How to Make an Origami Cane

Download Article

Download Article

The origami crane is perfect as a gift, as a decoration, or as the first step to making a senbazuru. The cranes are delicate, but surprisingly easy and fun to fold, so don't hesitate to give this craft a try. If you want to know how to do it, just follow these steps.

Steps

1. 1

   Get a blank square sheet of paper. If you're working with square origami paper, that's great. Fold it so the color is facing out. If you have an ordinary piece of printer paper, just fold one of the top corners across the paper until it aligns with the bottom edge of the sheet, leaving a long strip of rectangular paper. Cut the strip to make the paper square.

2. 

   2

3. 

   3

   Fold the top of the paper down until the top edge aligns with bottom edge of the paper and then crease. Unfold the paper.

4. 

   4

   Fold it in half the other way.

5. 

   5

   Fold vertically from right to left.

6. 

   6

   Crease, then unfold. You should end up with a cross crease.

7. 

   7

   Fold the top right corner down to the bottom left corner.

8. 

   8

   Crease, then unfold.

9. 

   9

   Fold the top left corner down to the bottom right corner.

10. 

    10

    Crease, then unfold. You should end up with an asterisk-like crease.

11. 

    11

    Bring the lower right side of the top flap to the middle line. Crease. Repeat on the lower left side. You'll have a top that resembles a kite.

12. 

    12

    Bring the right corner of the top flap to the middle crease. This will make it so that the lower right edge lines up with the crease.

13. 

    13

    Fold down the top corner to make the crease lie along the horizontal line created by the previous step.

14. 

    14

    Unfold the last three folds. After you do this, you'll return to having a square with an opening that faces down.

15. 

    15

    Fold the bottom corner of the square up along the horizontal crease from the previous steps up to the top corner.

16. 

    16

    Reverse the two creases on the upper flap by folding it in the opposite direction that it naturally folds.

17. 

    17

    Bring the outer edges of the paper to the middle and flatten it. This will create a diamond shape with two flaps sticking out on the right and left sides.

18. 

    18

    Turn the paper over and repeat steps 6-9 on this side.

19. 

    19

    Fold the outer edges of the diamond to the middle crease.

20. 

    20

    Fold the right flap over to the left. Do this as you would turn the page of a book.

21. 

    21

    Turn over the shape. Repeat on this side. Then fold the right flap over to the left again.

22. 

    22

    Fold the bottom tip of the top flap up to the top corner. Turn over and repeat on the other side.

23. 

    23

    Fold the right flap over to the left. Again, do this as you would turn the page of a book.

24. 

    24

    Turn over and repeat on the back. Now the head and tail are nestled in between what will become the wings.

25. 

    25

    Fold the wings down so that they are perpendicular to the body, head, and tail.

26. 

    26

    Fold the tip of the head down.

27. 

    27

    Pull the head and tail out so that they line up with the outer edges of the body.

28. 

    28

    Create 3D volume. If you want a three dimensional body, grasp the opposite corners on the bottom of the body and gently pull the shape to create the desired volume. Or you can blow in the hole at the bottom of the crane.

29. 29

    Enjoy your paper crane. You can give away the crane, hang it up, or use it as a decoration.

Add New Question

• Question

  Is it harder to make a paper crane with writing paper?

  

  Yes, normal writing paper is much harder to use than origami paper because the origami paper is lighter yet stronger, which makes it easier to fold and shape. Writing paper is flimsier and liable to tear.

• Question

  What is the meaning of the paper crane?

  

  Traditionally, it was believed that if one folded 1000 origami cranes, one's wish would come true. It has also become a symbol of hope and healing during challenging times. As a result, it has become popular to fold 1000 cranes (in Japanese, called "senbazuru").

• Question

  What is the usual size for origami paper?

  

  It usually is 6 or 7 inches. You can find big books of origami paper in craft stores. Origami paper is perfectly square.

• Question

  What is a "senbazuru?"

  

  A senbazuru is 1000 paper cranes tied together on a string. It is said in Japanese legends that if you make one, you get a wish.

• Question

  Is it easy to fold an origami crane using construction paper?

  

  Construction paper is thicker and has a different texture than origami paper so it may be more difficult to make an origami crane.

• Question

  Can I draw on them before I start folding or do I have to decorate after I have finished the shape?

  

  You can do both. If you want to add detail on a specific part of the body, I would wait until the end. If you just want a pattern on them, do it before folding.

• Question

  Why does the paper have to be big?

  

  It has to be big for beginners, to make it easier. Once you've made it, try to make it smaller. The smaller the the paper, the harder it is to make.

• Question

  How much does origami paper cost?

  

  You can buy origami paper for $2 at a dollar shop.

• Question

  Why does my paper crinkle so much?

  

  You may be putting too much pressure on it. Crinkling doesn't hurt; it actually looks okay as a texture.

• Question

  Why do people make paper cranes?

  

  For relaxation and the art of doing a complex set of actions resulting in beauty.

Show more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

• If you are planning on taking your crane somewhere, save the last step until after the trip in your backpack, pocket, purse, etc. Flat cranes pack better, and you don't have to worry about them getting crushed.

• You can use a reflective paper to make it look cooler.

• Cranes make wonderful gifts.

• Do not use paper that is ripped. To achieve the elegance and proper shape of the Crane, straight edges are crucial.

• You can make amazing additions to your living room by making your paper crane into a string of them.

• When you are working and get frustrated, put on soft music or take a break.

• Thinner paper and paper made specifically for origami work best. Tissue-thin paper is hard to work with, but creates beautiful translucent cranes.

• Try making it with foil for a metallic crane.

• Experiment with patterns and textures. The scrapbooking section of a craft store is full of paper for any occasion. Other stores in which to find paper include newsagents, stationery stores, dollar stores and toy stores.

• The best way to hang a crane is to place a string through the hole in the bottom and the middle of the body, where all the creases cross.

• For a neat trick to impress your friends, fold or tear a Starburst wrapper into a square. Then use it to make a crane.

• This is a popular origami design. If there is a step you are having a lot of trouble with, try searching for "origami crane" in a search engine. Sometimes a new perspective on the step is all you need.

• Use the side of your nail for better creases.

• Use a ruler to make creases for good quality. This will make the crane sharp and beautiful.

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Things You'll Need

• A square sheet of paper
• A flat surface
• A ruler or bone folder to crease the folds (optional)

About This Article

Article SummaryX

To fold an origami paper crane, start by folding a square piece of paper in half vertically, horizontally, and diagonally, unfolding after each fold. Then, fold the top corners to the bottom and press the sides in so the paper is folded up in a small diamond Next, grab the upper layer of the right side and fold the bottom edge to the center crease. Repeat this on the left side. Fold the top of the diamond down so the crease lies along the horizontal line created by the previous two triangles. Then, unfold the top corner and the previous two triangles to return to the small diamond shape you created. From there, fold the topmost layer of the bottom point all the way up so that the left and right flaps naturally fold in, creating a long, narrow diamond shape. Carefully, crease and flatten the paper.Flip the paper over, and repeat the process to create another long, skinny diamond. At this point, your paper should look like one tall, skinny diamond with two legs at the bottom. Next, grab the point on the upper layer of the right side and fold the bottom outside edge inwards towards the central line. Repeat on the left side. Fold the entire right flap over the central line, as if you were turning the page of a book. At this point, both flaps should be on the left-hand side. Turn the shaper over and repeat the process. Next, grab the upper layer of the bottom point and fold it up so the bottom tip touches the top points. Fold the right flap over to the left. Repeat on the other side. Then, fold wings down so you can just see the body. Finally, fold the tip of the head down and pull the wings out gently. If you want to learn more, like how to make your crane look larger and three-dimensional, keep reading the article!

Did this summary help you?

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 3,012,826 times.

Did this article help you?

How to Make an Origami Cane

Source: https://www.wikihow.com/Fold-a-Paper-Crane

Share this post