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How to Fold a Paper Crane
The origami crane is perfect as a gift or gift tag as a decoration, or as the
first step to making a senbazuru. The cranes are delicate, but surprisingly
easy (and fun) to fold, so don't hesitate to give this craft a try.
A finished crane,
suspended from the
ceiling
Steps
1
Start with a square sheet of paper. The front of your paper (the
side you want to show in the end) corresponds to the blue side of
the paper in the photo. The hidden back of the paper is white in the
photo.
Start with a square
sheet of paper.
2
Fold the paper in half, into a rectangle. Be sure to crease your
folds crisply.
Fold the paper in
half, into a rectangle.
3
Unfold, and fold in half the other way.
Note that the
previous crease is
perpendicular to this
one.
4
Unfold your rectangle. Turn the paper over and fold in half into a
triangle. You should see the back of your paper. Unfold and repeat
along the other diagonal.
Unfold your
rectangle.
5
Unfold your paper and turn it back over. You should see the
diagonal creases create "valleys" and the perpendicular creases
create "mountains".
Unfold your paper
and turn it back over.
6
Bring the corners together. Allow the valley creases to meet in the
middle.
Bring the corners
together.
7
Align the square. By flattening two opposite sides, you should find
yourself with a square that is open on the bottom. Make sure your
square is rotated so that the opening is on the bottom, as shown in
the picture.
You should have
a vertical crease
running down the
middle of your
square
8
Bring the right corner of the top flap to the middle crease, so
that the lower right edge lines up with the crease.
Bring the right
corner of the top flap
to the middle crease,
so that the lower
right edge lines up
with the crease.
9
Repeat this action on the left, so that the top looks like a kite.
Repeat this action
on the left, so that
the top looks like a
kite.
10
Fold down the top corner to make the crease lie along the
horizontal line created in the previous two steps.
It should look like
a gem
11
Unfold. In doing so, you return to having a square with an opening
facing down.
Unfold.
12
Take the bottom corner of the square and start to fold it up
along the horizontal crease you made in the previous two steps.
Take the bottom
corner of the square
and start to fold it up
along the horizontal
crease you made in
the previous two
steps.
13
As you fold, note the four diagonal creases on the inside that
you made earlier. You will need to reverse the two creases on the
upper flap. To reverse a crease, fold it in the opposite direction that
it naturally folds.
As you fold, note
the four diagonal
creases on the
inside that you made
earlier.
14
Bring the outer edges to the middle and flatten, so that you have
a diamond.
Bring the outer
edges to the middle
and flatten, so that
you have a diamond.
15
Turn your paper over, and repeat the previous five steps.
Turn your
paper over, and
repeat the
previous five
steps.
16
Fold the edges to the middle crease.
Fold the
edges to the
middle crease.
17
Repeat on the other side.
Repeat
on the
other side.
18
Fold the right flap over to the left (in the same manner as turning the
page of a book). Turn over and repeat on the back.
Fold the
right flap over
to the left (in
the same
manner as
turning the
page of a
book).
19
Take the bottom tip of the top flap and fold it up to the top corner.
Turn over and repeat on the other side.
Take the
bottom tip of
the top flap
and fold it up
to the top
corner.
20
Fold the right flap over to the left (in the same manner as turning
the page of a book). Turn over and repeat on the back. Now the head
and tail are nestled in between what will become the wings.
Fold the right
flap over to the
left (in the same
manner as
turning the page
of a book).
21
Fold the wings down so that they are perpendicular to the body,
head and tail.
Fold the
wings down so
that they are
perpendicular to
the body, head
and tail.
22
Fold the tip of the head down.
Fold the tip of the
head down.
23
Pull the head and tail out so that they line up with the outer
edges of the body.
Pull the head and
tail out so that they
line up with the outer
edges of the body.
24
Create 3D volume. If you want a three dimensional body, you can
grasp the opposite corners on the bottom of the body and gently pull
to create the desired volume.
Create 3D volume.
25
Give away, hang, string, or simply enjoy!
Video
Tips
Thinner paper, and paper made specifically for origami work best. Tissue-thin paper is hard
to work with, but creates beautiful translucent cranes.
Experiment with patterns and textures. The scrapbooking section of a craft store is full of
paper for any occasion. Other stores in which to find paper include newsagents, stationery
stores, dollar stores and toy stores.
The best way to hang a crane is to place a string through the hole in the bottom and the
middle of the body, where all the creases cross.
This is a popular origami design. If there is a step you are having a lot of trouble with, try
searching for "origami crane" in a search engine. Sometimes a new perspective on the step is
all you need.
If you are planning on taking your crane somewhere, save the last step until after the trip in
your backpack, pocket, purse, etc. Flat cranes pack better, and you don't have to worry about
them getting crushed.
For a neat trick to impress your friends, fold or tear a Starburst wrapper into a square. Then
use it to make a crane.
Consider using recycled paper; it's better for the environment.
Things You'll Need
A square sheet of paper
A flat surface
Something to crease folds, such as fingernails or a ruler
Plenty of patience-- you may need to try this design a few times before you get it.
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