Mountain Fold: Essential Origami Technique Explained
A mountain fold is one of the two fundamental fold types in origami, creating a ridge or peak that points upward when viewing the model from above. This essential technique appears in virtually every origami model and forms the backbone of paper folding skills.
Definition and Diagram Notation
In origami diagrams, mountain folds are typically represented by dash-dot lines (−·−·−) or red lines. The name “mountain” comes from the visual appearance of the fold when the paper is partially opened—it resembles a mountain peak rising from the paper’s surface.
The opposite of a mountain fold is a valley fold, which creates a depression rather than a ridge. Understanding the distinction between these two fold types is crucial for following origami instructions.
How to Execute a Perfect Mountain Fold
To create a mountain fold:
- Position your paper on a flat surface.
- Identify where the fold needs to be made.
- Turn the paper over (this is an important step that beginners often miss).
- Make what would be a valley fold on this side.
- Turn the paper back over to reveal your mountain fold.
Alternatively, you can create a mountain fold directly by working from beneath the paper or by pinching the paper from above and pressing inward to create the ridge.
Tips for Perfect Mountain Folds
- Use a bone folder or your fingernail to create crisp, clean folds.
- Mark the fold line lightly with a pencil if you’re working on a complex model.
- Press firmly along the entire length of the fold to ensure uniformity.
- For thick paper, score the paper lightly before folding to avoid bulky or imprecise creases.
- Practice precision by aligning edges and corners accurately before making the fold.
Applications in Origami Models
Mountain folds appear in countless contexts in origami:
- Creating dimensional features like wings, legs, or tails
- Forming structural elements in geometric models
- Defining edges in box and container models
- Working in alternating patterns with valley folds in tessellations
- Creating rigid structures in practical origami
Mountain and Valley Folds Together
Mountain and valley folds almost always work together in origami designs. Complex techniques like reverse folds, squash folds, and sink folds actually combine mountain and valley folds in specific configurations. Understanding how these fundamental fold types interact is key to advancing your origami skills.
Further Learning
To practice mountain folds, try our Easy Origami Heart Tutorial which uses both mountain and valley folds in a simple model. For more advanced techniques that build on these fundamentals, explore our guide to 5 Essential Origami Bases.