How to Make a Paper Shuriken: A Step-by-Step Guide
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Are you tired of the same old paper airplanes and origami creations? Why not try your hand at making a paper shuriken? Also known as a ninja star, this popular weapon from Japanese culture can be made easily with just a few folds and cuts. Not only is it a fun activity, but it can also serve as a unique decoration or even a toy.
In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make a paper shuriken. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced paper crafter, you’ll find this guide easy to follow and enjoyable to complete.
Materials Needed

Before we begin, let’s gather the necessary materials. You’ll need:
- A square sheet of paper (any size will do, but for beginners, we recommend a 6-inch square)
- Scissors
Step 1: Folding the Paper
Start by folding the square sheet of paper in half diagonally, creating a triangle shape. Make sure the corners align perfectly and crease the fold.
Next, fold the triangle in half again, this time bringing the bottom corner up to the top corner. Crease the fold again, and then unfold the paper to reveal a crease running down the center of the triangle.
Stay tuned for the next sections to learn how to make a paper shuriken in no time!
Step 2: Folding the Corners
Now it’s time to fold the corners of the triangle. Take the left corner and fold it towards the center crease, creating a small triangle shape. Repeat this step with the right corner, folding it towards the center crease as well.
Step 3: Folding the Top Flap
Next, take the top flap and fold it down towards the bottom of the triangle. The top of the flap should align with the bottom edge of the paper. Crease the fold well.
Step 4: Cutting the Paper
Using your scissors, cut along the bottom edge of the folded top flap. This will leave you with two separate pieces of paper. Set one piece aside for now and focus on the other.
Fold the remaining piece of paper in half diagonally, creating another triangle shape. Make sure the corners align perfectly and crease the fold. Then, take the left corner and fold it towards the center crease, creating a small triangle shape. Repeat this step with the right corner, folding it towards the center crease as well.
These steps are getting us closer to our goal of making a paper shuriken. Stay tuned for the final steps!
Step 5: Folding the Blades
Now it’s time to create the blades of the shuriken. Take the right corner of the top layer and fold it down to the center crease. Repeat this step with the left corner, folding it down to the center crease as well.
Once both sides are folded, you should have a shape that looks like a kite. Fold the top point of the kite down to the bottom point, creasing the fold well.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Finally, it’s time to add the finishing touches to your paper shuriken. Take the scissors and cut along the outer edge of the folded paper, removing the excess paper and creating the shape of your shuriken.
Unfold the paper carefully, and you should have a completed paper shuriken with four blades. If you’d like, you can add some color or design to your shuriken by decorating it with markers or stickers.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully made a paper shuriken. With some practice and patience, you can create shurikens of different sizes and designs.
Conclusion
Making a paper shuriken is a fun and easy craft that anyone can enjoy. By following the step-by-step guide above, you can create your own ninja star in no time. Whether you’re a fan of Japanese culture, a paper crafter looking for a new challenge, or just looking for a unique decoration or toy, making a paper shuriken is a great activity to try. So grab some paper and scissors and get creative!