Essential Supplies
Origami Paper & Tools Guide
The right paper transforms your folding experience. This guide compares every major paper type, recommends sizes for different models, and covers the tools that make a real difference.
Paper Types Compared
Kami
Weight: 60 g/m² · Best for: Beginners, everyday folding
Pros
- + Cheap and widely available
- + Holds creases well
- + Comes in hundreds of colors
- + Thin and easy to fold
Cons
- − Tears with complex folds
- − Not suitable for wet folding
- − Fades over time
Verdict: The default choice. Start here.
Tant
Weight: 80 g/m² · Best for: Intermediate folders, modular origami
Pros
- + Same color both sides
- + Stronger than kami
- + Excellent crease memory
- + Great for geometric and modular models
Cons
- − Slightly thicker — harder for multi-layered folds
- − Less color variety than kami
- − More expensive
Verdict: Upgrade when you want precision and durability.
Washi
Weight: 40–90 g/m² · Best for: Display pieces, decorative models
Pros
- + Beautiful textures and patterns
- + Handmade, unique sheets
- + Long-lasting — museum archival quality
- + Soft, organic feel
Cons
- − Expensive
- − Irregular texture can resist sharp creases
- − Not ideal for precise geometric folds
Verdict: For special display pieces you want to keep forever.
Tissue Foil
Weight: ~40 g/m² · Best for: Complex models, insect designs, shaping
Pros
- + Holds shape extremely well
- + Can be molded and sculpted
- + Very thin despite two layers
- + Perfect for complex models with 100+ steps
Cons
- − Cannot undo folds — foil remembers everything
- − Tears easily if mishandled
- − Harder to source
Verdict: The advanced folder's secret weapon.
Elephant Hide
Weight: 110 g/m² · Best for: Wet folding, sculptural origami
Pros
- + Extremely durable
- + Handles water well for wet folding
- + Produces smooth, rounded curves
- + Dries rigid — models keep shape permanently
Cons
- − Thick — unsuitable for small or multi-layered models
- − Limited color range
- − Expensive
Verdict: The go-to for wet folding and sculptural work.
Paper Size Guide
Size
Best For
7.5 cm (3")
Miniatures, modular units, ornaments
15 cm (6")
Standard — works for 90% of models
20 cm (8")
Complex models, better for beginners learning
25 cm (10")
Display pieces, detailed models, wet folding
35 cm+ (14"+)
Advanced display, competition models, dragons and insects
Essential Tools
Bone Folder
A smooth, hard tool for making sharp, clean creases. Far better than using a fingernail. Essential for any serious folder.
Cutting Mat + Ruler
For cutting paper to exact squares. A rotary cutter gives the cleanest edge. Never use scissors — they leave ragged sides.
Tweezers
Precision tweezers help with tiny reverse folds and shaping small details on complex models. Look for flat-tipped, not pointed.
Spray Bottle
For wet folding. A fine mist bottle lets you dampen paper evenly without soaking it. Lightly mist, don't drench.
PVA Glue (optional)
A tiny dot of white glue can lock modular units together or secure a final shape. Purists avoid it, but it's practical for display pieces.
Storage Folder
Keep your paper flat and dust-free. A large portfolio or art folder prevents curling and creasing before you start.
Quick Tips for Paper Selection
- Beginner? Get a pack of 15 cm kami. It is the most forgiving paper to learn on. Move to the beginner guide for first projects.
- Folding modular origami? Tant paper's same-color-both-sides finish looks best when units connect. Try it for modular cubes and stars.
- Trying wet folding? Elephant Hide is the safe choice. Read more about the technique in our glossary and wet folding blog post.
- Making a gift? Washi paper's handmade textures make any origami gift look premium.
Paper Weight Converter
80
g/m² (gsm)
5.4
lbs (bond)
Closest match: Tant (80 g/m²)
Verdict: Medium weight (tant). Great for modular and geometric folds. Crisp creases.
Common Paper Weights
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best origami paper for beginners?
Standard 15 cm kami paper is the best choice for beginners. It is thin, holds creases well, comes in many colors, and is very affordable. Start with kami and upgrade to tant or washi as your skills improve.
What size paper should I use for origami?
15 cm (6 inch) is the standard size and works for 90% of models. Beginners may prefer 20 cm for easier handling. Complex models with many steps benefit from 25 cm+. Miniatures and modular units use 7.5 cm squares.
Do I need special tools for origami?
You only need paper and your hands. However, a bone folder dramatically improves crease quality, and tweezers help with small details on complex models.
What paper is best for wet folding?
Elephant Hide (110 g/m²) is the most popular wet-folding paper. Canson Mi-Teintes and watercolor paper also work. Standard kami will disintegrate when wet.
Can I use regular printer paper for origami?
You can in a pinch, but it's not ideal. It is thicker than kami, makes imprecise creases, and is hard to fold multi-layered models with. For best results, use proper origami paper.