design your own complex origami. It covers circle packing, tree theory, and advanced folding techniques used by professional origami designers.
Why this book stands out:
- The ultimate resource for serious origami artists and designers
- Written by a pioneer in computational origami
- Explains the mathematical principles that enable complex designs
- Includes both theory and practical application with complete models
- Features groundbreaking design techniques not found in other books
Origami Masters Kit: 154 All-Time Favorite Folding Projects by the World’s Great Masters
★★★★★
(487 reviews)
This comprehensive collection brings together 154 origami models created by 20 of the world’s most renowned origami masters. Compiled by origami expert Marcio Noguchi, this kit represents the pinnacle of modern origami design, with models ranging from intermediate to extremely complex. The package includes a high-quality 96-page instruction book and 172 sheets of specially selected folding papers designed to complement the projects.
Why this book stands out:
- Unprecedented collection of designs from multiple master originators
- Includes rare and hard-to-find models not published elsewhere
- High-quality papers specifically chosen for advanced techniques
- Detailed background information about each origami master
- Spans multiple origami styles and techniques in one collection
Origami Book Comparison Chart
Not sure which book is right for your skill level? Use this comparison chart to help you decide:
| Book Title |
Skill Level |
Number of Models |
Special Features |
Best For |
| Easy Origami |
Beginner |
32 |
Clear diagrams |
Complete beginners |
| Origami Book for Beginners |
Beginner |
30 |
Photo tutorials |
Visual learners |
| Origami Butterflies |
Intermediate |
26 |
Includes paper |
Nature enthusiasts |
| Genuine Origami |
Intermediate-Advanced |
43 |
Math-based models |
Analytical folders |
| Origami Design Secrets |
Advanced |
25+ |
Design principles |
Future designers |
| Origami Masters Kit |
Advanced |
154 |
Multiple masters’ work |
Serious collectors |
Building Your Origami Library
Tips for creating a well-rounded origami book collection:
- Start with a beginner-friendly book that covers basic folds and techniques
- Add specialized books that focus on subjects you enjoy (animals, geometric designs, etc.)
- Include at least one reference book on folding techniques and theory
- Consider books by different authors to experience various folding styles and approaches
- Look for books with high-quality binding that will lay flat while you fold
- Check publication dates – newer books often have clearer illustrations and updated techniques
- For complex models, choose books that break down the steps into manageable parts
Ready to Expand Your Origami Knowledge?
A good origami book is an investment in your paper-folding journey. Choose books that match your current skill level while challenging you to grow and learn new techniques!
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