Buzz
A paper crane can be a beautiful gift, a decoration, or even part of a Senbazuru – 1000 paper cranes for a wish. The crane looks elegant and intricate, but it is actually quite simple to fold, so don't hesitate or feel unsure. Follow the instructions below to fold your own paper crane.
Steps
Start with a square piece of paper. It's ideal to use square origami paper. Fold the paper so that the colored side is facing out. If you're using regular printer paper, simply fold one corner of the sheet to align with the bottom edge, leaving a rectangular section. Cut off the rectangular portion.
Fold the paper in half to form a rectangle.
Fold the paper in half horizontally, aligning the top edge with the bottom edge. Press down on the fold and then unfold the paper.
Fold the paper in half along the other direction.
Fold the paper vertically from right to left.
Crease along the fold lines and then unfold the paper. The fold lines will form a cross shape.
Fold the paper diagonally so that the top right corner aligns with the bottom left corner.
Crease along the fold and unfold the paper.
Fold diagonally so that the top-left corner matches with the bottom-right corner.
Crease along the fold and unfold the paper. At this point, the fold lines will form a star-like pattern.
Pull the bottom-right edge of the top paper layer to align with the central crease. Press down the folded edges. Repeat with the bottom-left side. This will form the top face of a kite (rhombus-shaped).
Bring the top-right corner of the paper layer towards the central crease. This will make the bottom-right corner align with the fold.
Fold the top corner down to align with the horizontal crease from the previous step.
Unfold the last three creases. At this point, you will have an open square at the bottom.
Fold the bottom corner of the square upward along the horizontal crease formed in the previous step.
Flip the two creases on the top section of the paper by folding them in the opposite direction of the original creases.
Fold the two outer edges of the paper toward the center and press flat. This will create a diamond shape with two flaps pointing to the left and right.
Flip the paper over and repeat steps 6 through 9 on this side.
Fold the sides of the diamond shape in towards the central crease.
Fold the right flap over to the left flap. This action is similar to turning the page of a book.
Flip it over and repeat the previous step on this side. Then fold the right flap to match the left flap.
Fold the bottom edge of the right flap up to the top corner. Flip the paper over and repeat this step on the other side.
Fold the left flap to align with the right flap. Do this in the same way you would turn the page of a book.
Flip the paper and repeat on the other side. At this point, the head and tail of the crane will be positioned in the center, forming the wings.
Fold the wings down so that they are perpendicular to the head, body, and tail.
Fold a small part of the head down.
Pull the head and tail outward to align with the sides of the body.
Create a 3D shape. If you want the crane's body to take on a three-dimensional form, gently pull the two opposite corners at the bottom of the body to shape it as desired. Alternatively, you can blow into the hole at the bottom of the crane's body.
Enjoy the result. You can gift the paper crane you just folded, hang it up, or use it as a decoration.
Tips
- If you want to carry the paper crane with you, skip the final step. You can store the crane flat in your handbag, backpack, or wallet, making it easier to organize without worrying about its shape getting deformed.
- Consider using recycled paper; it helps protect the environment.
- This is the traditional way to fold a paper crane. If you encounter difficulty at any step, you can search online using the keyword "origami paper crane". You might find an alternative folding method that suits you better.
- Try folding with different types of paper and patterns. Craft stores or stationery shops offer a variety of papers for different occasions. You can even find crane-folding paper in bookstores, magazine shops, or toy stores.
- You can string the crane onto a thread and hang it in your room as decoration.
- The best way to hang the paper crane is to thread a string through the hole in the body at the intersection of the fold lines.
- Thin paper or paper specifically made for origami is the best choice. Thin tissue paper is harder to handle but creates a more ethereal, translucent crane.
- A paper crane makes a wonderful gift.
- You can fold a crane using aluminum foil or metallic paper.
- To impress your friends, try folding or tearing a Starburst wrapper into a square. Use this piece of paper to create a crane.
- Avoid using torn paper. For a better-looking crane, use paper with straight edges.
- If you feel stressed or confused during the folding process, play some soothing music to help you relax.
Things you will need
- A square piece of paper
- A flat surface
- A ruler or folding tool (optional)
