Some origami models begin with a single dramatic fold, but others quietly work the whole paper into a precise grid before the real shaping ever starts. The 12x12 matrix base belongs to that second family: twelve creases across and twelve down, turning a blank square into a dense lattice of 144 cells. It is the kind of foundation you meet again and again in modular, geometric, and even tessellation-style origami, where knowing exactly where every line should land makes the later steps far easier. The result may look simple, a sheet covered in straight creases, but that grid is surprisingly satisfying to produce, and it teaches you the patient, repetitive rhythm of accurate folding. Grab a 15cm square and let us make some lines.

This page is for those who want the instruction to fold a 12x12 matrix origami base.

This 12x12 matrix origami base will let you make an origami base with 12x12 matrix cells.

Before working on this model, you need to know what valley-fold and mountain-fold are. If you know these two folding techniques, then you will have no problem in making an origami base with 12x12 matrix cells.

If you are ready, then let’s get started.

The paper I am using here is a 15cm x 15cm square. It is a good size for those who are not experienced in paper folding. Once you become familiar with this model, you can try a smaller size paper.

This is the front side of the paper.

This is the back side of the paper.

Step 1

Start with a square piece of paper. Apply a horizontal “Z-fold” and then unfold.

Step 2

Apply the horizontal “Z-fold” from step 1 and then unfold. Apply a vertical “Z-fold” and then unfold.

Step 3

Apply the vertical “Z-fold” from step 2 and then unfold. Apply two horizontal “valley-folds” and one horizontal “mountain-fold” and then unfold.

Step 4

Apply the two horizontal “valley-folds” and one horizontal “mountain-fold” from step 3 and then unfold. Apply two vertical “valley-folds” and one vertical “mountain-fold” and then unfold.

Step 5

Apply the two vertical “valley-folds” and one vertical “mountain-fold” from step 4 and then unfold. Apply six horizontal “valley-folds” and then unfold.

Step 6

Apply the six horizontal “valley-folds” from step 5 and then unfold. Apply six vertical “valley-folds” and then unfold.

Step 7

Apply the six vertical “valley-folds” from step 6 and then unfold. Congratulations! You have just completed making a 12x12 matrix origami base.