How to Make a Cootie Catcher Fortune Teller: Easy Steps with Pictures

Looking for something fun to do at your next sleepover or whenever you’re hanging out with friends? Why not tell their fortunes? Cootie catchers (or paper fortune tellers) are a fun way to pass the time and come up with fun “future” scenarios. In this article, we’ll teach you all the steps to make and use your own cootie catcher. Your future awaits!

Cootie Catcher Instructions: Visual Overview

Illustration of a step-by-step diagram showing how to fold a cootie catcher (origami fortune teller).

Section 1 of 2:

How to Make a Paper Fortune Teller

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1
Cut a piece of paper into a square. Origami paper works best, but printer paper or construction paper will also work. If you’re starting with a rectangular piece of paper, fold it into a square by folding one corner diagonally across until the edges line up. There should be a long rectangular piece of unfolded paper left at the bottom, which you’ll then cut or tear off.^{[1]
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- Feel free to decorate the paper if you want to, but remember you’ll be writing your fortunes on it later!
With your paper now in the shape of a square, fold it in half so that the edges line up and you’re left with a rectangular shape. Crease the edge so that the fold is defined and secure. Then, unfold the paper back into its original square shape.^{[2]
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Fold your paper in half again, but this time in the opposite direction of the previous fold. Crease the fold to keep it in place, then unfold the square again. The square should have a large ‘X’ going through its center.^{[3]
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Work your way around the square, folding each of the corners in towards the center. There should be a rather defined center point as a result of your previous folding, so matching up the four corners should be easy. You’ll be left with a folded, smaller square/diamond shape.^{[4]
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Flip your folded paper over so that the previously folded corners are facing downwards and the flat, smooth top side of the paper is facing you. Repeat the previous step of folding all the corners inward to meet at the center. This will create another small square/diamond shape.^{[5]
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Your fortune teller is in the final stages of folding! Before you finish up the main shape, reassert the creases by folding the paper in half both directions. This will make the cootie catcher easier to open up.
Flip the paper back over, and there should be four small squares that are open at the corners. Pull these outwards, and the center should fold inwards a bit. Insert your fingers into the empty spaces. At this point, you’ve successfully made an origami fortune teller!^{[6]
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Add your fortunes and decorate your cootie catcher. Typically, there are 3 main sections of your fortune teller that need to be labeled. When you’re holding the fortune teller, label each of the 4 visible corner tabs with a color. Then, flatten out the catcher and label the inside tabs with a number. Lastly, open up each of the inner tabs and write a fortune under each number.^{[7]
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- For the outer tabs, either write the name of the color or draw a circle in that color.
- Your “fortunes” can be as simple or outrageous as you want! For example, write “You will win a million dollars” or “Something amazing is coming your way tomorrow.”
- Now that you’ve finished making your cootie catcher, continue to the next section to learn how to use it!

Section 2 of 2:

How to Play With a Cootie Catcher

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Slide your fingers under the tabs and have a friend pick a color. Spell out the color your friend chooses, opening the cootie catcher for each letter you say (you’ll alternate from front-to-back and side-to-side). When you say the last letter, leave the cootie catcher open to reveal the numbers inside.^{[8]
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Ask your friend to pick a number. The process is similar to the last step; when your friend picks a number, you’ll count to that number, opening and closing the fortune teller as you go. Leave the cootie catcher open when you finish counting.^{[9]
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Have them pick one more number, then reveal their fortune. This time, when your friend selects a number, open the flap and read the corresponding fortune. Fold the cootie catcher back up, and play as many times as you want!^{[10]
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How do I use a cootie catcher?

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Ask the player to pick a color, then spell the color's name. With each letter switch the cootie catcher's visible numbers by opening and closing your hand. once the color is spelled, ask them for a number. Count to that number, opening and closing your hand for each number counted. Do this again with a different number of their choosing. Then when done counting this number, open the corresponding flap.

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Would it be a bad idea to rig it to tell my crush I like them?

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Not at all, I think that's a very cute idea.

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Could I use construction paper?

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Yes, you can use construction paper. Make sure to use a thinner kind, as thicker ones don't really fold well.

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If you want to make miniature ones, don't use Post-its. The sticky edge will just get in the way while you fold and when you play.

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If you have a rectangular piece of paper, get a ruler and make the sizes equal.

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Experiment with very large cootie catchers and very small ones.

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Ask your teachers before bringing your fortune teller to class with you. Some schools ban fortune tellers in class because it's a distraction, but other schools might be ok with it as long as you're not using it in class.
Wanna snazz it up a bit? Use colorful paper! However, construction paper isn't suggested because it's harder to fold.

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