Folding An Origami Crane

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Introduction

Folding an origami crane is a traditional Japanese paper-folding art that symbolizes peace, hope, and healing. The crane, or "orizuru," is one of the most classic and recognized origami models. This guide will walk you through each step in detail, ensuring that even beginners can successfully create a beautiful paper crane. Origami cranes are often made for gifts, decorations, or as part of the thousand cranes legend, which promises a wish to those who fold 1,000 cranes.

Time Estimate

Approximately 10–20 minutes for beginners
5–10 minutes for experienced folders

Materials

1 sheet of square origami paper (15x15 cm recommended)
- Cost: €0.10–€0.50 per sheet (origami paper packs are usually €3–€8 for 50–100 sheets)
Optional: Bone folder or ruler for sharper creases (€1–€3)
Clean, flat working surface (no cost)
Total estimated cost: €0.10–€3.50

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare Your Paper

Place your square origami paper on a clean, flat surface with the colored side facing down.
Ensure your hands are clean and dry to avoid staining the paper.
If using a bone folder or ruler, keep it nearby for making sharp creases.

2. Fold Diagonally in Both Directions

Fold the paper in half diagonally to form a triangle, crease well, then unfold.
Rotate the paper and fold along the other diagonal, crease, and unfold again.
You should now see an “X” crease pattern on the paper.

Folding the paper diagonally in both directions

3. Fold Horizontally and Vertically

Fold the paper in half horizontally (edge to edge), crease, and unfold.
Fold in half vertically (other edge to edge), crease, and unfold.
The paper should now have a star-like crease pattern with both diagonals and straight lines.

Folding the paper horizontally and vertically

4. Collapse into a Square Base

Hold the paper at the center and gently bring the diagonal creases together.
Push the horizontal and vertical creases inward so the paper collapses into a smaller square (preliminary base), with open flaps at the bottom.
Flatten the square base, aligning all corners neatly.

5. Fold the Lower Edges to the Center (Kite Folds)

Position the square base so the open end faces you.
Fold the right lower edge to the center crease, forming a kite shape, and crease well.
Repeat with the left lower edge to the center, then unfold both sides.

Folding the lower edges to the center to create kite folds

6. Fold the Top Triangle Down and Unfold

Fold the top triangle (above the kite folds) down along the top edge of the kite folds, creasing sharply.
Unfold the triangle and the kite folds to return to the square base.
This step prepares the paper for the next inside reverse fold.

Folding the top triangle down and unfolding

7. Open the Flap and Squash Fold (Petal Fold)

Lift the top layer of the bottom point and gently open it upwards.
As you lift, use the creases to guide the sides inward along the existing folds, forming a long diamond shape.
Flatten the new shape, ensuring all edges are aligned.

Opening the flap and performing a petal fold

8. Repeat Kite and Petal Folds on the Other Side

Flip the model over to the other side.
Repeat the kite folds: fold both lower edges to the center, crease, and unfold.
Fold the top triangle down, crease, unfold, then perform the petal fold as before to form a symmetrical diamond shape.

Repeating kite and petal folds on the other side

9. Fold the Sides to the Center (Slimming the Body)

With the long diamond shape pointing up, fold the right lower edge to the center line and crease.
Fold the left lower edge to the center and crease.
Flip the model over and repeat on the other side, resulting in a narrow, elongated diamond.

Folding the sides to the center to slim the body

10. Fold Up the Legs (Forming the Head and Tail)

Take the lower right flap (one layer only) and fold it up as far as it will go, aligning with the center.
Repeat with the lower left flap, folding it up to match the right.
Flip the model over and repeat with the flaps on the other side.

Folding up the legs to form the head and tail

11. Inside Reverse Fold the Head and Tail

Choose one of the thin flaps to be the head.
Open the tip slightly, then perform an inside reverse fold to bend the tip down, forming the crane’s head.
Leave the other flap straight for the tail.

Inside reverse folding the tip to create the crane’s head

12. Form the Wings

Hold the body of the crane with one hand.
Gently pull down the top flaps (wings) on each side, so they are perpendicular to the body.
Adjust the wings and body to make the crane stand upright.

Pulling down the wings to complete the origami crane

Tips

Use thinner origami paper for easier and crisper folds, especially for beginners.
Make sure to crease each fold sharply for a neater and more stable crane.
Practice with scrap paper before using expensive or decorative origami paper.