Learn how to fold an adorable origami mushroom with our easy step-by-step tutorial. Perfect for fall crafts, beginners, and kids ages 7+!
Hello Craftaholics,
Autumn is here, and it’s time to get crafty.
But fall crafts usually mean glitter everywhere. Paint on the carpet. Glue strings on every surface. An hour of crafting equals an hour of cleanup.
Not these mushrooms. Paper and scissors. Maybe a glue stick. That’s it.
In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to create charming paper mushrooms that are perfect for journaling, scrapbooking, gift toppers, or woodland-themed decorations. This beginner-friendly origami project uses just one square sheet of paper and creates zero mess to clean up. Plus, we’ve included a complete video tutorial so you can craft along with us.
Perfect for kitchen table crafting, activities without the cleanup dread, making seasonal decorations, embellishing autumn projects, or having fun without the mess stress.
Difficulty Level: Beginner-friendly
Cost: Under $1 (using supplies you likely have)
Time: 15-20 minutes per mushroom
Ages: 7+ years independently, 5-6 years with adult supervision for cutting
How to Fold an Origami Mushroom
Things You’ll Need
Materials
- Square craft paper in mushroom colors (5″ x 5″ recommended – larger papers are easier for beginners to manage, smaller papers create delicate miniatures for detailed projects) + (alternative: use patterned scrapbook paper for decorative mushrooms)
- White craft paper for accents (standard printer paper works perfectly – the slight stiffness helps dots and stems hold their shape better than tissue paper) + (alternative: cream or off-white paper for a more natural woodland look)
- Craft glue (white school glue or glue stick, both work – liquid glue provides stronger hold for detailed work, glue sticks are cleaner for kids)
Pro Tip: Choose autumn colors like red, orange, rust, or brown for classic fall mushrooms, or go whimsical with pastels and brights for fairy garden themes!
Tools
- Scissors
- Ruler (optional)
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Step by Step Instructions: Origami Mushroom Folding
Step 1: Prepare Your Square Paper
Cut a 5″ x 5″ square from your chosen colored paper for the mushroom cap. Set aside white paper for the stem and dots. Start with a perfect square or your folds won’t align properly later.
Tip: Test your square by folding corner to corner both ways. If the corners don’t meet exactly, trim and recut. Precision here saves frustration in later steps.
Step 2: Create the Diagonal Base Fold
Fold your square in half diagonally to form a triangle, then unfold completely. Now fold one side of the square inward so its edge aligns perfectly with that diagonal crease. Press firmly to set the fold.
This asymmetrical fold creates the base structure for your mushroom cap. Use your fingernail or a bone folder to make the crease sharp and permanent.
Step 3: Form the Second Angled Fold
Take the adjacent side and fold it inward to meet the same diagonal crease. Both folded edges should now converge at the center diagonal line. Flip your work to the back side.
You’ve just created what origami artists call a “kite base” variation. The symmetry of these two folds determines how even your mushroom cap will look.
Step 4: Flatten the Triangle Flap
Fold the pointed triangle flap at the top down and flatten it against your base. Press it completely smooth. Turn your piece back to the front to work on the pleated section.
This fold locks in your cap shape. If the flap keeps popping up, add a tiny dot of glue under the tip.
Step 5: Create the Pleat Fold
Hold the base section and make a pleat fold by folding the paper back on itself, leaving about half an inch along the closed edge. A pleat is essentially a fold within a fold. Flatten it firmly and make sure the layers stay aligned.
This is the trickiest fold in the project. Take your time here. The pleat creates the dimensional separation between cap and stem, so getting it neat makes all the difference.
Step 6: Shape the Cap Angle
Flip your work over. You’ll see the pleated section. Fold diagonally from the inner center crease to the opposite right corner of the pleat. This fold starts shaping the rounded mushroom cap.
Watch how the pleat naturally wants to fold at an angle. Work with that tendency rather than forcing it flat.
Step 7: Open and Adjust the Right Side
Unfold that last diagonal fold. Gently open up the crease on the right side to create a small pocket. This pocket is where the next fold will tuck in to round out the cap.
Don’t force this open too wide or you’ll crease it in the wrong place. Just ease it open enough to see the layers separate slightly.
Step 8: Align and Form the Cap Base
Align the right horizontal fold along the vertical middle crease on the base part. Similarly, fold the left side. The base for the mushroom cap is ready.
Step 9: Define the Stem and Top
Fold the bottom edge up about 1 cm to create the stem base. Fold the top point down about 1 cm to round off the cap top. These small folds refine the mushroom silhouette.
Keep these folds proportional to your paper size. Larger mushrooms can handle slightly bigger folds, smaller ones need tiny folds to maintain the right proportions.
Step 10: Finish the Cap Shape
Fold both side corners of the cap inward to complete the rounded shape. These corner folds soften the angles and give you that classic mushroom dome. Press each fold firmly so they hold.
The amount you fold here controls how round or pointed your cap looks. Bigger folds create a fuller dome, smaller folds keep it more conical.
Step 11: Add the Decorative White Accents
Cut small circles from white paper for the mushroom spots. Cut a small rectangle to wrap around the stem area. Apply glue to the back of each piece and press them onto your origami mushroom.
Place your dots randomly rather than in perfect rows. Real mushrooms have organic, scattered spots. A dab of glue the size of a pinhead is plenty for each dot.
Final Touch: Let the glue dry completely before handling. White glue takes 10-15 minutes to set fully, glue sticks are instant but provide a lighter hold.
Watch Complete Video Tutorial: Origami Mushroom ????
Having trouble following the photo tutorial? We’ve got you covered with a complete step-by-step video on our YouTube channel!
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Tips for Beginners: The Perfect Origami Mushroom! ????
Before you start folding your origami mushroom, here are some simple tips to make sure your craft turns out neat and adorable:
Use square paper: Make sure your paper is perfectly square before you begin. Even small uneven edges can throw off the folds.
Start with larger paper: If you’re new to origami, try starting with a bigger piece of square paper. Larger folds are easier to manage and help you practice before moving to smaller ones.
Make sharp creases: Use your fingernail or the flat side of a ruler to press down each fold. Clean creases make the mushroom shape look crisp and tidy.
Keep it colorful: Choose red, orange, or brown paper for a classic Fall mushroom look, and use white paper to cut out the stem and little dots.
Don’t rush: Take your time with each fold—origami is all about patience and precision!
Once you’ve folded the cap, simply glue the white paper stem and dots to finish off your cute little mushroom. ????
Frequently Asked Questions: Origami Mushroom
Can I use regular printer paper instead of craft paper?
Yes! Printer paper works well for origami mushrooms. It holds creases nicely and is thick enough to maintain shape. However, craft paper in colors is more visually appealing for fall decorations. If using white printer paper, consider coloring it with markers or colored pencils before folding.
What’s the best age for kids to make this origami mushroom?
hildren ages 7 and up can typically complete this project independently with some practice. Kids ages 5-6 can successfully make mushrooms with adult help for the cutting and more complex folds. The pleat fold in step 5 can be tricky for younger children, so that’s a great moment for guidance.
My mushroom cap doesn’t look rounded. What am I doing wrong?
The rounded cap comes from steps 8-10. Make sure you’re aligning the folds precisely along the middle crease in step 8. Also, the corner folds in step 10 should be gentle curves rather than sharp angles. If your cap is too pointy, try making those final corner folds a bit larger.
Can I make these mushrooms larger or smaller?
Absolutely! Use any square size, keep the proportions consistent. 3″ x 3″ squares create tiny mushrooms perfect for gift tags or journal decorations. 7″ x 7″ squares make statement pieces for centerpieces. The folding process remains exactly the same regardless of size.
What can I use these origami mushrooms for besides decorations?
These versatile mushrooms work wonderfully as embellishments for handmade cards, scrapbook accents, gift package toppers, mobile hanging elements, fairy garden decorations, bulletin board accents, or even as teaching tools for identifying mushroom parts. String several together with thread to create a whimsical mushroom garland!
My pleat fold in step 5 keeps coming undone—help!
The pleat fold requires firm pressure to hold. After making the pleat, press it very firmly for 10-15 seconds. You can also add a tiny dot of glue inside the pleat to secure it before continuing. Make sure you’re leaving enough paper (the full half-inch) for the pleat to fold back properly.
Did you enjoy the origami mushroom craft? Great! We’re sure you’ll love these origami crafts as well. Check them out.
- 4 Quick & Easy Corner Bookmarks
- How to Make a Cute Origami Bear
- How to Fold Origami Koi Fish
- 2 Ways to Make Origami Bunny
Our origami mushroom is complete, and it looks absolutely adorable! ???????? This simple paper craft is perfect for kids, beginners, or anyone who wants to add a touch of Fall cuteness to their DIY projects. You can use these mushrooms for scrapbooking, journaling, card making, or just as fun little decorations.
If you try this craft, we’d love to see your version—share it on social media and don’t forget to tag us using #thecraftaholicwitch. Until next time, happy crafting and enjoy the cozy Fall vibes!
