How to Make Cootie Catchers Using Plain Printer Paper

Learning how to make cootie catchers using plain printer paper is a fun, affordable, and easy craft project for kids, beginners, parents, and teachers. You do not need special origami paper or expensive craft supplies. A regular sheet of printer paper can be transformed into a classic paper fortune teller with just a few folds and some creativity.

Cootie catchers have been popular for generations because they combine a simple paper craft with an interactive game. Once finished, players can choose colors, numbers, questions, funny challenges, or hidden messages.

In this guide, you will learn how to make a cootie catcher from ordinary printer paper, decorate it, add your own messages, and play the game with friends or family.

What Is a Cootie Catcher?

A cootie catcher is a folded paper game that is also commonly called a paper fortune teller. It has four outer sections that open and close using your fingers.

Inside the folded paper, you can write numbers and hidden messages. During the game, one player chooses colors and numbers while another person operates the paper fortune teller.

Can You Make a Cootie Catcher With Printer Paper?

Yes. Plain printer paper works very well for making a cootie catcher.

Standard printer paper is usually rectangular, so the first step is turning it into a square. Once you have a square sheet, the folding process is similar to making a traditional paper fortune teller.

Printer paper is also useful because it is inexpensive and easy to find. You can use white paper for a classic look or decorate it with markers and colored pencils.

Materials You Need

To make your paper fortune teller, gather these simple supplies:

One sheet of plain printer paper
Scissors
Pencil
Colored pencils or markers
Ruler, if needed
Stickers for decoration, optional

You do not need glue or tape.

If children are making the craft, an adult can help with cutting the paper into a square.

Step 1: Turn the Printer Paper Into a Square

Place the rectangular printer paper horizontally on a flat surface.

Take one corner and fold it diagonally toward the opposite edge. Line up the edges carefully.

You should now have a large triangular section and a smaller rectangular section remaining.

Crease the diagonal fold firmly.

Use scissors to cut away the extra rectangular section.

When you unfold the remaining piece, you should have a square.

This step is important because a square sheet makes the rest of the cootie catcher folding process easier.

Step 2: Fold the Paper Diagonally

Place your square paper flat.

Fold one corner toward the opposite corner to create a triangle.

Press the fold firmly, then open the paper.

Repeat the process with the other two corners.

When you unfold the paper, you should see two diagonal creases crossing in the center.

These lines help you locate the center point for the next folds.

Step 3: Fold the Four Corners to the Center

Take each corner of the square and fold it toward the center.

Try to make all four corners meet at approximately the same point.

Press each fold firmly.

The paper should now look like a smaller square divided into four sections.

Take your time during this step because even folds will help the finished cootie catcher operate smoothly.

Step 4: Flip the Paper Over

Turn the folded square over.

You should now see another square shape.

Take each corner and fold it toward the center again.

Press down on all four creases.

Your paper should become a smaller square with several overlapping folds.

This structure will eventually become the four finger pockets of your paper fortune teller.

Step 5: Create the Finger Pockets

Fold the square in half horizontally.

Open it, then fold it vertically.

Open it again.

These creases make it easier to manipulate the cootie catcher.

Place your thumbs and index fingers underneath the four sections.

Gently push the paper inward and move the sections back and forth.

The fortune teller should open and close.

If it feels stiff, carefully work the folds back and forth until the paper moves more easily.

Step 6: Decorate the Outside

Now you can personalize your cootie catcher made from printer paper.

On the four outer sections, write four different colors.

For example:

Red
Blue
Green
Yellow

You can also draw simple symbols instead of using colors.

Try stars, hearts, flowers, animals, smiley faces, or geometric shapes.

Because plain printer paper is white, you have plenty of space to create your own design.

Step 7: Add Numbers

Open the four outer flaps.

You should see another set of sections underneath.

Write numbers from 1 to 8 across the visible sections.

The numbers will be used during gameplay.

Make sure each number is easy to read.

You can use a marker for bold numbers or colored pencils for a softer appearance.

Step 8: Write the Hidden Messages

Under the numbered sections, write your secret messages.

This is where you can make the game unique.

Try adding funny fortunes, questions, challenges, or positive messages.

Examples include:

Tell a funny joke.
Name three animals.
What is your favorite food?
Give someone a compliment.
Do your funniest dance move.
What is your favorite hobby?
Say something positive.
Name your favorite movie.

For children, make sure the messages are friendly, simple, and age-appropriate.

How to Play Your Cootie Catcher

Once your paper fortune teller is complete, ask another player to choose one of the colors on the outside.

Move the cootie catcher back and forth while spelling the selected color.

Next, ask the player to choose a visible number.

Open and close the fortune teller according to that number.

Then ask the player to select another number.

Open the corresponding flap and reveal the hidden message.

The player can then answer the question or complete the challenge.

Repeat the process with other players.

Cootie Catcher Ideas for Different Occasions

One advantage of using plain printer paper is that you can create a different design for every occasion.

Classroom Cootie Catcher

Teachers can use the game as an educational activity.

Write math questions, vocabulary words, spelling challenges, or trivia inside.

This turns a simple paper game into an interactive learning tool.

Birthday Party Cootie Catcher

Use colorful markers and birthday-themed drawings.

Add fun challenges and questions related to birthdays and celebrations.

Friendship Cootie Catcher

Create questions that help friends learn more about each other.

You could ask about favorite foods, hobbies, movies, or dream destinations.

Family Cootie Catcher

Create messages that encourage family members to talk, laugh, and participate in simple activities together.

Tips for Making a Better Cootie Catcher

Follow these tips to make your paper fortune teller easier to fold and play.

Use clean paper. A fresh sheet of printer paper creates a smoother finished product.

Make sharp creases. Firm folds help the paper maintain its shape.

Do not rush. Carefully matching the corners can improve the final result.

Decorate before playing. Drawing and writing are easier when the paper is flat.

Practice the movement. Open and close the cootie catcher several times before playing.

Keep the messages short. Short sentences are easier to read in the small sections.

Why Use Plain Printer Paper?

There are several advantages to using ordinary printer paper.

First, it is inexpensive and widely available.

Second, it is easy to write on with pencils, markers, and crayons.

Third, children can experiment freely without worrying about wasting expensive craft paper.

Printer paper also provides a blank canvas for creative designs.

If the first attempt does not work perfectly, simply take another sheet and try again.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to make cootie catchers using plain printer paper is a simple craft that combines creativity, folding, and interactive play. You do not need special materials or advanced origami skills. A standard sheet of printer paper is enough to create a classic paper fortune teller.

Once you understand the basic folding technique, you can customize your cootie catcher with colors, numbers, drawings, questions, jokes, and challenges.

Whether you are making one for a classroom, birthday party, family activity, or a fun afternoon with friends, this classic paper game is an easy project for beginners.

So grab a sheet of plain printer paper, a few colorful markers, and your imagination. Follow the steps above and create your own DIY cootie catcher today!

Penulis: Shofiya M.P