What age is this origami 8-Unit Modular Star for?

About Age 10+. It is rated “Challenge” (level 4 of 5), with 17 steps, and takes about 40 minutes.

What paper do I need?

8 sheets of origami paper (for example 4 gold and 4 red, 15 cm) No scissors or glue are needed.

What is it called in Japanese?

In Japanese it is “ユニットのほし（8まい）”. 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.

★★★★Challenge Seasons & HolidaysOriginal

How to make an origami 8-Unit Modular Starユニットのほし（8まい）8-Unit Modular Star

A big eight-pointed star made from eight identical units that slide into each other’s pockets. With two colors in turn, a white pinwheel pattern appears in the middle. This is the challenge version of the star.

17 steps
about 40 min
8 sheets of origami paper (for example 4 gold and 4 red, 15 cm)
Age 10+

How to fold

8まいとも：白い面を上にして、ななめ半分に折る
For all 8 sheets: start with the white side up and fold in half diagonally.
金と赤など、2色を4まいずつ用意すると、こうごの色になってきれいです。
開いて、まん中に折りすじをつける
Unfold to leave a crease down the middle.
左上のふちを、まん中の線に合わせて折る
Fold the upper left edge to the center line.
右上のふちも、まん中の線に合わせて折る（たこの形）
Fold the upper right edge to the center line, too. This is a kite shape.
左の三角のまん中がわのふちを、外へ細く折りかえす（白い線）
Fold the inner edge of the left flap back out in a thin strip to make a white line.
上の先は0、下へいくほど少し太くなるように、ほんの少しだけ折ります。
右の三角も、同じように細く折りかえす
Do the same with the right flap.
下の角を、少しだけ上へ折る
Fold the bottom corner up a little.
1つめのユニットを、先を上にしてまん中に置く
Place the first unit in the middle with its point up.
2つめの左はしを、1つめの右の三角の下（ポケット）に差しこむ
Slide the left side of unit 2 into the pocket under the right flap of unit 1.
白い三角の上のふちが、となりの三角のふちにそろうまで深く差しこみます。
3つめの左はしを、2つめの右の三角の下（ポケット）に差しこむ
Slide the left side of unit 3 into the pocket under the right flap of unit 2.
4つめの左はしを、3つめの右の三角の下（ポケット）に差しこむ
Slide the left side of unit 4 into the pocket under the right flap of unit 3.
5つめの左はしを、4つめの右の三角の下（ポケット）に差しこむ
Slide the left side of unit 5 into the pocket under the right flap of unit 4.
6つめの左はしを、5つめの右の三角の下（ポケット）に差しこむ
Slide the left side of unit 6 into the pocket under the right flap of unit 5.
7つめの左はしを、6つめの右の三角の下（ポケット）に差しこむ
Slide the left side of unit 7 into the pocket under the right flap of unit 6.
8つめの左はしを、7つめの右の三角の下（ポケット）に差しこむ
Slide the left side of unit 8 into the pocket under the right flap of unit 7.
さいごに、1つめの左はしを持ち上げて、8つめの右のポケットに入れる（輪になる）
Finally, lift the left side of the first unit and tuck it into the right pocket of the eighth unit to close the ring.
ここがいちばんむずかしいところ。ほかのユニットがはずれないように、そっと差しこみます。
8つの先を、まん中の線で少し山にして立体にする
Gently shape each of the eight points into a ridge along its center line to make the star 3D.
できあがり！8つの先をととのえたら、ユニットのほしのできあがり！うらがえすと、白い線のないすっきりした風車もようのほしになります。
Finished! Shape the eight points, and your modular star is finished! Turn it over to see a clean pinwheel pattern on the back.

Fun fact

同じ形の部品（ユニット）をいくつも折って組み立てる折り紙を「ユニット折り紙」といいます。のりを使わず、ポケットに差しこむだけでしっかり組み上がります。

Origami built from many identical folded pieces (units) is called modular or unit origami. The units hold together just by sliding into each other’s pockets — no glue needed.

Origami English in this model

❓ FAQ

What age is this origami 8-Unit Modular Star for?: About Age 10+. It is rated “Challenge” (level 4 of 5), with 17 steps, and takes about 40 minutes.
What paper do I need?: 8 sheets of origami paper (for example 4 gold and 4 red, 15 cm) No scissors or glue are needed.
What is it called in Japanese?: In Japanese it is “ユニットのほし（8まい）”. 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.