Origami is a art of work with long history. With the basic folds techniques, we can transform a piece of origami paper into something really interesting and funny.
Origami can be a lovely family activity. You can make origami with your children. In this page, we will guide you everything about how to learn origami.
What’s Origami
You may wonder what’s origami. It is a word coming from Japan. It included two parts: “Ori” means “folding” and “gami” means “paper”. It involves transforming the origami papers into a finished sculpture through folding and sculpting. Typically, in the process, there should be no use of scissors or glue. This a a typical difference between origami and crafts. But we believe that’s why the magic happens.
Materials you will need
Paper
To learn origami, the basic material you need is origami paper. Origami paper is a specialized paper designed for origami . There are several types of origami papers.
Standard origami paper- single side paper: Standard paper is the most common type, usually white on one side and colored on the other side. We use standard paper for our tutorial on Origami Ok. Single side paper is mainly designed for educational purpose.
Double-sided paper – sometimes patterns colors might also be used on both sides. It belongs to standard paper, mainly used for some special module designs requiring two colors or patterns.
Origami lines and symbols
Understanding the lines and symbols are extremely important for reading the following our tutorial. We include a chart for you to reference.
1. Origami Lines
Solid line: Solid lines are used to define a edge of paper.
Gray line: gray line indicates creases. When you fold and unfold a paper, there will be a crease leaving on the paper. Then a gray line is used to note mark this crease.
Dashed line: a dashed line is used to indicates a valley fold.
Dash dot dot line: Dash dot dot line indicates a mountain fold.
Dotted line: a dotted line is often used to indicate lines and edges occurs behind the layers and invisible. Or a position after this specific step or fold.
2. Origami Arrows
In addition to lines, you may encountered with different types or arrows.
An arrow with a filled black arrow head is used to show directionality in a valley fold.
An arrow with a half hollow head is used to show directionality in mountain folds.
A zig zag arrow indicate fold and unfold.
A loop the loop arrow indicates flip over the papper.
Two arrows in a circle indicates rotating. It may come with numbers in the center showing the rotate degree.
A filled white arrow to indicate when the next view is drawn larger.
a single lined or double lined z shape arrow with filled head is used to indicate a pleat fold.
An arrow with short intersecting lines (maybe 1 or 2 even 3) indicates repeating. The number of the line indicates how many times you should repeat in the following process.
Basic folds
After knowing the basic lines and symbols, let’s learn how to make the very basic folds.
1. Valley and Mountain Fold
A valley fold is shown by a dashed line. And you need to fold in forward.
A mountain fold is shown by a dash dotted line, you need to fold in backward.
2. Inside and Outside Reverse Fold
An inside reverse fold is used to indicates invert a flap inside the paper, rather than visible on the outside.
An outside reverse fold is used to indicates reserve the flap outside the paper.
3. Rabbit Ear Fold
A rabbit ear fold is used to create a triangular flap on a square or rectangular section of paper. The finished fold looks like one ear of a rabbit.
4. Squash Fold
Squash fold involving opening and flattening a pocket. It can be made based on both single layer of multi- layer folds.
5. Pleat Fold
Pleat fold creates a zigzag fold in the paper. It involves making a valley fold and a mountain fold. Then fold the paper back to form a zigzag.
6. Crimp Fold
A Crimp Fold in origami is a technique used to create a sharp zigzag or offset in a section of the paper. It is very much similar to a Pleat.
7. Petal Fold
Petal fold can transform a flat of paper to be transformed into a three dimensional models, like the petal of flowers. But it is also the starting points of many other models including flowers, birds.
Video tutorial for basic folds
We have made video introducing the basic folds.
Basic Base
For advanced origami lovers, you may find lots of diagram starting from a basic base. Following are the most popular bases.
1. Kite Base
Kite base is named after the appearance. It is one of the easiest base but commonly used in many diagrams. It involves folding the two edges diagonally to the center crease. Check detailed kite base step by step instruction.
Video of Kite Base
2. Square base
Square base is the most common and popular base. Lots of the advanced bases are starting from square base. Square base has a four equal sides with four layers on one end and sealed points on the others.
Video of square base
3. Bird Base
Bird base is one of the several bases in origami. It is mainly used to make “bird” in traditional origami. It is featured by the protruding points which can further transforming to elegant, streamlined shape.
Video of Bird Base
4. Frog Base
Frog base, is named because it is mainly used as the starting point for making frogs. It has flaps that can be further transformed into the leg and body of a frog. This involves lots of repetition.
Video of Frog Base
5. Water Bomb Base
Water bomb base, like the kite base is named after the shape. Traditionally, it is used to transfer a paper to resemble a water filled ballon. It creates 4 layered triangle.
Video of Water Bomb Base
6. Fish Base
Fish base has a sharp with fins resemble the fins of a fish.
Video of Fish Base
Perfect Beginner Projects
Ready to start folding? These beginner-friendly models will help you build confidence while learning essential techniques:
1. Traditional Origami Crane
Folding time: 15 minutes
Paper: 15×15 cm
Total steps: 20
Difficulty: Easy, Beginner friendly
The origami crane is one of the most iconic paper folding designs in Japanese culture. According to legend, folding 1,000 paper cranes (called “senbazuru”) will grant you a wish or bring good luck and healing.
Use a 15×15cm square paper and complete it in 20 steps. This classic model teaches you fundamental techniques you’ll use in many other projects.
2. Origami Boat
Folding time: 8 minutes
Paper: 10×15 cm
Total steps: 15
Difficulty: Easy, Beginner friendly
Use 10×15cm rectangular paper for this project. If you only have square paper, simply fold it in half and cut along the crease to get two rectangles perfect for folding boats. Complete this floating wonder in just 15 steps.
3. Origami Jumping Frog
Folding time: 10 minutes
Paper: 20×20 cm
Total steps: 27
Difficulty: Intermediate
This classic jumping frog uses 20×20cm square paper and takes 27 steps to complete.
Once finished, press down on the frog’s back end and release to make it jump. Kids love this interactive model.
4. Origami Airplane
Folding time: 3 minutes
Paper: 15×15 cm
Total steps: 7
Difficulty: Easy, Beginner friendly
A simple paper airplane that takes just 7 steps using 15×15cm square paper. Quick to make and fun to fly.
5. Origami Butterfly
Folding time: 5 minutes
Paper: 7.5×7.5 cm
Total Steps: 12
Difficulty: Easy
Use 7.5×7.5cm square paper and complete in 12 steps. Thin paper works best for this delicate design.
6. Easy Origami Penguin
Folding time: 5 minutes
Paper: 15×15 cm
Total steps: 14
Difficulty: Easy, Beginner friendly
This cute penguin uses basic folding techniques with 15×15cm square paper, completed in 14 steps.
7. Origami Heart
Folding time: 5 minutes
Paper: 15×15 cm
Total steps: 15
Difficulty: Easy, Beginner friendly
A simple origami heart perfect for gifts or decorations. Use 15×15cm square paper and finish in 15 steps.
8. Origami Fortune Teller
Folding time: 5 minutes
Paper: 15×15 cm
Total steps: 9
Difficulty: Easy, Beginner friendly
This classic fortune teller (also called a cootie catcher) is both a folding project and a fun game. After folding, write fortunes or answers inside the flaps.
To play, have someone pick a color, then a number, then lift the flap to reveal their fortune. Use 15×15cm square paper and complete in just 9 steps.
9. Origami Dove
Folding time: 10 minutes
Paper: 15×15 cm
Total steps: 21
Difficulty: Easy, Beginner friendly
The peace dove symbolizes hope and harmony. Use 15×15cm square paper and complete in 21 steps.
10. Origami Hat
Folding time: 5 minutes
Paper: 10.5×7.5 cm
Total steps: 7
Difficulty: Easy, Beginner friendly
A simple paper hat made with rectangular paper like A4 or any other rectangle. Complete in 7 steps. Use larger paper if you want to actually wear it.
Animal Face Collection
Beyond these classic projects, you can explore the animal face series, which offers simple and charming designs perfect for beginners.
More Easy Projects
For even more simple origami ideas, visit our easy origami page where you’ll find a large collection of beginner-friendly projects to keep you folding.
Your Origami Journey Starts Now
You now have everything you need to begin your origami adventure.
Don’t worry about making perfect folds right away. Origami paper is forgiving, and you can always start fresh with a new sheet. The symbols and lines will become second nature as you practice, and those basic folds will flow smoothly from your fingers.
Thankz a million
Nice to hear that. Happy folding, Thorpe!