Probably one of the most classic and popular origami pattern is the paper origami crane. Follow our step-by-step tutorial, to learn how to make an origami crane. When people think about origami, they often picture a paper origami crane.
If you have never tried origami, the crane can be a difficult project to start with. It is complicated and recommended for an intermediate to advanced level origamist.
What is Origami
Origami is also referred to as orikata. It is the art of folding paper. The history can be traced back to the 15th century, although it is known to have originated before then. Many popular patterns for origami include flowers, butterflies and birds.
But origami goes way past these common designs. You can find patterns for pop culture characters, wildlife and dragons. If you can imagine it, it can be most likely be created using origami.
The traditional paper origami crane is probably the most famous pattern.
Paper Origami Crane Instructions
Before you begin, you will need a few basic supplies:
- A square sheet of paper. One side white, the other side coloured.
- Bone Folder (optional). Use this to make the folds crisp.
- Instructions
How to make an origami crane:
1. Place your paper with the decorative/colour side facing up.
2. Fold the paper diagonally. You will now have a white triangle.
3. Unfold the paper. There will be a crease.
4. Now fold it diagonally in the opposite direction.
5. Unfold the paper. You will now have 2 creases forming an X.
6. Turn the paper over so the white side is facing up.
7. Fold it in half horizontally.
8. Unfold the paper. Now there will be a crease through the X.
9. Now fold it horizontally in the opposite direction.
10. Unfold the paper. You now have a + and an X.
11. Take the bottom left corner and top right corner and pull together.
12. This will cause the premade folds to close the piece.
13. Press down on it so it is a flat square.
14. Place the open end towards you.
15. Take the right point (top layer) and fold it to the centre crease making a triangle.
16. Do the same thing with the left point.
17. Fold the top point down over the 2 previous folds.
18. Unfold the 3 previous folds.
19. Pull the bottom point (one layer) up along the crease.
20. Fold the left and right points (one layer) to the centre.
21. Turn it over.
22.Take the right point and fold it to the centre crease making a triangle.
23. Do the same thing with the left point.
24. Fold down the small triangle over the top of the two folds you just made.
25. Unfold the last 3 folds.
26. Pull the bottom point (one layer) up along the crease.
27. Fold the left and right points (one layer) to the centre.
28. Take the right point and fold it to the centre crease making a triangle.
29. Do the same thing with the left point.
30. Turn it over.
31. Take the right point and fold it to the centre crease making a triangle.
32. Do the same thing with the left point.
33. Take the bottom right point and fold it under the back. Aim it up and slightly out towards the right. Make sure it is well creased.
34. Unfold it and fold it over the front using the same crease. Make sure it is well creased.
35. Unfold it.
36. Take the bottom right point and fold it under the back. Aim it up and slightly out towards the right. Make sure it is well creased.
37. Unfold it and fold it over the front using the same crease. Make sure it is well creased.
38. Unfold it.
39. Take the right “leg” and pull it up to the side along the crease you just made. Reverse the fold.
40. Take the left “leg” and pull it up to the side along the crease you just made. Reverse the fold.
41. Create the crane’s head by folding the tip of the right arm down about 1/3 way. Make sure it is well creased.
42. Fold the tip over to the other side along the same crease. Crease it again.
43. Unfold it.
44. Use the crease you created to fold the head forward. This will make a reverse fold.
45. Finish the crane by folding down the wings.
46. Flattening the top of the body if you want to. This step is completely optional.
47. Now you know how to make an origami crane.
By learning these steps on how to make an origami crane, you can now make your own paper origami crane.
After making one, share a photo of your paper crane origami with us on our Facebook Page. We’d love to see it. Also, learn how to make an Origami Paper Boat here.
If you want more decor crafting ideas, be sure to see DIY Wood Slice Photo Transfer and Wine Glass Candle Holders.
Origami is a hobby that has been around for hundreds of years. It can be enjoyed by the young and old alike. There are easy patterns and complex patterns. It can be fun no matter your level of expertise.
We hope our how to make an origami crane tutorial helped you create your first origami crane.
