DIY Print, Cut, and Score Origami

I have always enjoyed the art of origami and recently I had the idea to use my Cricut Maker machine to try to create easier origami. In this tutorial I will teach you how to take a piece of origami and convert it to a format that you can use in your Cricut Maker or similar machine to speed up the process and to make more uniform looking origami.

Of course you will need a machine that can score and cut. Additionally the use of a printer/scanner would be helpful. There are ways around scanning, like using your phone to take photos of the unfolded origami but that might add complexity to the project.

The supplies you will need:

• Two markers of different colors (I used red and blue)
• An unfolded piece of origami
• Paper(plain letter works fine, I opted for card stock)

The tools you will need:

• Cricut Maker or similar
• Cutting Tool
• Scoring Tool
• Printer/Scanner
• Cricut Design Studio or Similar
• Photo Editing App (optional)

In this first step we want to use one marker, I am using blue, to mark all of the inner folds (pieces that fold in). Then we use the other marker, I am using red, to mark all of the outer folds (pieces that fold out).

Then we want to take the unfolded and marked origami sheet and scan it. This will give us a digital file that we can then use to add art and have a clear definition of where the lines are for the scoring. If you do not have a scanner you should be able to use your cell phone to snap a photo.

I am working with a crane, I will use a pastel gradient design to fill the sheet which will result in a nice soft looking origami crane.

I start by importing the scanned image into Photoshop and then using the line tool to create lines. I then go back and adjust the lines so they are at the correct angles and adjust the lengths. Then I use the selection tool to choose the parts I want to fill with the gradient. At this point you can add any design or pattern you like to make the origami piece your own. I attached my design above.

The GIFs show the different layers that make up the pattern.

At this point you should have a file that you can upload into a new project in Cricut Design Studio. Upload the file and choose complex to maintain the designs. Then save it as a print and cut image. Once the file is uploaded we can import it into our canvas and start adding score lines. I start by adding score lines to all the inner folds, which in my drawing are blue lines. To add a score line I go to Shape, select the Line, then rotate, move into position and elongate until the score line matches up with the design.

Once all the inner score lines are done, you should select all of them and attach them. This will make the lines stay in the appropriate design and allow you to keep the inner and outer score lines separate.

Repeat the same steps for the outer folds, red lines in my image.

This will leave you with three steps to complete the project. A print and cut step, then one step where we will score, and one more scoring step. Select "Make It" to move to the next step.

At this point you have created a complete project and should be able to "Make It".

Start by printing the design onto your paper of choice. I went with a heavy card stock, since it usually has more of a challenge to fold it.

Then place and align it as best as possible. Load the material and cut it.

Now remove the extra card stock and make sure that the print is aligned as expected. Check the mat on Design Studio to see the proper way to line it up. Mine was lined up at the 7" x 7" lines. Now change the tool to the scoring wheels, load the material, and score the print.

Lastly remove the scored print and flip it to on its diagonal. This worked for my design. By doing this we can score the inner and outer folds which will let us complete the folds.

Once this is done we can remove it from the mat and get ready to fold it.

The following link will let you access my project so you can try it at home:

https://design.cricut.com/landing/project-detail/628c515a58362719270ae32e

At this point you want to follow the inner and outer folds that you identified with your initial traced origami sheet. Once it is all folded you can enjoy your origami and be able to replicate it as many times as needed and with whatever designs you may want.