Origami is the Japanese folk art of paper[paper?:paper sample maker cutting machine] folding. Colorful, high-quality paper is folded into a variety of whimsical shapes, including cranes, complex geometric models and even gift boxes. While it is acceptable to use several types of paper for origami practice, choosing the best origami paper will make the paper-folding process easier and the finished piece better looking. Thickness, color and texture all affect how paper will fold.
Before shopping for Japanese paper for origami, one should take some time to understand the basic paper terms. Washi simply refers to a special paper made from three Japanese fibers; it is also used for brush writing, print[print?:printing image graphic cutting solution] making and light shades. Chiyogami and yuzen are terms used somewhat interchangeably for screen-printed craft paper featuring a repeating pattern. Shibori papers are textured and printed with bright colors.
These Japanese papers are all designed for craft use and are thin enough for the crisp folds required by origami. Japanese origami papers come in packs of the square-cut sheets usually required by origami techniques, reducing the need to cut a new sheet before each folding session. These packs of paper are usually limited in size to a maximum of 12 inches (30.5 cm) square. Larger origami designs may require a special order of uncut sheets of washi or chiyogami.
