The Beginner's Guide to Origami
New to paper folding? This guide covers the basics you'll want to know before diving into tutorials: what paper to use, the folding terms and symbols you'll see in diagrams, and a few common mistakes worth avoiding.
Choosing the Right Paper
Standard origami paper (often called "kami") is thin, crisp, and colored on one side. It's the easiest to fold and the best starting point for beginners. As you progress, you may want to try double-sided paper for models where both colors show, or foil-backed paper for shapes that need to hold sharper creases. Size matters too, 6-inch squares are the most common for practice, while larger squares can make complicated folds easier to handle. Save small squares for projects you already know.
Not Sure Which Paper to Buy?
We've compared popular beginner-friendly paper packs and kits on Amazon so you don't have to guess.
Shop Recommended PaperFolding Terms & Symbols
Valley Fold
The most basic fold, the paper creases like a "V" toward you. Shown in diagrams as a dashed line.
Mountain Fold
The opposite of a valley fold, the crease points away from you like a peak. Shown as a dash-dot line.
Squash Fold
You open a flap and flatten it symmetrically, "squashing" it into a new shape.
Reverse Fold
A point is tucked inside or reversed along existing creases, commonly used to form heads, beaks, and feet.
Petal Fold
A combination move that lifts a flap upward while narrowing it, often used for wings or petals.
Common Beginner Mistakes
Skipping the Crease
Fold firmly and fully each time, soft or partial creases make later steps harder to align.
Using Paper That's Too Thick
A square cut from printer paper works for simple practice folds. Thin origami paper is easier when a model builds up many layers; avoid stiff cardstock for those models.
Rushing Through Steps
Origami rewards patience. Check each step against the diagram before moving to the next.
Put It Into Practice
Review the valley and mountain fold explanations above before choosing a project. Our penguin tutorial is under review because its diagram and written steps are inconsistent. Check each tutorial's notes before starting.
Ready to Fold?
Return to the folding terms above, or browse our full supplies list for paper options.
Review Folding Basics