Fold a Paper Crane

The origami crane is perfect as a gift, 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. If you want to know how to do it, just follow these steps.

Steps

  1. Find a blank square sheet of paper. If you're working with square origami paper, that's great. Fold it so the color is facing out. If you have an ordinary piece of printer paper, just fold one of the top corners across the paper until it aligns with the bottom edge of the sheet, leaving a long strip of rectangular paper. Cut the strip to make the paper square.
  2. Make a Mountain Fold (Origami) into a rectangle.
  3. Fold the top of the paper down until the top edge aligns with bottom edge of the paper and then crease. Unfold the paper.
  4. Fold it in half the other way.
  5. Fold vertically from right to left.
  6. Crease, then unfold. You should end up with a cross crease.
  7. Fold the top right corner down to the bottom left corner.
  8. Crease, then unfold.
  9. Fold the top left corner down to the bottom right corner.
  10. Crease, then unfold. You should end up with an asterisk-like crease.
  11. Bring the lower right side of the top flap to the middle line. Crease. Repeat on the lower left side. You'll have a top that resembles a kite.
  12. Bring the right corner of the top flap to the middle crease. This will make it so that the lower right edge lines up with the crease.
  13. Fold down the top corner to make the crease lie along the horizontal line created by the previous step.
  14. Unfold the last three folds. After you do this, you'll return to having a square with an opening that faces down.
  15. Fold the bottom corner of the square up along the horizontal crease from the previous steps up to the top corner.
  16. Reverse the two creases on the upper flap by folding it in the opposite direction that it naturally folds.
  17. Bring the outer edges of the paper to the middle and flatten it. This will create a diamond shape with two flaps sticking out on the right and left sides.
  18. Turn the paper over and repeat steps 6-9 on this side.
  19. Fold the outer edges of the diamond to the middle crease.
  20. Fold the right flap over to the left. Do this as you would turn the page of a book.
  21. Turn over the shape. Repeat on this side. Then fold the right flap over to the left again.
  22. Fold the bottom tip of the top flap up to the top corner. Turn over and repeat on the other side.
  23. Fold the right flap over to the left. Again, do this as you would turn the page of a book.
  24. Turn over and repeat on the back. Now the head and tail are nestled in between what will become the wings.
  25. Fold the wings down so that they are perpendicular to the body, head, and tail.
  26. Fold the tip of the head down.
  27. Pull the head and tail out so that they line up with the outer edges of the body.
  28. Create 3D volume. If you want a three dimensional body, grasp the opposite corners on the bottom of the body and gently pull the shape to create the desired volume. Or you can blow in the hole at the bottom of the crane.
  29. Enjoy your paper crane. You can give away the crane, hang it up, or use it as a decoration.



Tips

  • 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.
  • Consider using recycled paper; it's better for the environment.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • You can make amazing additions to your living room by making your paper crane into a string of them.
  • Thinner paper and paper made specifically for origami work best. Tissue-thin paper is hard to work with, but creates beautiful translucent cranes.
  • Cranes make wonderful gifts.
  • Try making it with foil for a metallic crane.
  • For a neat trick to impress your friends, fold or tear a Starburst wrapper into a square. Then use it to make a crane.
  • Do not use paper that is ripped. To achieve the elegance and proper shape of the Crane, straight edges are crucial.
  • When you are working and get frustrated, put on soft music or take a break.

Things You'll Need

  • A square sheet of paper
  • A flat surface
  • A ruler or bone folder to crease the folds (optional)

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