14 steps · 20 min
How to fold a paper crane
The traditional crane, the most famous model in origami. It takes a little patience, and the square base and bird base you learn here open up hundreds of other models.
Fold master
Origami guides
Fold it step by step
Free guides to the classic models, with a drawing for every fold. Start with a square of paper, and a grown-up nearby for the tricky bits.
New to origami? Start here
How to start origami
Which paper to pick, how to make a square, and five folds and symbols that most diagrams use. Ten minutes here makes the other guides easier.
Models to fold
- 8 steps · 10 min
How to fold a jumping frog
The classic frog that really jumps. It folds from half a square or an index card, and a zigzag fold underneath is the spring.
Growing folder
- 6 steps · 5 min
How to fold an origami fox face
Six easy folds from a square make a fox's face with pointed ears and a snout. A good first model for small hands.
Little folder
- 10 steps · 10 min
How to make a paper boat
The classic boat that starts life as a paper hat. Fold it from printer paper, then float it in the bath or a puddle.
Little folder
- 7 steps · 5 min
How to fold an origami heart
Seven simple valley folds turn one square into a heart. Make one for a card, a gift tag or a note to someone you love.
Little folder
- 7 steps · 10 min
How to fold an origami elephant face
Big floppy ears and a fan-folded trunk, from one square. The pleats are the fun part: fold back and forth like a paper fan.
Growing folder
- 8 steps · 10 min
How to fold an origami panda face
Paper that is dark on one side and white on the other does the work: the dark side makes the ears, the white side the face. Draw on the eye patches and you have a panda.
Little folder