How to Fold an Origami Paper Crane: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

The origami paper crane (Orizuru) is arguably the most classic and famous of all Japanese paper-folding designs. Symbolizing peace, good health, and longevity, learning how to fold a crane is the perfect entry point into the world of origami.

In this tutorial, we will break down the process into simple, easy-to-follow steps. Grab a square piece of origami paper, and let’s get started!

What You Need

1 Sheet of Square Origami Paper (Standard 15x15 cm is ideal). You can use dual-colored paper to make tracking the folds easier.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Refer to the instructional image below to visually guide your folds, you can also find complete step by step origami tutorial image at the end of this post:

Step 1: Start with Square Paper

Lay your paper flat on a hard surface. If you are using colored paper, start with the colored side facing up.

Step 2: Fold & Unfold Diagonally (x2)

Fold the paper in half diagonally to form a large triangle. Crease it well, then unfold it back to a square. Repeat the process by folding along the opposite diagonal corner, crease, and unfold again. You should now have an "X" crease across your paper.

Step 3: Fold & Unfold Horizontally & Vertically

Flip the paper over to the white side. Fold the paper in half horizontally (top to bottom), crease, and unfold. Then, fold it in half vertically (left to right), crease, and unfold. You will see a grid of creases intersecting in the center.

Step 4: Collapse into a Square Base

Using the creases you just created, bring the three corners down toward the bottom corner. The paper should naturally collapse along the folds into a smaller square shape, known as the Square Base. Smooth it flat.

Step 5: Fold Kite Shape

Position the square base so that the open end is facing down toward you. Take the outer lower edges of the top layer and fold them inward toward the center crease, creating a kite-like shape. Repeat this fold on the back layer.

Step 6: Petal Fold (Front & Back)

Unfold the kite flaps you just made in Step 5. Lift the bottom corner of the top layer upward, opening it up completely. Press the sides inward along the existing creases to flatten it into a long diamond shape. Flip the paper over and repeat this exact Petal Fold on the other side.

Step 7: Fold Sides In (Kite Part 2)

With the diamond shape flat, fold the outer lower edges of the top layer inward toward the center crease once again to narrow the shape. Flip the model over and repeat this step on the back layer.

Step 8: Inside Reverse Fold (Head & Tail)

You will notice two long, narrow legs at the bottom. Use an Inside Reverse Fold to flip these legs upward and outward between the layers of paper—one side will become the head, and the other will be the tail. On the tip of one of these points, perform another small inside reverse fold downward to create the crane's head.

Step 9: Finished Paper Crane

Gently pull the wings apart to expand the body of your crane. If needed, you can gently blow into the small hole at the bottom of the body to help it puff out into its final 3D shape. Your classic origami paper crane is complete!

Origami Tips for Success

• Sharper Creases = Better Results: Use your fingernail or a plastic ruler to press down hard on every fold. Precise creases make the later steps much easier to handle.
• Patience is Key: If a step looks confusing, take a close look at the arrow indicators in the diagram to see exactly which direction the paper needs to move.