Every spring in Japan, families set out a display of ornamental dolls for Hinamatsuri — and with this origami set, you can fold your own miniature version. It makes two little figures: a shoulder-bodied 'inner' companion and the Hina-sama doll herself.

The folds are simple and repetitive, which makes this a genuine joy to fold alongside a child. Dress them in patterned chiyogami paper, mount them on a card, and you've got a sweet wall decoration or a place card for a Doll's Day party.

Way of folding

STEP 1. First, the inner figure. Fold it in half, make a crease, then open it back up.

STEP 2. Fold it so the green line lines up with the red line.

STEP 3. Fold it down from the dotted line.

STEP 4. Fold it up from around the dotted line.

STEP 5. Fold it around the dotted line from the left side.

STEP 6. Fold the right side in the same way.

STEP 7. Fold down along the dotted line.

STEP 8. Fold it up from the dotted line.

STEP 9. Fold the bottom back a little. With this, the inner figure is complete. Done!

STEP 10. Next is Hina-sama. Fold it the same way from ① to ④, then fold along the dotted line. (Unlike the inner figure, shape the shoulders by hand.)

STEP 11. Fold along the dotted line.

STEP 12. Fold each dotted line back.

STEP 13. The inner figure and the Hina doll are complete!

How to arrange

It’s very easy to fold, so do try making it with your child.

The inner figure and the Hina doll, both with little shoulders, look lovely!

If you fold them from chiyogami or washi paper and mount them on cardstock, they become a charming wall decoration.

If the printed face is hard to see against the pattern, cut a circle of white paper with a drawn face and glue it on.

At a Hinamatsuri (Doll’s Day) party, they also make cute place cards.

Points when folding

The collar of the kimono crosses right over left. (The right panel sits on top, closer to the skin — the natural way to slip your right hand into the collar.)