Before any tessellation, grid-based pattern, or modular origami piece can take shape, the paper usually needs a perfect grid of crease lines - and that is exactly what the masked 8x8 matrix base gives you. Unlike a finished model, this base is pure preparation: a clean, symmetrical 8x8 grid folded into a square sheet, with the four corners tucked away by the first few folds. It may sound technical, but the whole thing needs only valley folds, mountain folds, and one cushion fold, so it is a great way to practice measuring creases with your eyes rather than a ruler. Each step is a simple crease-and-unfold, and before you know it the paper will be covered in a satisfying web of lines. Grab a square of paper, and let us fold the grid together.

This page is for those who want instructions on how to fold a masked 8x8 matrix origami base.

By following this tutorial, you will be able to produce an origami base with exactly 8x8 matrix cells. It is called “masked” because the four corners are masked off by the initial folds, leaving a clean grid of cells.

Before working on this model, you need to know what valley folds and mountain folds are. If you know these two folding techniques, you will have no problem making an origami base with masked 8x8 matrix cells.

If you are ready, let’s get started.

This is the front side of the paper.

This is the back side of the paper.

STEP 1.

Let’s start with a square sheet of paper. Prepare to apply a diagonal valley fold, then unfold.

STEP 2.

Apply the diagonal valley fold from step 1, then unfold. Prepare to apply the other diagonal valley fold, then unfold.

STEP 3.

Apply the diagonal valley fold from step 2, then unfold. Prepare to rotate the paper 45 degrees.

STEP 4.

Rotate the paper 45 degrees. Prepare to apply a cushion fold (fold all four corners to the centre), then unfold.

STEP 5.

Apply the cushion fold from step 4, then unfold. Prepare to apply four horizontal valley folds, then unfold.

STEP 6.

Apply the four horizontal valley folds from step 5, then unfold. Prepare to apply four vertical valley folds, then unfold.

STEP 7.

Apply the four vertical valley folds from step 6, then unfold. Congratulations! You have just completed a masked 8x8 matrix origami base.