Origami crane is a classic paper folding project that has been enjoyed by people of all ages for centuries. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced folder, this easy-to-follow guide will guide you through the steps of creating a beautiful paper crane.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, folding an origami crane is also a relaxing and meditative activity that can help develop your patience and focus. So, gather your square piece of paper and let’s begin our journey into the world of origami.
Now that you have an understanding of the basic steps, you can practice constructing an origami crane. Remember to take your time and carefully follow each step to ensure a successful outcome.
origami crane folding instructions
Simple steps, beautiful outcome.
- Choose square paper.
- Fold in half diagonally.
- Fold in half again.
- Unfold last two folds.
- Fold top corners to center.
- Flip and repeat steps.
- Unfold and squash flat.
- Fold in half.
- Fold wings and shape.
Enjoy your paper crane!
Choose square paper.
The first step in origami crane folding is to choose the right paper. While you can use any paper, square paper is ideal for this project as it ensures symmetrical and precise folds.
- 1. Standard size:
A standard square paper size for origami is 15 cm x 15 cm (6 inches x 6 inches). This size is suitable for beginners and allows for easy folding.
- 2. Color and design:
Origami paper comes in a variety of colors and patterns. Choose a color or design that appeals to you and matches the occasion or purpose of your origami crane.
- 3. Paper thickness:
For origami crane folding, it is recommended to use paper that is not too thick or too thin. Medium-weight paper, such as origami paper or cardstock, is a good choice as it holds creases well and is easy to fold.
- 4. Specialty paper:
If you want to add a touch of elegance or uniqueness to your origami crane, you can use specialty paper, such as metallic paper, marbled paper, or handmade paper.
Once you have chosen the right square paper, you are ready to embark on your origami crane folding journey.
Fold in half diagonally.
The next step is to fold the square paper in half diagonally, creating a triangle shape.
To do this:
- Place the square paper in front of you, with one corner pointing towards you.
- Bring the opposite corner down and to the right, so that the two corners meet at the center of the square.
- Press along the diagonal crease to flatten it.
- Unfold the paper, returning it to its original square shape.
This diagonal fold creates a guideline that will help you make precise and symmetrical folds later in the process.
Repeat the diagonal fold in the opposite direction, bringing the opposite corner down and to the left. Press along the crease to flatten it. Unfold the paper again.
Now, you should have two diagonal creases intersecting at the center of the square. These creases will serve as guides for the next steps of folding the origami crane.
Once you have completed the diagonal folds, you are ready to proceed to the next step: folding in half again.
Fold in half again.
After making the two diagonal folds, the next step is to fold the square paper in half again, this time horizontally.
To do this:
- Orient the square paper so that one of the diagonal creases is vertical and the other is horizontal.
- Bring the top edge of the paper down and align it with the bottom edge.
- Press along the horizontal crease to flatten it.
- Unfold the paper, returning it to its previous shape.
This horizontal fold creates a new crease that intersects the center of the square and the two diagonal creases.
Repeat the horizontal fold in the opposite direction, bringing the bottom edge of the paper up and aligning it with the top edge. Press along the crease to flatten it. Unfold the paper again.
Now, you should have two horizontal creases intersecting at the center of the square and crossing the diagonal creases.
These folds divide the square paper into four equal quadrants, which will be used to form the wings and body of the origami crane.
Unfold last two folds.
After making the two horizontal folds, the next step is to unfold the last two folds, returning the paper to its original square shape.
To do this:
- Locate the two horizontal creases that you made in the previous step.
- Gently unfold the paper along these creases, bringing the top and bottom edges back to their original positions.
- Press along the creases to flatten the paper.
The paper should now be unfolded and returned to its square shape, with the two diagonal creases still visible.
Unfolding the last two folds creates a new set of creases that will be used to form the wings and body of the origami crane.
With the last two folds unfolded, you are ready to proceed to the next step: folding the top corners to the center.
Fold top corners to center.
The next step is to fold the top corners of the square paper to the center.
- 1. Locate the top corners:
Orient the square paper so that one of the diagonal creases is vertical and the other is horizontal. The top corners are the two corners that are directly above the center of the square.
- 2. Fold the top left corner:
Bring the top left corner down and fold it towards the center of the square. Align the edge of the folded corner with the vertical diagonal crease.
- 3. Fold the top right corner:
Do the same with the top right corner, folding it down and towards the center of the square. Align the edge of the folded corner with the vertical diagonal crease.
- 4. Press and flatten:
Press along the creases to flatten the folded corners and ensure sharp and precise folds.
Folding the top corners to the center creates two triangular flaps that will eventually form the head and tail of the origami crane.
Flip and repeat steps.
After folding the top corners to the center, the next step is to flip the paper over and repeat the same steps on the other side.
To do this:
- Flip the paper over so that the folded corners are now facing down.
- Locate the top corners of the paper, which are now at the bottom.
- Fold the top left corner down and towards the center of the square, aligning it with the vertical diagonal crease.
- Fold the top right corner down and towards the center of the square, aligning it with the vertical diagonal crease.
- Press along the creases to flatten the folded corners.
You have now folded the top corners to the center on both sides of the paper.
This step creates the basic shape of the origami crane, with two triangular flaps at the top and two triangular flaps at the bottom.
Unfold and squash flat.
After folding the top corners to the center on both sides, the next step is to unfold the paper and squash it flat.
To do this:
- Unfold the top flaps that you just folded in the previous step.
- Turn the paper over and unfold the other top flaps.
- Lay the paper flat on a table or work surface.
- Using your hands, gently press and flatten the paper, making sure that all the creases are sharp and well-defined.
Squashing the paper flat helps to set the creases and prepare the paper for the next steps of folding.
Once you have unfolded and flattened the paper, you will notice that it has a diamond shape with four triangular flaps extending from the center.
Fold in half.
After unfolding and flattening the paper, the next step is to fold it in half.
To do this:
- Orient the paper so that the diamond shape is facing you.
- Bring the top edge of the paper down and align it with the bottom edge.
- Press along the crease to flatten it.
- Unfold the paper, returning it to its previous shape.
This horizontal fold creates a new crease that divides the diamond shape in half.
Repeat the horizontal fold in the opposite direction, bringing the bottom edge of the paper up and aligning it with the top edge. Press along the crease to flatten it. Unfold the paper again.
Now, you should have two horizontal creases intersecting at the center of the diamond shape.
Folding the paper in half helps to define the center line of the origami crane and prepare it for the next steps of folding the wings and shaping the body.
Fold wings and shape.
After folding the paper in half, the next step is to fold the wings and shape the body of the origami crane.
To fold the wings:
- Locate the two horizontal creases that you made in the previous step.
- Fold the top right corner down and to the left, aligning the edge of the folded corner with the left horizontal crease.
- Fold the top left corner down and to the right, aligning the edge of the folded corner with the right horizontal crease.
- Press along the creases to flatten the wings.
To shape the body:
- Fold the bottom edge of the paper up and towards the center, aligning the edge of the folded part with the horizontal crease that you made earlier.
- Fold the top edge of the paper down and towards the center, aligning the edge of the folded part with the same horizontal crease.
- Press along the creases to flatten the body.
Once you have folded the wings and shaped the body, your origami crane is complete.
FAQ
Have questions about the art of origami? Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to help you on your origami journey:
Question 1: What is origami?
Answer: Origami is the art of paper folding, which originated in Japan. It involves transforming a flat sheet of paper into a variety of shapes and forms through folding and sculpting techniques, without the use of glue or scissors.
Question 2: What are the benefits of origami?
Answer: Origami offers numerous benefits, including improved hand-eye coordination, enhanced spatial reasoning, and increased focus and concentration. It also promotes creativity, patience, and problem-solving skills.
Question 3: What type of paper is best for origami?
Answer: Origami paper is specially designed for folding and is typically thin, lightweight, and has good folding properties. However, you can also use regular paper, such as printer paper or wrapping paper, for simple origami projects.
Question 4: Where can I learn origami?
Answer: There are many resources available to learn origami, including books, online tutorials, and classes. You can also find origami communities and clubs where you can connect with other enthusiasts and learn from experienced folders.
Question 5: What are some popular origami folds?
Answer: Some popular origami folds include the crane, the lotus flower, the fish, the boat, and the airplane. These folds are often used as a starting point for more complex origami creations.
Question 6: What are some tips for beginners in origami?
Answer: Start with simple folds and gradually progress to more complex ones. Be patient and persistent, as origami can be challenging at first. Use precise and sharp folds to ensure clean and accurate results. Experiment with different types of paper and folding techniques to discover your own style.
Remember, origami is a journey of exploration and creativity. With practice and dedication, you can create beautiful and intricate origami pieces that will impress and inspire others.
Now that you have a better understanding of origami, let’s explore some additional tips to enhance your origami experience.
Tips
Here are some practical tips to enhance your origami experience and help you create beautiful and intricate origami pieces:
Tip 1: Start with simple folds:
Begin your origami journey with simple folds that will help you understand the basic techniques and build your confidence. As you become more comfortable, gradually progress to more complex and challenging folds.
Tip 2: Choose the right paper:
The choice of paper can greatly impact your origami creations. Origami paper is ideal for folding as it is thin, lightweight, and holds creases well. However, you can also use regular paper or other materials like fabric or metalįŽ for unique effects.
Tip 3: Use precise and sharp folds:
When folding, make sure to use precise and sharp folds. This will ensure clean and accurate results and help you achieve the desired shape. Use your fingernails or a bone folder to create crisp and well-defined creases.
Tip 4: Experiment and have fun:
Origami is a creative art form, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of paper, folding techniques, and designs. Try combining different folds to create your own unique creations. The possibilities are endless!
Remember, practice and patience are key to mastering the art of origami. With dedication and a willingness to learn, you can create stunning origami pieces that will amaze and inspire others.
As you continue your origami journey, you will discover the immense satisfaction and joy that comes from creating beautiful and intricate paper sculptures. Origami is a wonderful way to express your creativity, challenge your mind, and connect with the world around you.
Conclusion
Origami, the art of paper folding, is a fascinating and rewarding creative pursuit that offers numerous benefits and brings joy to people of all ages and backgrounds.
In this article, we explored the basics of origami crane folding, providing step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to guide you through the process. We also discussed the importance of choosing the right paper, making precise folds, and experimenting with different techniques.
Origami is a wonderful way to express your creativity, challenge your mind, and connect with the world around you. It promotes patience, focus, and problem-solving skills, while also providing a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction as you create beautiful and intricate paper sculptures.
Whether you are a beginner just starting your origami journey or an experienced folder looking for new challenges, there is always something to learn and discover in this captivating art form. So, embrace your creativity, pick up a piece of paper, and let the world of origami unfold before you.
Remember, the true beauty of origami lies in the process itself. Take your time, enjoy each fold, and let the magic of paper come to life in your hands.
