How to Fold an Origami Flat Cap

Ever folded a paper hat as a kid and wished it looked a little less like a boat? The origami flat cap is the grown-up version of that memory — the same cheeky newsboy silhouette you see in old street photographs, made from nothing but one rectangle of newspaper. What makes it such a joy is the reveal: the whole thing folds completely flat, so you can slip it into a book or a pocket, and when you feel like wearing it you just pry the base open and it springs into a real three-dimensional cap.

You have probably met this shape before in costume boxes, in newspaper-themed photo props, and on every cartoon street magician who seems to need a little cap to complete the outfit. Ten minutes, one sheet, no glue — and the last two tucks are the only place you will really need patience. Use thin newspaper if you have it; thick cardstock will fight you at step 10.

Here are instructions for folding an origami flat cap. The hat can be stored flat, and when you are ready to wear it, just pry open the base and put it on your head! You can actually wear this flat cap if you make it out of newspaper (or a large sheet of paper).

Step 1: Start with a rectangular sheet of newspaper or 8.5 x 11 inch (21.5cm x 27.9cm) paper, color side down. Thinner paper is actually better. Art paper or wrapping paper might work too.

Fold the paper in half on the vertical axis. Crease well and unfold.

Step 2: Fold the paper in half on the horizontal axis, bringing the top half down to the bottom.

Step 3: Fold both the top right and left corners to the center. Crease well.

Step 4: Fold the top layer A-B down to C-D.

Step 5: Now fold that layer over itself.

Step 6: Flip the paper over. Fold both the right and left sides to the center. If you are using printer paper or cardstock like we did, the paper is a bit thick at this point and becomes increasingly hard to fold.

Step 7: Fold E-F up to G-H. Crease well and unfold.

Step 8: Make the two diagonal folds on the bottom corners.

Step 9: Fold up the bottom edge.

Step 10: Now we are going to make the mountain fold and tuck the paper under. This is a difficult step if your paper is thick, and we had difficulty tucking in the paper too. Just try your best and tuck the paper under as far as you can.