It is difficult to do some of the more complex projects in origami with regular paper. The sharp folds need to hold and not tear when you unfold them. For this to happen you need the right paper and sometimes that can be hard to find.
But that is just the beginning, you also want a paper that looks really good, whether solid color or patterned. Why spend the time to make these awesome little works of art if they don’t look fantastic?
This list of the best origami paper for beginners will help you find the perfect paper for all your origami projects.
If you are looking for a simple paper with some bright colors to practice with, this is it. The Origami Paper Double Sided Color – 200 Sheets – 20 Colors – 6 Inch by BUBU set includes plenty of paper in a complete rainbow of colors. While certainly not the best paper, it is more than good enough for all but the most difficult projects. This is the paper I usually give with a good book for a starter set when someone seems interested in origami. Value-wise, it is probably the best origami paper for beginners you can get.
I should note that I have on occasion had several sheets be unusable in these packs, but for the price, a few poor sheets are to be expected. If you want perfection, see the next paper.
I know what you are thinking, this looks boring. I didn’t include Kurasawa KOMA Both Sides Monochromatic Origami Paper 15cm 100 sheets because it was exciting to look at, I included it because, in my opinion, this is the finest origami paper around. It certainly is the best origami paper I have ever used. It folds well and holds that fold unless you unfold it yourself. It is also the only actual Japanese paper on this list. Go to Japan and look for origami paper, you will find this stuff (and a lot more).
I also like the fact that it is light blue on one side and medium blue on the other side giving it a very nice and simple contrast. I don’t really like single color paper or paper that is colored on one side and white on the other (except for certain projects). I either want nice patterns or this stuff. Anything you do with this looks really good.
If you want to know if you are having problems with difficult projects because of your skill level or the paper you are using, buy some of this and try it again and you will have your answer. It really is the best origami paper I have tried.
This Origami Paper 500 sheets Chiyogami Patterns 6-inch 15cm by Tuttle Publishing is one of my favorite papers because it is just an outstanding pattern. In fact, Turtle Publishing that makes this paper is on this list twice because their patterns are just amazing.
Of those two, this is the most classic pattern and one you will see on origami from all over the world. The Chiyogami pattern is inspired by Kimono patterns used in Japan and is a wonderfully rich and detailed set of patterns. If you want your origami to really have that Japanese feel, this is the paper you should use. Personally, I just think it is beautiful.
Aside from the looks, it is actually a pretty good paper. As good as the Koma? No, but close enough for my skill level. These are some of the best origami paper patters I have seen.
This Origami Paper 500 sheets Nature Photo Patterns 6-inch (15 cm) by Tuttle Publishing is the second paper from these people and it is just as wonderful of a pattern with a different theme. While the previous was decidedly traditional Japanese patterns, this is nature patterns. These are magnificent for doing nature projects such as animals, reptiles, and plants.
This is the same paper as above with just different patterns and is very good.
This last paper, Premium Origami Paper 6×6 inch Double Sided 200 Sheets by Rally Toys is not bad paper at all, but I don’t use it because it is the best paper, but because it has to be the most unique paper out there.
The paper itself is good quality, probably in line with any other paper here except the Koma, and holds folds just fine. I have found a few with quality issues that just needed to be thrown away but for what you get in this kit, I could not care less if 10% of them were trash. The images are just that good.
If you are looking for something that will make your origami stand out from everyone else’s, this is the best origami paper for you. I can almost guarantee you that people will be wanting to unfold your artwork to see what the images are. While I hope they don’t, that will bring a ton of attention to your work and that is never a bad thing, right?
Conclusions
If you just want the best origami paper to practice with it is hard to argue the value of the BUBU paper at the top. It is good enough to do almost any project, bright enough to not be boring, and cheap enough to waste sheet after sheet until you get it right. I have folded many hundreds of pages of this stuff and it has always been an excellent value for my money.
On the other hand, if you want something to display finished projects with, one of the patterns might work better for you. Personally I like having all the patterns in this best origami paper list, and several more. That way I can pick the pattern that matches the project I am working on.
Lastly, if you are wanting to try some really complex projects, or want to make sure you are not having issues with your paper, the KOMO just can not be beaten. A really sharp, crisp, and well-executed project looks better in the two-toned KOMO than a dull project with weak folds will in the best looking patterns.
I hope you enjoyed my article on the best origami paper for beginners!
