There is something satisfying about a grid that is exactly what it promises to be, and the masked 16x16 matrix base delivers precisely that: a square of paper covered in a dense lattice of sixteen by sixteen crease cells, with the four corners left perfectly clear. It builds on the familiar rhythm of the standard 16x16 matrix base, but with a twist that makes it even more useful: before the grid work begins, the paper is turned 45 degrees and a single cushion-fold divides the sheet into quarters. Then the familiar valley-fold pattern takes over, four lines one way, four the other, then eight and eight, until the full lattice is mapped out. The name "masked" hints at the design: the four corners stay untouched, which makes the finished grid read clearly at a glance. Grab a square of paper and a few quiet minutes, and let us lay down some very precise creases.

This page is for those who want the instruction to fold a masked 16x16 matrix origami base.

From this instructional page, you will be able to produce an origami base with masked 16x16 matrix cells. The name “masked” is given since it is exactly the 16x16 matrix base without masking the four corners.

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 masked 16x16 matrix cells.

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

This is the front side of the paper.

This is the back side of the paper.

Step 1

Let us start with a square paper. Prepare to apply a diagonal “valley-fold” and then unfold.

Step 2

Apply the diagonal “valley-fold” of step 1 and then unfold. Prepare to apply a diagonal “valley-fold” and then unfold.

Step 3

Apply the diagonal “valley-fold” of step 2 and then unfold. Prepare to rotate the paper by 45 degrees.

Step 4

Rotate the paper by 45 degrees. Prepare to apply a “cushion-fold” and then unfold.

Step 5

Apply the “cushion-fold” of step 4 and then unfold. Prepare to apply four horizontal “valley-folds” and then unfold.

Step 6

Apply the four horizontal “valley-folds” of step 5 and then unfold. Prepare to apply four vertical “valley-folds” and then unfold.

Step 7

Apply the four vertical “valley-folds” of step 6 and then unfold. Prepare to apply eight horizontal “valley-folds” and then unfold.

Step 8

Apply the eight horizontal “valley-folds” of step 7 and then unfold. Prepare to apply eight vertical “valley-folds” and then unfold.

Step 9

Apply the eight vertical “valley-folds” of step 8 and then unfold. Congratulations! You have just completed making a masked 16x16 matrix origami base.