Classic Origami Crane
The crane is one of the most recognized origami models in the world. This tutorial uses a square base and petal folds. All you need is one square sheet of paper.
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Allow about
- 20 minutes
- Recommended paper
- One square sheet of thin origami paper, about 15 × 15 cm (6 × 6 in).
Planning estimate; allow extra time for your first attempt.
Materials
- One square sheet of paper
- A flat folding surface
No scissors or glue needed. New to folding? Read the beginner’s guide.
Step-by-step instructions
Fold and Unfold Diagonally
Fold your square paper in half diagonally, then unfold. Repeat along the other diagonal so both creases are visible.
Fold in Half Both Ways
Fold the paper in half horizontally and unfold, then vertically and unfold. You should now have four creases crossing in the center.
Collapse into a Square Base
Using the creases as guides, bring the corners together and collapse the paper into a smaller square shape.
Fold Up the Sides
Fold the left and right edges of the top layer inward to the center line, forming a kite shape. Repeat on the back.
Petal Fold the Wings
Lift each flap upward and flatten it into a petal fold to form the crane's wings on both sides.
Shape the Head and Tail
Fold one narrow point down slightly to create the head using a reverse fold, and leave the other as the tail.
Your Crane is Complete!
Gently pull the wings apart and curve them for a finished look. Add a fold to the head for a beak if you'd like.
Helpful folding tips
- Line up corners before pressing a crease from the middle outwards.
- Keep the paper facing the same way as the instruction before each fold.
If a fold goes wrong
- If layers do not line up, return to the last clear step rather than forcing the next fold.
- Thick paper becomes difficult to fold as layers build up; try a larger, thinner square.