How to Fold an Origami Crane: Step-by-Step Tutorial
Intermediate
15 minutes
6″ × 6″ square
The origami crane (折鶴, orizuru) is perhaps the most famous origami model in the world. In Japanese culture, the crane represents good fortune and longevity, with a traditional belief that folding 1,000 cranes grants a wish. In this tutorial, I’ll guide you through each fold with clear instructions to create this iconic paper bird.
Materials Needed
- One square sheet of origami paper (colored on one side, white on the other)
- A flat surface to work on
- Patience and attention to detail (some folds require precision)
Video Tutorial
If you prefer to follow along with a video, watch the step-by-step tutorial below:
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Start with a square piece of paper
Place your square paper on a flat surface with the colored side down (white side up). This ensures that the finished crane will show the colored side on the outside.
Tip: If you’re using paper that’s colored on both sides, it doesn’t matter which side faces up.
Step 2: Fold the paper in half diagonally
Fold the bottom right corner up to the top left corner. Align the edges carefully and crease firmly. Unfold the paper.
Tip: This crease is important as a reference line for later steps, so make sure it’s sharp and precise.
Step 3: Fold in half diagonally in the other direction
Now fold the bottom left corner up to the top right corner. Crease well and unfold. You should now have an X crease pattern on your square.
Tip: These diagonal folds create the reference lines needed to form the bird base.
Step 4: Fold in half horizontally
Fold the paper in half by bringing the bottom edge up to the top edge. Crease well and unfold.
Step 5: Fold in half vertically
Fold the paper in half again by bringing the left edge over to the right edge. Crease well and unfold. Your paper should now have crease lines dividing it into quarters, plus the diagonal creases forming an X.
Step 6: Bring the corners to the center
With the white side up, bring all four corners of the paper into the center point where all the creases intersect. This will create a smaller square shape.
Tip: Make sure the corners meet precisely at the center for a symmetrical model.
Step 7: Fold the top flaps to the center
Turn the paper over. Fold the top flaps (the ones with free edges at the top) into the center. Crease well.
Step 8: Fold the right and left edges to the center
Fold the right and left edges into the center crease. Crease well.
Step 9: Create the crane base
Fold the top triangle flaps upward. Then, open up the right side of the model while folding the top part down. The paper will form a square shape again. Repeat on the left side.
This is the trickiest step! You’re essentially creating what’s known as the “bird base” in origami. The model should collapse along the existing creases into a square with two flaps on top and two flaps on the bottom.
Step 10: Form the neck and tail
Fold the upper flaps (which will become the neck and head) up, and fold the lower flaps (which will become the tail) down. Crease well.
Step 11: Create the head
Fold the top of the neck down to create the head. You can adjust how much you fold to make the neck longer or shorter based on your preference.
Tip: For a more detailed head, you can fold just the tip down slightly to create a beak.
Step 12: Create the wings
Fold each side flap outward and down to create the wings. Pull them out to the sides, flattening as you go.
Tip: Make sure both wings are symmetrical for a balanced crane.
Step 13: Final adjustments
Gently pull the wings outward to make them flat. Adjust the head and tail positions as needed. You can gently blow into the bottom of the crane to inflate it slightly, giving it a more three-dimensional look.
Finishing Touches
Stand your crane upright, adjusting the wings and tail if needed. You can press down lightly on the back to help it stand, or leave the body slightly folded for stability. For a more artistic touch, you can gently curve the wings downward.
Display Ideas
Your completed crane can be displayed on a shelf, hung from string to create a mobile, or given as a gift. In Japanese tradition, strings of 1,000 cranes (senbazuru) are created for special occasions and wishes. They also make beautiful decorations for parties, weddings, or holiday ornaments.
Troubleshooting Tips
Common Issues & Solutions
- If your crane won’t stand properly: Check that the bottom is flat and that the wings are balanced on both sides.
- If the paper tears: You might be folding too forcefully. Use a lighter touch, especially with thin paper, or try a slightly thicker paper.
- If you’re having trouble with Step 9: This “petal fold” is challenging for beginners. Try watching videos of this specific step, or practice with larger paper first.
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Questions About This Model?
Having trouble with a particular step? Leave a comment below and I’ll help you troubleshoot!
The Cultural Significance of the Paper Crane
In Japanese culture, the crane is a mystical creature believed to live for a thousand years. The origami crane (orizuru) has become a symbol of peace, hope, and healing, especially after the story of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl affected by the atomic bombing of Hiroshima who folded cranes while battling leukemia.
The tradition of folding 1,000 cranes (senbazuru) is said to grant the folder a wish, such as long life, recovery from illness, or eternal good luck. These strings of colorful cranes are often given as gifts at special occasions or displayed at temples as offerings.