Origami, the Japanese art of paper folding, has captivated people worldwide with its intricate designs and symbolic meanings. Among the most popular origami figures is the crane, which represents luck, longevity, and happiness in Japanese culture. Folding an origami crane may seem daunting at first, but with a bit of patience and practice, anyone can master this beautiful craft.
In this comprehensive guide, we will provide detailed instructions on how to make an origami crane, complete with step-by-step illustrations. We will start with basic origami folds and gradually work our way towards the final crane design. So, gather your origami paper and let’s embark on this creative journey together!
Before we begin folding the crane, it’s important to understand a few basic origami folds. These fundamental folds will be used throughout the process, so take a moment to familiarize yourself with them. We will cover the preliminary fold, valley fold, mountain fold, and unfold in the next section.
directions to make origami crane
Follow these 8 steps to create a beautiful origami crane:
- Start with square paper
- Make preliminary folds
- Fold in half diagonally
- Unfold and squash fold
- Fold in half again
- Make bird base
- Fold wings and head
- Finish and enjoy
With practice and patience, you’ll be able to fold a graceful origami crane in no time.
Start with square paper
The foundation of your origami crane lies in the choice of paper. Select a square piece of origami paper that is thin and easy to fold. Traditional origami paper is a good option, but you can also use regular printer paper or any other thin, non-glossy paper.
- Paper size:
Choose a square piece of paper that is at least 6 inches by 6 inches. This size will allow you to fold a crane of a decent size.
- Color and pattern:
Origami cranes can be folded using paper of any color or pattern. However, solid colors are generally easier to work with, especially for beginners.
- Paper thickness:
Thinner paper is easier to fold and will produce a more delicate-looking crane. However, very thin paper can be difficult to handle and may tear easily.
- Paper quality:
Choose paper that is free of wrinkles, creases, or tears. These imperfections can make it difficult to fold the crane properly.
Once you have selected a suitable piece of paper, you are ready to begin folding your origami crane.
Make preliminary folds
Before you start folding the crane’s intricate details, you need to make some preliminary folds to create the basic structure. These folds will serve as the foundation for the rest of the origami process.
1. Square fold:
- Place the square paper in front of you, colored side up.
- Bring the bottom right corner to meet the top left corner, forming a triangle.
- Unfold the triangle.
2. Diagonal folds:
- Bring the top right corner to meet the bottom left corner, forming a new triangle.
- Unfold the triangle.
3. Squash fold:
- Hold the paper with both hands, with the colored side facing down.
- Squeeze the center of the paper inwards, forming a diamond shape.
- Unfold the diamond shape.
4. Unfolding and flattening:
- Unfold all the preliminary folds you made in steps 1 to 3.
- Flatten the paper completely, making sure there are no creases or wrinkles.
These preliminary folds create the foundation for the origami crane’s unique shape and structure. Once you have completed these folds accurately, you can move on to the next steps of folding the crane’s wings, head, and body.
Fold in half diagonally
After making the preliminary folds, it’s time to fold the paper in half diagonally to create the basic shape of the origami crane.
1. Fold the paper in half vertically:
- Hold the paper with the colored side facing up.
- Bring the right edge of the paper to meet the left edge, forming a vertical crease.
- Unfold the paper.
2. Fold the paper in half horizontally:
- Bring the top edge of the paper to meet the bottom edge, forming a horizontal crease.
- Unfold the paper.
3. Fold the paper in half diagonally from top right to bottom left:
- Bring the top right corner of the paper to meet the bottom left corner, forming a diagonal crease.
- Press the crease firmly with your fingernail or a bone folder.
4. Fold the paper in half diagonally from top left to bottom right:
- Bring the top left corner of the paper to meet the bottom right corner, forming a diagonal crease.
- Press the crease firmly with your fingernail or a bone folder.
These diagonal folds create the basic structure of the origami crane’s body and wings. Once you have completed these folds accurately, you can move on to the next steps of shaping the crane’s head, neck, and tail.
Unfold and squash fold
After folding the paper in half diagonally, you need to unfold and make a squash fold to create the basic shape of the origami crane’s wings.
- Unfold the diagonal folds:
Unfold the two diagonal folds you made in the previous step.
- Squash fold:
Hold the paper with both hands, with the colored side facing down.
Squeeze the center of the paper inwards, forming a diamond shape.
Unfold the diamond shape.
- Fold in half vertically and horizontally:
Fold the paper in half vertically and then unfold.
Fold the paper in half horizontally and then unfold.
- Squash fold again:
Make another squash fold as described in step 2.
These unfold and squash folds create the basic structure of the origami crane’s wings. Once you have completed these folds accurately, you can move on to the next steps of shaping the crane’s head, neck, and tail.
Fold in half again
After making the squash fold, you need to fold the paper in half again to create the basic shape of the origami crane’s body.
1. Fold the paper in half vertically:
- Hold the paper with the colored side facing up.
- Bring the right edge of the paper to meet the left edge, forming a vertical crease.
- Press the crease firmly with your fingernail or a bone folder.
2. Unfold the paper:
- Unfold the paper completely.
3. Fold the paper in half horizontally:
- Bring the top edge of the paper to meet the bottom edge, forming a horizontal crease.
- Press the crease firmly with your fingernail or a bone folder.
4. Unfold the paper:
- Unfold the paper completely.
These folds create the basic structure of the origami crane’s body. Once you have completed these folds accurately, you can move on to the next steps of shaping the crane’s head, neck, and tail.
Make bird base
Now that you have folded the paper in half again, you can create the bird base, which is the foundation for many origami birds, including the crane.
- Fold the top right corner down to the center crease:
Bring the top right corner of the paper down to meet the vertical crease in the center.
Press the crease firmly with your fingernail or a bone folder.
- Fold the top left corner down to the center crease:
Bring the top left corner of the paper down to meet the vertical crease in the center.
Press the crease firmly with your fingernail or a bone folder.
- Fold the right edge of the paper to the center crease:
Bring the right edge of the paper to meet the vertical crease in the center.
Press the crease firmly with your fingernail or a bone folder.
- Fold the left edge of the paper to the center crease:
Bring the left edge of the paper to meet the vertical crease in the center.
Press the crease firmly with your fingernail or a bone folder.
These folds create the basic structure of the bird base. Once you have completed these folds accurately, you can move on to the next steps of shaping the crane’s head, neck, and tail.
Fold wings and head
Now that you have created the bird base, you can start folding the wings and head of the origami crane.
1. Fold the top right flap down:
- Take the top right flap of the bird base and fold it down along the diagonal crease.
- Press the crease firmly with your fingernail or a bone folder.
2. Fold the top left flap down:
- Take the top left flap of the bird base and fold it down along the diagonal crease.
- Press the crease firmly with your fingernail or a bone folder.
3. Fold the right wing up:
- Take the right wing and fold it up along the horizontal crease.
- Press the crease firmly with your fingernail or a bone folder.
4. Fold the left wing up:
- Take the left wing and fold it up along the horizontal crease.
- Press the crease firmly with your fingernail or a bone folder.
These folds create the basic structure of the crane’s wings and head. Once you have completed these folds accurately, you can move on to the next steps of shaping the crane’s tail and body.
Finish and enjoy
You’re almost there! With a few final folds, you’ll have completed your origami crane.
- Fold the bottom up:
Bring the bottom edge of the paper up to meet the top edge, forming a triangle.
Press the crease firmly with your fingernail or a bone folder.
- Unfold the triangle:
Unfold the triangle completely.
- Fold the right and left edges to the center:
Bring the right and left edges of the paper to meet the center crease.
Press the creases firmly with your fingernail or a bone folder.
- Fold the top point down:
Bring the top point of the paper down to meet the bottom edge.
Press the crease firmly with your fingernail or a bone folder.
Congratulations! You have now completed your origami crane. Enjoy displaying your beautiful creation or gifting it to a loved one.
FAQ
If you have any questions about origami, feel free to check out this FAQ section. We’ve answered some of the most common questions to help you on your origami journey.
Question 1: What is origami?
Answer: Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding. It involves creating various shapes and figures by folding a single sheet of paper without using glue or scissors.
Question 2: What kind of paper is best for origami?
Answer: Thin, crisp paper like origami paper or kami is ideal for origami. You can also use other types of paper, but thicker paper may be more difficult to fold and may not hold its shape as well.
Question 3: Where can I learn origami?
Answer: There are many ways to learn origami. You can find books, videos, and online tutorials that teach you how to fold different origami figures. You can also join origami classes or workshops in your area.
Question 4: What are some easy origami figures for beginners?
Answer: Some easy origami figures for beginners include the paper airplane, the jumping frog, the origami crane, and the origami tulip. These figures require a few simple folds and are a great way to start your origami journey.
Question 5: What are some advanced origami figures?
Answer: As you become more proficient in origami, you can try more advanced figures such as the origami dragon, the origami rose, and the origami butterfly. These figures require more complex folds and techniques, but they are also incredibly rewarding to create.
Question 6: Where can I find inspiration for my origami creations?
Answer: There are many places where you can find inspiration for your origami creations. You can look at origami books and magazines, visit origami exhibitions, or simply observe the world around you. Nature, architecture, and everyday objects can all be sources of inspiration for origami artists.
We hope this FAQ section has answered some of your questions about origami. If you have any more questions, feel free to search online or ask an experienced origami artist for help.
Now that you have a better understanding of origami, you can start creating your own beautiful paper creations. Be sure to check out the following tips to help you improve your origami skills.
Tips
Here are a few practical tips to help you improve your origami skills and create beautiful paper creations:
Tip 1: Start with simple folds:
Don’t try to start with complex origami figures right away. Begin with simple folds and gradually work your way up to more challenging ones. This will help you build your skills and confidence.
Tip 2: Use high-quality paper:
The quality of the paper you use can make a big difference in the outcome of your origami project. Choose thin, crisp paper that folds easily and holds its shape well. Origami paper or kami is a great option.
Tip 3: Be patient and persistent:
Origami can be challenging, especially at first. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right away. Be patient and persistent, and keep practicing. The more you practice, the better you will become.
Tip 4: Use your creativity:
Origami is not just about following instructions. It’s also about using your creativity to come up with new and unique designs. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different folds and techniques to create your own origami masterpieces.
With a little practice and patience, you’ll be able to create stunning origami creations that will impress your friends and family. So grab a sheet of paper and start folding!
Now that you have some tips to help you improve your origami skills, you’re ready to start creating your own beautiful paper creations. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep folding and experimenting until you master the art of origami.
Conclusion
Origami, the ancient Japanese art of paper folding, is a fascinating and rewarding hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With just a single sheet of paper, you can create beautiful and intricate figures, from simple animals to complex geometric shapes. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced folder, there’s always something new to learn and explore in the world of origami.
In this comprehensive guide, we took you on a step-by-step journey to fold an origami crane, one of the most iconic origami figures. We also provided you with a FAQ section to answer some of the most common questions about origami and a tips section to help you improve your origami skills.
Remember, origami is all about patience, practice, and creativity. The more you practice, the better you will become at folding different origami figures. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different folds and techniques to create your own unique origami creations.
We hope this guide has inspired you to explore the wonderful world of origami. So grab a sheet of paper and start folding! Who knows, you might just discover a hidden talent for origami and create something truly amazing.
