Some origami models begin with a single dramatic fold, but others quietly work the whole paper into a precise grid before the real shaping ever starts. The 6x8 matrix base belongs to that second family: six creases across and eight down, turning a blank square into a neat lattice of 48 cells. It is the kind of foundation you meet again and again in modular and geometric origami, where knowing exactly where every line should land makes the later steps far easier. The result may look simple, a sheet covered in straight creases, but that grid is surprisingly satisfying to produce, and it teaches you a handful of moves you will use constantly, from the humble valley-fold to the slightly trickier Z-fold. Grab a 15cm square and let us make some lines.

This page is for those who want the instruction to fold a 6x8 matrix origami base.

This 6x8 matrix origami base will let you make an origami base with 6x8 matrix cells.

Before working on this model, you need to know what valley-fold and mountain-fold are. If you know these two folding techniques, you will have no problem in making the origami base with 6x8 matrix cells.

If you are ready, then let’s get started.

The paper I am using here is a 15cm x 15cm square. It is a good size for those who are not experienced in paper folding. Once you become familiar with this model, you can try a smaller size paper.

This is the front side of the paper.

This is the back side of the paper.

Step 1

Start with a square piece of paper. Apply a horizontal “Z-fold” and then unfold.

Step 2

Apply the horizontal “Z-fold” from step 1 and then unfold. Apply a vertical “mountain-fold” and then unfold.

Step 3

Apply the vertical “mountain-fold” from step 2 and then unfold. Apply a vertical “gate-fold” and then unfold.

Step 4

Apply the vertical “gate-fold” from step 3 and then unfold. Apply three horizontal “valley-folds” and then unfold.

Step 5

Apply the three horizontal “valley-folds” from step 4 and then unfold. Apply four vertical “valley-folds” and then unfold.

Step 6

Apply the four vertical “valley-folds” from step 5 and then unfold. Congratulations! You have just completed making a 6x8 matrix origami base.