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Origami claws can really spice up your ghoulish costume or spook your friends. If your Halloween costume needs some claws, you can just create your own claws for each finger. They are pointy, so don't get too carried away, they're just for show! if you practice, you can become an absolute expert at making these claws!


Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Forming Claws from Standard Paper

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  1. Position the paper vertically (portrait). You can use any type of paper you have lying around the house. If you want sturdier claws, then use thicker paper.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Origami Paper Claws
    Align the fold to the paper's bottom. The left side of the sheet now has a point.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make Origami Paper Claws
    It should look like a rectangle that is missing a corner.[1]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make Origami Paper Claws
    Align the top edge to the diagonal edge. This should now be in the shape of a square. Position the paper with the right angle of the triangle pointing up, or away from you.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make Origami Paper Claws
    Fold the square along the diagonal line. This should create a triangle.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make Origami Paper Claws
    Imagine a vertical line dividing the triangle in half, from the point to the base, right down the middle. You're creating a right triangle.
    • You may want to draw this line in pencil the first couple of times. Use a T-square to make sure the line down the middle is at a right angle to the base of the triangle.
    • This fold is to form a crease that will be important for the following fold.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Make Origami Paper Claws
    Unfold the recently formed right triangle and fold the two edged side directly to the half-way line of the triangle. The fold's outer edge should be going straight down, perpendicular to the bottom and even extending below the bottom of your triangle.
  8. Watermark wikiHow to Make Origami Paper Claws
    Fold the same side over itself again. You should be able to see the claw coming into form.[2]
    • Be careful to line each fold with your imaginary pencil line.
    • Make sure you keep each fold very tight and at the same angle. If the folds start to slant upwards, instead of staying aligned, the claw won't be as sturdy.
  9. Watermark wikiHow to Make Origami Paper Claws
    You may need to open the hole for the flap up with your finger. Hold it so the opening is visible and easy to insert one flap.
  10. Watermark wikiHow to Make Origami Paper Claws
    Simply stick your finger into the smaller triangle to open it up. This will look like a knuckle for the claw.[3]
    • It may be a tight fit at first.
    • The tighter the fit the more likely the claw will stay on your finger.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using Origami Paper

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  1. To make origami paper, orient a standard sized paper (8.5x11) longways and fold a corner farthest to the opposite edge. Then cut off the excess part of the paper that wasn't covered by this fold. This will create a square.
    • Sturdier paper will increase the the durability.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Origami Paper Claws
    Imagine a line running from the top-left corner going to the bottom-right corner. Fold along this line to create a right triangle.[4]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make Origami Paper Claws
    You are turning your right triangle into an scalene triangle. Make sure the crease is strong.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make Origami Paper Claws
    The line that you are folding now will start from one corner, and will end in the middle of the other two corners. Continue to ensure that your creases are strong.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make Origami Paper Claws
    Position the claw in front of you so the pointiest "nail" faces left. Imagine a line descending straight from the top tip to the bottom. Fold the smaller corner towards the "nail." Then unfold this fold.[5]
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make Origami Paper Claws
    By making the vertical valley fold, you've allowed a pocket to be formed. This is where your finger will go.[6]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Using an Alternative Technique

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  1. Position the paper horizontally. You can use any type of paper you have lying around the house. If you want sturdier claws, then use thicker paper.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Origami Paper Claws
    Align the fold to the paper's bottom. The left side of the sheet now has a point.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make Origami Paper Claws
    Only fold these corners to the line of the previous fold. This will create two smaller triangles.[7]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make Origami Paper Claws
    Imagine this right triangle without the other two triangles. Just fold the right tip to the opposite tip of the right triangle.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make Origami Paper Claws
    Fold the excess strip with the two smaller triangles up onto the other triangle. This will form a triangle with this recent fold on top of it.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make Origami Paper Claws
    Imagine a vertical line dividing the triangle in half, from the point to the base, right down the middle. You're creating a right triangle.
    • This fold is to form a crease that will be important for the following fold.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Make Origami Paper Claws
    Unfold the recently formed right triangle and fold the two folded edges directly to the half-way line of the triangle. The fold's outer edge should be going straight down, perpendicular to the bottom and even extending below the bottom of your triangle.
  8. Watermark wikiHow to Make Origami Paper Claws
    Fold the same side over itself again. You should be able to see the claw coming into form.[8]
  9. Watermark wikiHow to Make Origami Paper Claws
    You may need to open the hole for the flap up with your finger. Hold it so the opening is visible and easy to insert one flap.[9]
  10. Watermark wikiHow to Make Origami Paper Claws
    Simply stick your finger into the smaller triangle to open it up. This will look like a knuckle for the claw.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Can you make them bigger or smaller?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, you should make them the right sizes to fit your fingers. To make them bigger or smaller, just start with a bigger or smaller piece of paper.
  • Question
    Can I use construction paper?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, if the paper has the correct dimensions.
  • Question
    Are these hard to make?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    I tried it and it did not seem hard to make. However, everyone is different. If it is too hard for you to make this, then I suggest you practice simple origami.
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Tips

  • Buy some black gloves in a thrift store, or look for old ones around the house, and cut off the ends from the fingers. Put your claws on over the gloves for an even better look.
  • Practice on thin, cheap paper before using any expensive materials.
  • Some people might have fingers that are too large or small. You can always use bigger or smaller paper, just make sure it has the same proportions.
Show More Tips

Tips from our Readers

  • Carefully trim 1/4 inch off two adjacent sides of oversized finished claws to resize them. This helps claws better conform to fingers.
  • Fold gently at first to set creases. As paper stiffens, firmly reinforce bends. Sharp folds are key for crisp finished claws.
  • Initiate creases lightly to trial the fold accuracy before committing through full crimps. Early mistakes can compound.
  • Before tucking the flap into the end hole in Step 9, fold it over first to create a super snug fit around your finger.
  • Use blank sides of printed paper to avoid visible words on finished claws. Flip sheets as needed.
  • Freddy Krueger-style claws can be made using metallic paper painted blood red on tips.
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Things You'll Need

  • An 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of paper, standard letter size in the United States
  • A hard surface to fold on
  • Paper folder or ruler (optional)
  • T-square (optional)
  • Origami paper (optional)

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About This Article

Robert Homayoon
Co-authored by:
Origami Expert
This article was co-authored by Robert Homayoon. Robert Homayoon is an Origami Expert known for his engaging YouTube videos and accessible instructions. He has been teaching origami on YouTube since 2009. His channel has a following of over 676,000 subscribers, and his videos have garnered over 211 million views. Robert uses his channel to highlight his passion for teaching people origami, crafts, and how to solve puzzles. He graduated from SUNY Albany in 2007 and earned his D.M.D degree from Temple University Dental School in 2013. This article has been viewed 1,514,656 times.
384 votes - 79%
Co-authors: 133
Updated: November 12, 2024
Views: 1,514,656
Categories: Featured Articles | Origami
Article SummaryX

To make an origami paper claw, start with a square piece of paper. Fold your piece of paper in half diagonally so you have a triangle. Then, fold the left side of the triangle down to the bottom side so you have a shorter, narrow triangle. Fold the left side of the new triangle down to the bottom side. Now, fold the right tip over and unfold. Finally, tuck the right tip into the pocket. Slide your finger into the pocket to use your origami claw. Repeat the process to make a claw for each of your fingers. For more tips, including how to make an origami paper claw with a different method, read on!

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Reader Success Stories

  • Gabrielle Dy

    Gabrielle Dy

    Apr 14, 2021

    "One Monday at lunchtime, I saw my friend Andrei making something. So, I asked, "What is that? It's..." more
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