What age is this origami Kotatsu (Heated Table) for?

About Age 3+. It is rated “First Fold” (level 1 of 5), with 4 steps, and takes about 4 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 “こたつ”. 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.

★First Fold Japanese TraditionOriginal

How to make an origami Kotatsu (Heated Table)こたつKotatsu (Heated Table)

A kotatsu keeps you warm in winter. The white part at the top is the tabletop, and the colored part below is the quilt.

4 steps
about 4 min
1 sheet of origami paper
Age 3+

How to fold

色の面を上にして、上のふちを少し折り下げる
Start with the colored side up. Fold the top edge down a little.
白いところが、テーブルの板になります。
左と右のはしを、うしろへ少し折る
Fold the left and right edges behind a little.
下のはしを、うしろへ折る
Fold the bottom edge behind.
下の2つのかどを、うしろへ折る
Fold the two bottom corners behind.
ふとんが、ふんわりした形になります。
できあがり！テーブルの上にみかんをかいて、ふとんにもようをかいたら、こたつのできあがり！
Finished! Draw some mandarin oranges on the table and a pattern on the quilt. Your kotatsu is finished!

Fun fact

こたつは、テーブルの下にヒーターがついていて、ふとんをかけて足をあたためる、日本の冬の家具です。

A kotatsu is a Japanese low table with a heater underneath. A quilt covers it to keep your legs warm in winter.

Origami English in this model

corner角
edge辺（ふち）
colored side色の面（表）
tableテーブル
quiltかけぶとん
warmあたたかい
mandarin orangeみかん

❓ FAQ

What age is this origami Kotatsu (Heated Table) for?: About Age 3+. It is rated “First Fold” (level 1 of 5), with 4 steps, and takes about 4 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 “こたつ”. 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.