Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fold the Perfect Origami Crane for Beginners

The origami crane is perhaps the most iconic and beloved of all origami creations. Symbolizing hope, peace, and good fortune, this elegant paper bird is a wonderful project for anyone new to the art of paper folding. If you've ever wanted to learn how to fold an origami crane, you've come to the right place! This comprehensive, step-by-step guide will walk you through each fold, making it easy for beginners to create their own beautiful paper crane.

Ready to transform a simple square of paper into a magnificent origami bird? Let's get started!

What You'll Need:

  • One square piece of paper (6x6 inch or 15x15 cm is a good size for beginners)

  • A flat surface

That's it! The beauty of origami lies in its simplicity.

The Basic Bird Base: Foundation of the Crane

Before we can fold a crane, we first need to create what's known as the "Bird Base." This is a fundamental origami fold used for many different bird models.

Step 1: Start with a Square Base. Begin with your square paper colored side up (if you have one). Fold it in half diagonally in both directions, creasing well. Unfold. Now, fold it in half horizontally and vertically. Unfold. You should have an asterisk (*) of creases.

 

 

Step 2: Collapse into a Square Base. Flip the paper over so the white side is up. Bring the top corner down to meet the bottom corner, collapsing the sides inward along the diagonal creases. You should now have a smaller square. This is your "Square Base." Make sure all edges are aligned.

 

Step 3: Fold the Outer Edges to the Center. With the open end of the square facing you, take the bottom two layers and fold the outer edges inward to meet the center crease. Crease well.

 

Step 4: Fold Down the Top Triangle. Fold the small top triangle down, aligning its base with the top edges of the previous folds. Crease well. Unfold everything you've just folded (Steps 3 & 4).


 

Step 5: Inside Reverse Fold (Squash Fold). Carefully lift the bottom single layer of paper. Using the creases you just made, pull the bottom point upwards, allowing the sides to collapse inward and flatten. This is an "inside reverse fold" or "squash fold" and forms the long neck/tail of the crane. Repeat on the other side.


 

Congratulations! You've successfully created the "Bird Base." It should look like a diamond with two long points extending upwards. These will become the head/neck and tail of your origami crane.

Forming the Crane: Adding Detail and Grace

Now that we have our base, it's time to bring our crane to life!

Step 6: Fold in the Sides Again. Take the two long points (the neck and tail). Fold the outer edges of the top layer of each point inward to meet the center crease. Do this on both the front and back sides.


 

Step 7: Fold One Point Down for the Head. Choose one of the long points to be the head. Make another "inside reverse fold" on this point, bending it downwards to create the crane's head. Adjust the angle to your liking.


 

Step 8: Make the Wings. Gently pull down the two remaining upward-pointing "wings" of the crane. Fold them outwards and downwards from the body, creasing firmly at the shoulders.


 

Step 9: Open the Body (Optional but Recommended). Gently pull the wings apart to slightly open the bottom of the crane's body. This will give your crane a more three-dimensional and finished look, allowing it to stand on its own.

Your Perfect Origami Crane!

And there you have it – your very own origami crane!

 
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