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Amber Robertson is the founder of Quill and Fox. A creative writing studio that helps people find their voice and share their stories. Amber is also a published author, with her first book slated for release in 2020. She loves spending time with her family and friends, reading, writing, and traveling. When Amber was younger, she loved to write short stories and plays. But somewhere along the way, she lost touch with her creativity. It wasn’t until she became a mom that she realized how important it was to share her stories—both the good and the bad—with the people she loves most. That’s when Quill and Fox was born. Amber is passionate about helping others find their voice and share their stories. She believes that every person has a story worth telling, and it’s her mission to help them tell it in a way that is authentic and true to themselves

How To Fold A Paper Crane
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How to Fold a Paper Crane: A Step-by-Step Guide
Amber Robertson
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Have you ever wanted to learn how to fold a paper crane? This iconic origami design has been a favorite of paper-folding enthusiasts for centuries. In Japanese culture, the paper crane is believed to bring good luck and is often given as a gift to wish someone well. Whether you’re a seasoned origami artist or a beginner, you can learn how to fold a paper crane with just a few simple steps.

Materials Needed

A paper crane carefully placed inside a glass jar for display
A paper crane carefully placed inside a glass jar for display

Before you begin folding your paper crane, you’ll need a few materials:

  • A square piece of paper: Traditionally, origami paper is used, but any square piece of paper will work. You can use printer paper, construction paper, or any other type of paper as long as it’s square.
  • A flat surface: You’ll need a flat surface to fold your paper on. A table or desk works well.
  • Patience: Folding a paper crane takes time and patience. Don’t rush the process and take your time with each step.

It’s important to note that the size of the paper you use will affect the size of your finished crane. A larger sheet of paper will result in a larger crane, while a smaller sheet of paper will create a smaller crane.

Now that you have your materials ready, it’s time to start folding your paper crane.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Start with your square piece of paper, with the colored side facing down. Fold the paper in half diagonally to make a triangle.

  2. Unfold the paper and fold it in half diagonally in the opposite direction.

  3. Unfold the paper again and lay it flat on the table with the colored side facing down. Fold the paper in half horizontally, then vertically.

  4. Unfold the paper again and you should see a crease pattern that looks like a plus (+) sign.

  5. Take one corner of the paper and fold it up to the center point where the horizontal and vertical creases intersect.

  6. Repeat this step on the opposite corner, so that your paper now looks like a diamond.

  7. Fold the top layer of the right and left sides of the diamond towards the center crease.

  8. Flip the paper over and fold the top layer of the right and left sides towards the center crease again.

  9. Take the top layer of the top point of the diamond and fold it down towards the bottom point of the diamond.

  10. Tuck the sides of the paper inwards, so that the paper now looks like a kite shape.

Continue reading to learn more about how to fold a paper crane.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Fold the top layer of the right and left sides of the kite shape towards the center crease.

  2. Flip the paper over and repeat step 11 on the other side.

  3. Fold the top layer of the bottom point of the kite shape upwards, along the horizontal crease.

  4. Open the folds of the paper slightly and fold the top layer of the right and left sides towards the center crease.

  5. Repeat step 14 on the other side of the paper.

  6. Fold the paper in half along the vertical crease, so that the wings of the crane are facing upwards.

  7. Fold the wings of the crane downwards, along the horizontal crease.

  8. Fold the head of the crane downwards, making a small crease to create the beak.

  9. Finally, fold the tail of the crane upwards to complete your paper crane.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully folded a paper crane. With a little practice, you’ll be able to fold a paper crane in just a few minutes.

Tips and Tricks

Folding a paper crane can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re new to origami. Here are some tips to help you with the process:

  • Use paper that’s not too thick: Thick paper can be difficult to fold and won’t hold the creases as well as thinner paper.
  • Make sure your creases are sharp: Sharp creases will make it easier to fold your paper and will create a cleaner finished product.
  • Take your time: Don’t rush the process. Take your time with each step and make sure each fold is precise before moving on to the next step.
  • Practice on scrap paper first: If you’re new to origami, it’s a good idea to practice on scrap paper before using your good paper.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes that people make when folding a paper crane:

  • Not making sharp enough creases: If your creases aren’t sharp, your paper crane won’t hold its shape well.
  • Skipping steps: It’s important to follow each step carefully and not skip any steps, as each step builds on the previous one.
  • Using paper that’s too small: If your paper is too small, it can be difficult to fold and your finished crane may be too small to handle.
  • Rushing the process: Folding a paper crane takes time and patience. Don’t rush the process and take your time with each step.

Variations on the Paper Crane

While the traditional paper crane is beautiful on its own, there are many variations to the design that you can experiment with. Here are a few different types of paper crane designs:

Flapping Crane

The flapping crane is a design that can actually “flap” its wings when you pull the tail down. It’s a bit more complicated to fold than the traditional crane, but the end result is a fun and interactive origami design.

Peace Crane

The peace crane is a variation of the traditional crane that is often folded in memory of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who was exposed to radiation from the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. She believed that folding 1,000 paper cranes would grant her wish for peace and recovery from her illness. The peace crane is folded in memory of Sadako and as a symbol of peace.

Modular Crane

The modular crane is made up of multiple pieces of paper that are folded separately and then assembled together to create the final design. This design can be quite intricate and takes a bit more time and patience to create.

Conclusion

Folding a paper crane may seem daunting at first, but with a bit of practice and patience, anyone can learn how to create this beautiful origami design. Not only is it a fun and relaxing activity, but it’s also a way to connect with Japanese culture and tradition. Whether you’re folding a traditional crane or experimenting with different designs, the process of origami can be both meditative and rewarding. So why not give it a try and see what beautiful paper creations you can come up with?

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