Making Perfectly Square PaperAnd Other Cutting TipsUnless otherwise specified in the folding instructions, paper for
origami must be perfectly square. Or, if some other shape, such as a
rectangle or triangle, it will likely need to have been made from paper
that started as a perfect square. 
Probably the most well-known method of cutting a square out of a
rectangular sheet of paper is the technique of folding one corner to
meet the opposite edge. >This method relies, first, on the paper having two perpendicular edges and, second, on you folding one of those edges to the other. If you want a smaller piece of paper, this method probably won't work.  To avoid the diagonal crease, you can lay one rectangular sheet on top of another of identical size. Mark a cut line on the lower sheet using the upper sheet as a guide. > When relying on a fold line for cutting, it might be helpful to have a pencil line as your guide. You could use a ruler to mark the line. Or hold the paper folded on the cut line and run a fine-tipped pencil down the crease.  We like a mechanical-style pencil and a clear ruler for marking. 
Sarah, age 10, one of our junior writers, shares her tips for tearing paper on our
Especially for Kids page.
Return to Origami Basics and Tips from Making Perfectly Square Paper
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Our Number One favorite tool for cutting is this 12 in / 30 cm Premium Crafter’s Trimmer by Fiskars™.