A Simple Matchbox —The Perfect Size for Storing Small Items—

2026年5月6日

Here’s a simple matchbox project.
It’s a box with a sliding outer sleeve that opens and closes.
It’s just the right size and comes in handy for storing small items.
Another advantage is that it’s easy to make using various origami techniques.

Table of Contents

(スポンサーリンク)

Folding Instructions

Here are two folding methods: one for a sliding sleeve and one for an inner box.

Both use a 15-centimeter sheet of origami paper.

How to Make a Sleeve

First, fold it in half.
Then, fold both sides toward the center.
This will create three lines dividing the paper into four equal parts.

Next, fold the four corners.

Next, fold the top and bottom edges.

Turn it over.

Fold both sides toward the center and then unfold them.

Next, fold one side so that it aligns with the crease on the other side.

Now make a crease on the other side in the same way.

Next, adjust the fold so that it forms a right angle.
As you do this, tuck one side into the other.

And there you have it—your matchbox sleeve is complete.

How to Make an Inner Box

Now, let’s move on to the inner box.

First, make a crease down the middle, then fold it in half again.

Fold the other side so that it overlaps by about 1 centimeter.

Make a crease down the middle.
Since the edges are still folded, flatten them out.

Next, lightly mark the center.

Then, align the top and bottom in the center and crease them.

Next, fold the left and right edges toward the center.

Next, make a cross-fold along the bottom quarter fold.

Fold along the intersection of the cross.
Then, crease the paper where it extends from the quarter-fold.
Crease the top in the same way.

Let’s put it together.

Lift up both sides.

Fold along the creases.

Do the same for the other side.

Now the inner box is complete.
Combine it with the sleeve, and your matchbox is ready.

Cute matchbox

Since they’re so easy to make, I wanted to try making them in different colors.
As a result, I ended up with a whole bunch of matchboxes.
I’ll take care of a few small tasks to free up some time.
I started making matchboxes, thinking I’d just do it for 10 minutes.
It was a nice change of pace, and it left me feeling calm.

シンプルなマッチ箱です。

作り方はこちら

Matchboxes Made from Origami Paper　～Easy Matchboxes Using Your Favorite Origami Paper～

A square box

There are also square boxes with lids.
This one does not have a sliding sleeve.
The great thing about this square box is that the lid and the bottom are folded the same way.