Short answer: Washi is traditional Japanese paper made from long plant fibers, so it is soft, strong and slightly textured. Standard origami paper, often called kami, is thin, smooth, machine-made paper cut into squares and colored on one side. Origami paper is easier and cheaper for practice and large projects, while washi and washi-style printed papers give cranes a richer, patterned look.

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What is washi paper?

Washi means Japanese paper. Traditional washi is made by hand from the inner bark of plants such as kozo (paper mulberry), mitsumata and gampi. The long fibers make it surprisingly strong for its weight and give it a soft, natural texture. The craftsmanship of traditional handmade washi is recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.

What is standard origami paper?

Standard origami paper is thin, crisp paper made for folding. It usually comes in squares such as 3x3 inch (7.5 cm) and 6x6 inch (15 cm), with color on one side and white on the other, though double-sided and foil papers are common too. It holds sharp creases and is affordable, which makes it the go-to paper for learning and for big projects like 1,000 cranes.

What is washi print or chiyogami paper?

Many papers sold as washi for origami are printed with traditional Japanese patterns, such as flowers, waves and cranes. These printed papers are often called chiyogami. Some are true handmade washi, while many are machine-made papers printed in the washi style. They fold well and bring color and pattern to every crane.

How do they compare?

  • Feel: washi is soft and fibrous; origami paper is smooth and crisp.
  • Strength: washi resists tearing thanks to its long fibers; origami paper is thinner but holds sharp creases.
  • Look: washi and chiyogami offer rich patterns and texture; origami paper offers clean, solid colors.
  • Cost: handmade washi costs more; origami paper is the budget choice for large quantities.
  • Best for: washi for gifts, keepsakes and statement pieces; origami paper for practice, classrooms and big wedding projects.

Which paper is best for paper cranes?

For a large project such as a wedding backdrop, solid-color origami paper keeps the look clean and the cost manageable. For gifts and keepsakes, patterned washi-style paper makes each crane feel special. Many couples mix both: solid strands with a few patterned cranes as accents. See our paper size guide to choose the right size too.

Shop washi and origami paper cranes

Fold your own with 3x3 inch origami paper and 6x6 inch origami paper, or choose cranes hand-folded from Japanese print paper, like our 100 washi print paper cranes. Our crane omamori charms also hold a hand-folded crane in Japanese print paper.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between washi and origami paper?

Washi is traditional Japanese paper made from long plant fibers, so it is soft, strong and textured. Origami paper is thin, smooth, machine-made paper cut into squares and colored on one side.

Is washi paper good for origami?

Yes. Washi is strong for its weight and folds well, and patterned washi or chiyogami paper makes beautiful cranes. Thicker handmade washi can be harder to fold at very small sizes.

What is chiyogami paper?

Chiyogami is paper printed with traditional Japanese patterns such as flowers, waves and cranes. Some chiyogami is handmade washi and some is machine-made paper printed in the washi style.

Which paper is best for 1,000 cranes?

Standard origami paper in 3x3 inch squares is the most practical for 1,000 cranes because it folds quickly and costs less. Patterned washi-style paper works well for accents and gifts.