How to Make a Origami Paper Crane

Origami is a time honored Japanese art, involving folding paper in special ways to create a variety of 3 dimensional objects, such as animal imitations, boxes, and toys. One of the most popular origami designs is the paper crane. The crane is a symbol of peace, longevity and happiness in Japanese culture, and it is believed that if you make 1000 cranes, a wish of yours will be granted.

In this instruction set I will teach you how to make an origami paper crane. These instructions do not require any prior knowledge about origami techniques to complete, and is open to all ages. This procedure will bring you through a step-by-step guide on how to make the crane. This will take approximately 5 minutes to complete, and can be performed anywhere with a flat working surface.

The only supplies you would need would include 1 square piece of paper (6 inch by 6 inch or 15 cm x 15 cm, but any size could work, as long as it is square). If you do not have a square piece of paper, you may need scissors and/or a Exacto knife to make your own paper square.

Consistently making a paper square is very simple! All you need is any piece of paper and some scissors. First, fold a right triangle, ideally from one of the corners of the page. Cut along the edge of the fold. Now, you should have a paper square. This can be used as the base of several pieces of origami, but this guide will cover how to make a paper crane.

The first step is to create folds to set up a structural fold ( a fold that will be undone to be used later on). Fold the square corner to opposite corner, like in the first image. Repeat for the other corners. Then, fold the square into a rectangle, like image 3. Repeat this for the other side, then unfold.

Flatten the opposite tips together while bringing in the other corners inside to form a diamond.

Fold the leftmost point into the middle line. Repeat this process for the opposite side. Flip the diamond and repeat this step.

Fold the top corner over the edge of the previous steps folds. Undo this fold and the prior fold.

Open up the bottom corner, pulling it over the crease formed by the previous step to create a diamond. Repeat this step for the other side.

Fold the left corner of the diamond onto the centerline, like step 4. Repeat this for the right side and the opposite side.

Open the pocket in between the 2 sides of the diamond, and open the fold up on both sides to form the new diamond in the second image.

Fold the bottom corner up to the top end of the diamond. Repeat this for the other side.

Undo the fold in step 8.

Fold the top corner down and repeat for the opposite side. This will form the wings.

Rotate the paper spikes out slightly, then press the base of the crane to finalize the fold. Repeat for both spikes.

Choose one of the spikes to be the head. Fold the tip in between the folds, then press down to fold the head into place.

Congratulations! You have just made a paper crane! Try moving the tail to flap the wings!