The origami alphabet is a playful series, and the letter Q is one of the more satisfying shapes to make — that little tail curling off the circle gives it real character. Folded from just one square of paper, it is a great decoration for birthday or Christmas parties, a personalized gift tag, or a banner spelling out a name. Pick a bright color so the finished letter stands out, and once you have one letter you can keep going to build the whole alphabet. It is a light, enjoyable fold that looks impressive lined up with its friends A through Z.

How to Fold the Origami Alphabet “Q”

This model folds a single sheet of origami paper into the letter Q. Pick any color you like — a bold, bright sheet makes the finished letter pop. Let’s fold it now.

Step 1

Prepare the white side on top.

Step 2

Fold it in half to the left.

Step 3

Fold the top sheet to the right.

Step 4

Align the folded piece with the center and fold it to the left.

Step 5

Return the right side once and fold the left side to the center.

Step 6

Fold it back to the left edge, and then put it back.

Step 7

Fold it toward you along the right and left fold lines.

Step 8

Fold the top corner along the middle line.

Step 9

Fold the bottom right corner along the middle line.

Step 10

Fold the bottom edge along the extended fold line in the photo.

Step 11

Bring out the colored part at the bottom of the fold to the left.

Step 12

Fold the bottom edge further up.

Step 13

Turn the left side of the lower end downward.

Step 14

Fold the upper triangular part back along the fold line.

Step 15

Turn 90 degrees and you’re done.