What age is this origami Battledore (Hagoita) for?

About Age 5+. It is rated “Easy” (level 2 of 5), with 5 steps, and takes about 5 minutes.

What paper do I need?

One sheet of square origami paper (15 cm / 6 in). No scissors or glue are needed.

What is it called in Japanese?

In Japanese it is “はごいた” (羽子板). The word origami (折り紙) itself means “folding paper”: ori = fold, kami = paper.

Can I print the instructions?

Yes. “Print the diagram” puts every step on one page (or a PDF), and the practice sheet has the crease lines printed on the paper. Free for home and classroom use.

★★Easy Seasons & HolidaysOriginal

How to make an origami Battledore (Hagoita)はごいたBattledore (Hagoita)

A hagoita paddle for hanetsuki, a New Year game like badminton. Slanted folds make the handle.

5 steps
about 5 min
1 sheet of origami paper
Age 5+

How to fold

白い面を上にして、たて半分に折って折りすじをつける
Start with the white side up. Fold in half from side to side and unfold.
左右のふちを、まん中の線に合わせて折る
Fold the left and right edges to the center line.
うらがえす
Turn it over.
下の左右を、ななめにうしろへ折る（持つところ）
Fold the lower sides behind at a slant to make the handle.
下のはしが、指1本ぶんくらいのはばになるように。
上の2つのかどを、少しうしろへ折る
Fold the two top corners behind a little.
できあがり！板に花やもようをかいて、はねもかいたら、はごいたのできあがり！
Finished! Draw flowers or patterns on the paddle and add a shuttlecock. Your hagoita is finished!

Fun fact

はねつきは、はごいたで「はね」をうちあう、お正月のあそびです。おとした人は、顔にすみでまるをかかれることもあります。

Hanetsuki is a New Year game where you hit a shuttlecock back and forth with a hagoita. If you miss, your face may get an ink mark!

Origami English in this model

❓ FAQ

What age is this origami Battledore (Hagoita) for?: About Age 5+. It is rated “Easy” (level 2 of 5), with 5 steps, and takes about 5 minutes.
What paper do I need?: One sheet of square origami paper (15 cm / 6 in). No scissors or glue are needed.
What is it called in Japanese?: In Japanese it is “はごいた” (羽子板). The word origami (折り紙) itself means “folding paper”: ori = fold, kami = paper.
Can I print the instructions?: Yes. “Print the diagram” puts every step on one page (or a PDF), and the practice sheet has the crease lines printed on the paper. Free for home and classroom use.