How to Make a Paper Fortune Teller (Cootie Catcher) — Step-by-Step with Pictures
To make a paper fortune teller, you need one square sheet of paper, a pen, and about five minutes. Fold the corners into the center twice, crease the square in both directions, then open the four finger pockets and add colors, numbers, and fortunes. Scissors are only needed if you must trim rectangular paper into a square.
Updated September 2026
What You Need
- Paper: one square sheet
- Writing: a pen or marker
- Optional: scissors to make a square
How to Fold a Paper Fortune Teller Step by Step
Step 1
Start with square paper
Place one square sheet of paper flat in front of you. If you are using letter or A4 paper, trim it to a square first.
Step 2
Make two diagonal creases
Fold one corner to the opposite corner, crease, and unfold. Repeat with the other two corners so the creases form an X.
Step 3
Fold every corner to the center
Bring all four corners to the point where the diagonal creases meet. Press each fold firmly to make a smaller square.
Step 4
Flip the folded square over
Turn the entire piece over without unfolding it. Keep the square positioned like a diamond.
Step 5
Fold the corners to the center again
Bring all four new corners into the center and crease them. The result is another, smaller square.
Step 6
Crease it in half both ways
Fold the square in half, crease, and unfold. Turn it 90 degrees and repeat so the finished teller opens smoothly.
Step 7
Open the four finger pockets
Turn the paper over. Slide a thumb and index finger under each of the four square flaps.
Step 8
Add colors, numbers, and fortunes
Write one color on each outer flap, numbers 1–8 on the inner triangles, and one hidden fortune beneath each numbered flap.
Step 9
Shape the paper fortune teller
Push your fingers toward the center until the four points meet. Open and close it in alternating directions to play.
How to Play a Paper Fortune Teller
- 1
Ask the player to pick one of the four colors. Spell the color aloud, opening and closing the paper fortune teller once for each letter.
- 2
Ask the player to pick one of the four numbers now showing. Open and close the teller that many times.
- 3
Ask the player to choose a visible number again, then count it out the same way.
- 4
Ask for one final number. Lift that numbered flap and read the hidden fortune underneath.
No paper handy? Play the free paper fortune teller online.
What Is It Called in Other Countries?
Names vary between countries and even between regions within the same country.
| Name | Where it is used | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Cootie catcher | United States | A common American playground name. |
| Chatterbox | Australia and parts of the UK | Usage varies by region. |
| 东南西北 (dōng nán xī běi) | China | Literally “east, south, west, north.” |
| Comecocos | Spain | A standard Spanish name for the folded game. |
| Sacapiojos | Parts of Latin America | One documented regional Spanish name. |
What Should I Write Inside?
Keep each message short enough to fit under a flap. Browse 48 paper fortune teller ideas, including funny, positive, classroom, and party fortunes.
Paper Fortune Teller FAQ
How do you make a fortune teller step by step?
Start with square paper, make diagonal creases, fold all four corners to the center, flip the square, and fold the corners to the center again. Crease it in half both ways, open the four finger pockets, then add colors, numbers, and fortunes.
How do you use a paper fortune teller?
Ask someone to choose a color and spell it while opening and closing the teller. Have them choose and count two numbers, then choose a final number and lift that flap to read the fortune.
What size paper do I need?
Any square sheet works. A square cut from US Letter or A4 paper is easy to handle, while standard origami paper works without trimming.
What do you write inside a paper fortune teller?
Write four colors outside, numbers 1–8 inside, and eight short fortunes under the numbered flaps. Funny predictions, kind messages, and themed prompts all work well.
Can I make one without folding?
Yes. Origami Fortune has a free online paper fortune teller at https://origamifortune.com/play that works in your browser with no paper, printing, or folding.