Remember folding paper airplanes as a kid? This is way cooler. When I first tried making paper shuriken as a teenager, let's just say my star looked more like a crumpled snowflake. But after years of practice (and many failures), I've nailed down the reliable methods anyone can follow.
Safety first: Never throw these at people or animals. Even paper can hurt eyes. When testing designs, aim at cardboard boxes or soft targets.
What You'll Need to Get Started
You probably have everything already:
- Paper - Standard printer paper works fine but origami paper (6x6 inch) gives cleaner folds. Avoid cardstock - too stiff.
- Scissors - Optional for trimming, folds only if possible
- Flat surface - Kitchen table beats your lap
- Patience - Your first attempt might suck. Mine did.
Dollar store origami paper is great for beginners. The colored sides hide minor folding imperfections and make the stars visually pop.
Step-by-Step: The 8-Point Ninja Star
This is the classic design. Let's break it down:
Preparing Your Paper
Cut two square sheets. If using A4 paper:
- Fold top corner diagonally to create a triangle
- Cut off the rectangular excess
- Unfold - now you have a perfect square
Repeat for second sheet. Use different colors if possible!
The Folding Process
This is where most beginners mess up:
- Fold each square in half vertically. Crease sharply then unfold
- Fold both sides to meet the center crease (like paper airplane folds)
- Fold this rectangle in half lengthwise
- Fold corners diagonally in opposite directions on each piece
- Flip one piece over - critical step!
- Interlock the two pieces at right angles
- Tuck flaps into pockets. This requires finagling
That last step frustrated me for weeks. The trick? Fold the tips thinner before inserting. If tears happen, reinforce with tape underneath.
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Pieces won't lock | Make sharper creases and ensure one piece is flipped |
| Star looks bulky | Use thinner paper or trim 1/4 inch off each side |
| Flaps tear | Handle gently; use small piece of tape inside pocket |
4-Point Shuriken (Easier Version)
Better for beginners learning how to make paper ninja throwing stars:
- Take two square papers
- Fold each in half diagonally both ways
- Fold corners to center point
- Fold in half along creases
- Assemble by sliding triangles into pockets
This design flies straighter but looks less impressive honestly. Good practice before attempting 8-point stars.
Why Your Throwing Star Won't Fly Right
After making dozens, I've seen all the failures:
- Wobbly flight - Folds aren't symmetrical. Hold it up to light to check alignment
- Spins then drops - Too heavy. Use lighter paper
- Hits wall flat - You're tossing it like a frisbee. Flick your wrist when releasing
Hot tip: Rotate your wrist sideways when throwing, not palm-up like frisbee. The spin comes from the snap, not arm motion.
Paper Matters More Than You Think
Through trial and error (mostly error), I've tested everything:
| Paper Type | Flight Rating | Durability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Printer Paper (80gsm) | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | Practice throws |
| Origami Paper (65gsm) | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | Display pieces |
| Magazine Pages | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★☆☆☆☆ | Emergency only |
| Baking Parchment | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ | Maximum distance |
Weirdly, tracing paper works terribly despite being thin. Too slippery. The baking parchment discovery happened when I ran out of origami paper during quarantine. It flies shockingly well but dents easily.
Decorating Your Shuriken
Plain paper stars are boring. Try:
- Metallic markers for blade edges
- Pattern tracing (scales, lightning bolts)
- Glow-in-the-dark paint on tips
- Double-sided paper with contrasting colors
My personal favorite: Red on one side, black on the other. Looks menacing when spinning.
Advanced Modifications
Once you master the basics:
- Weighted tips - Tiny binder clips on points (affects balance)
- Aerodynamic curls - Curve blades slightly upward with pencil
- Laminated stars - Clear tape coating for waterproofing
Wouldn't recommend glue - makes paper soggy. Learned that the messy way.
Common Questions About Making Paper Shuriken
Can kids make these safely?
Absolutely. Use thicker paper to avoid paper cuts. Supervise scissors use. The 4-point version is great for little fingers.
How far can paper throwing stars actually fly?
My personal record is 23 feet with parchment paper indoors. Outdoors with wind? Maybe 30 feet. Don't expect movie distances.
Why does my star keep falling apart?
Two issues: Flimsy paper or loose folding. Press every crease firmly with fingernail. Add tiny tape dots inside joints.
Where can I display my collection?
Thread through push pins onto walls. Or hang with clear fishing line from ceilings. Avoid direct sunlight - colors fade.
Is there a faster way than folding?
Printable templates online, but folding teaches precision. Templates often require glue - defeats the origami spirit.
Troubleshooting Your Ninja Stars
Quick fixes for common issues:
| Issue | Quick Fix |
|---|---|
| Uneven arms | Trim longer arms with scissors |
| Won't hold shape | Spray lightly with hairspray (seriously) |
| Drags when throwing | Slightly bend blades upward |
| Corners fraying | Paint with clear nail polish |
Fun Variations to Try
Bored of standard designs?
- Glow-in-the-dark stars - Use fluorescent paper
- Mini-stars - Use 3x3 inch paper (super fiddly)
- Spiked version - Add toothpick tips (handle carefully!)
- Transformer star - Secret folding technique that changes shape
The mini-stars are cute but useless for throwing. Made some for earrings once - got tangled in hair.
Why This Beats YouTube Tutorials
Most videos skip crucial details:
- They don't show how to handle torn flaps
- Never mention paper weight importance
- Ignore throwing technique completely
- Use camera angles that hide misalignments
Written guides let you proceed at your own pace without rewinding. Bookmark this page!
Final Thoughts
Mastering how to make paper ninja throwing stars takes maybe 5 attempts. Once muscle memory kicks in, you can crank them out while watching TV. The real reward? Seeing someone's face when your creation zips across the room.
Remember: No throwing at cats. Trust me on that one.