How to Fold an Origami Badger: A Step-by-Step Woodland Guide

The badger is a beloved and iconic woodland creature known for its striking black-and-white stripes and sturdy build. Capturing these distinct features in paper form is a rewarding challenge for origami enthusiasts. This project uses clever squash and reverse folds to naturally reveal the badger's signature striped face without needing scissors or glue.

This tutorial is perfect for intermediate paper folders or ambitious beginners looking to level up their skills. Let's transform a simple square of paper into a beautiful 3D origami badger!

What You Need

1 Sheet of Square Origami Paper (Ideally black on one side and white on the other side to accurately create the badger's coat pattern).

Step-by-Step Instructions

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

Step 1: Start with Square Black/White Paper

Lay your paper flat on a hard surface. Start with the black side facing up (if your paper has a white reverse side, it will create the contrasting patterns later).

Step 2: Fold & Unfold Diagonally (x2)

Fold the paper in half diagonally by bringing one corner to the opposite corner. Crease well and unfold. Repeat with the other two corners to create two diagonal valley folds intersecting in the middle.

Step 3: Fold & Unfold Horizontally (x1)

Fold the paper in half horizontally, bringing the top edge down to the bottom edge. Crease the line firmly and unfold it completely.

Step 4: Fold Sides In (Kite Fold)

Bring the left and right side corners inward, aligning the outer edges with the vertical center line to create a sharp kite shape.

Step 5: Fold Top Layer Down (Prep for Base)

Fold the top triangular flap down along the horizontal crease line you created in Step 3. This acts as a guide line for the upcoming base.

Step 6: Create Squash Base (Part 1)

Carefully open up the top layer folds you just made. Gently pull the paper apart and push down on the sides to squash the pockets flat, preparing to form a symmetrical diamond shape.

Step 7: Create Squash Base (Part 2)

Press and flatten the squashed sections firmly down along the creases. The model should now display a sharp diamond shape in the center with alternating white and black sections exposed.

Step 8: Fold in Half & Define Head

Fold the entire model in half vertically (bringing the left side over to the right side). Rotate the model slightly to the side to begin shaping the badger's neck and downward-pointing head.

Step 9: Inside Reverse Fold for Muzzle

Take the long point that forms the front of the model and perform an Inside Reverse Fold. This pushes the tip down and inward between the main layers of the body to form a sharp, distinct snout/muzzle.

Step 10: Create Ears (Outside Reverse Fold)

Locate the small flaps near the top of the head. Use an Outside Reverse Fold to flip these flaps backward and upward, shaping two small, pointed badger ears.

Step 11: Define Body & Tail

Perform additional inside and outside folds along the rear end of the paper structure to shape the hind legs and create a short, stubby tail extending outward from the back.

Step 12: Finished Origami Badger

Your origami badger is now complete! Ensure all four legs are creased well at the bottom so it can stand independently. Repeat the leg folds on the back layer to ensure complete symmetry on both sides.

Origami Tips for Success

• Embrace Two-Toned Paper: Using dual-colored paper (black/white) is highly recommended for this project, as the white stripes on the badger's face are created naturally by exposing the reverse side of the paper.
• Take Your Time with Squash Folds: Steps 6 and 7 require careful handling. If the paper doesn't flatten easily, reopen the model slightly and ensure your preliminary creases from Steps 2 and 3 are crisp.