Valley Fold: Essential Origami Technique Explained
A valley fold is one of the two fundamental fold types in origami, creating a depression or valley that points downward when viewing the model from above. This essential technique appears in virtually every origami model and is typically the first fold type beginners learn.
Definition and Diagram Notation
In origami diagrams, valley folds are typically represented by dashed lines (- – -) or blue lines. The name “valley” comes from the visual appearance of the fold when the paper is partially opened—it resembles a valley or depression in the paper’s surface.
The opposite of a valley fold is a mountain fold. Understanding the relationship between these two basic fold types is fundamental to origami practice.
How to Execute a Perfect Valley Fold
To create a valley fold:
- Position your paper on a flat surface.
- Identify where the fold needs to be made.
- Bring one edge or section of the paper over to meet another edge or section.
- Create a crisp crease by running your finger or a bone folder along the fold line.
- The resulting fold should create a “valley” on the top surface of the paper.
Valley folds are the most intuitive type of fold, as they’re similar to how most people naturally fold paper in everyday life.
Tips for Perfect Valley Folds
- Align edges carefully before creasing to ensure accurate folds.
- Use a ruler or straight edge for guidance when folding long, straight lines.
- Fold away from you for greater visibility and control.
- Run your fingernail or bone folder along the crease multiple times for a sharp fold.
- For precise work, lightly pre-crease the fold line before making the full fold.
Applications in Origami Models
Valley folds appear in countless contexts in origami:
- Creating initial fold guides and reference lines
- Forming preliminary bases like the square, bird, and frog bases
- Defining edges in box and container models
- Creating decorative elements like petals and wings
- Working in alternating patterns with mountain folds in tessellations
Valley and Mountain Folds Together
Valley and mountain folds work together to create three-dimensional structures from flat paper. When a model is viewed from one side, a valley fold appears as a mountain fold from the opposite side, and vice versa. This relationship is fundamental to understanding complex folding patterns.
Many advanced techniques like reverse folds and inside reverse folds involve converting valley folds to mountain folds (or vice versa) during the folding process.
Further Learning
To practice valley folds, try our Easy Origami Heart Tutorial which relies heavily on valley folds. You can also explore the relationship between valley and mountain folds in more complex models like our Origami Crane Tutorial.