Kirigami and origami are both traditional paper-folding crafts, but they differ in their techniques and outcomes.

Origami is the art of folding paper to create various shapes and forms without using any cuts or glue. It typically starts with a square piece of paper, and the goal is to transform it into a finished sculpture through folding techniques. Origami often represents objects, animals, or geometric patterns, and it emphasizes precision and symmetry.

On the other hand, kirigami incorporates cutting as well as folding. The word “kirigami” comes from the Japanese words “kiri” (cut) and “kami” (paper). In kirigami, paper is both folded and cut to create intricate designs. The cuts in kirigami allow for more complex and detailed designs, such as pop-up cards, architectural models, and decorative paper crafts.

While origami focuses on the folding process and achieving forms through strategic folds, kirigami adds dimension by incorporating cuts to enhance the design possibilities. Both crafts require skill and creativity, but kirigami offers more versatility in terms of the shapes and structures that can be achieved.