How to Make an Origami Crane | Written

Apr 22, 2021 | Art, drawing or painting, General Crafts, Paper crafts

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.

HOW TO MAKE AN ORIGAMI CRANE

 

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.

Origami crane

 

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
origami crane 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.

how to make an origami crane

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.

Steps on how to make an origami crane

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.

paper crane origami

 

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.

Use the search bar to find crafting ideas.

Popular Crafting Posts

Our Latest Crafting Posts

21 Elephant Origami Tutorials

21 Elephant Origami Tutorials

Let's express our love for these gentle giants through the art of origami. Making an elephant origami is not only a really cool craft skill, but it makes for a great present for your favorite origami lover. There are many different paper models to pick from, but it is...

18 Macrame Shopping Bags

18 Macrame Shopping Bags

I have always loved the look of macrame shopping bags. These macrame bags are not only cute but cut down on those single-use plastic sleeves we slide our veggies and fruits into at the grocery store. Just make sure you hide the junk food in a fabric tote right! But...

20 Origami Rose Tutorials

20 Origami Rose Tutorials

What could be more romantic than making paper roses? If you love a bunch of beautiful roses minus the price tag, you need to learn how to make an origami rose! These DIY roses are so pretty, and you can make one in less than 15 minutes! 20 Origami Rose Tutorials Once...

How to Sew a Patch in 6 Easy Steps

How to Sew a Patch in 6 Easy Steps

Learning how to sew a patch onto clothing and accessories is a fantastic way to mend and personalise items. Whether you need to fix a hole or add a decorative element, sewing a patch is a simple DIY project. Below, I will guide you through the step-by-step process of...

Types of Stretchy Fabrics

Types of Stretchy Fabrics

Stretchy fabrics have changed the way we dress and move. They have become a staple in many of our lives. These fabrics allow us to stay active while being comfortable and flexible. From athletic apparel to jeans and dresses, stretch fabrics have become an essential...

30 Micro Macrame Patterns

30 Micro Macrame Patterns

Micro macrame differs from regular macrame because the thickness of the materials used is much finer. Beautiful and infinitely versatile, these micro macrame projects show crafters how to capture the allure of this classic craft by combining it with braids, cords,...