Origami Crane Bookmark: Step-by-Step Instructions

Learn how to fold an elegant origami crane bookmark using our detailed step-by-step instructions.

This crane bookmark is designed by Jo Nakashima. Using a single square sheet, it transforms into two distinct parts: a sturdy base below and a graceful crane above. This reminds me of my cat and heart bookmarks. Each design shares that same unique structure, a functional base with a decorative top.

Reading books becomes even better when you use handmade creations crafted by your own hands.

If you are new to origami, start here from our beginner guide to know the basics and how to read the step-by-step instructions.

Folding time: 25 minutes
Paper: 20×10 cm
Total steps: 24
Difficulty: Easy
Designer: Jo Nakashima

Material

We used a 20 cm × 10 cm paper to make a crane bookmark about 9.5 cm long.

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1

Start by placing your paper with the desired display side up. Fold and unfold it in half horizontally. Fold the bottom edge to meet that center crease, press firmly, then unfold it again and flip the paper over.

Step 2

Fold and unfold your paper in half vertically. Next, fold both bottom corners inward diagonally to align with this middle line, forming two triangles at the base.

Step 3

Fold outer edges inward, aligning them with imaginary lines connecting the center intersection point to the bottom corners of the upper rectangle, marked by red dots. Repeat this precise action on both sides for symmetry.

Step 4

Fold both left and right edges of the upper rectangle downward until they align with the top edge of the bottom triangle. Crease these lines well, then unfold.

Step 5

Turn the horizontal crease into a mountain fold, then push both down (Pics 1-2). Flatten your paper firmly, then flip everything over (Pics 3-4).

Step 6

Fold the center square vertically from right to left (Pic 1). Align the top-left edge of the resulting triangle flap with its right vertical edge, crease, then unfold (Pics 2-3).

On the upper triangle layer, convert the left side valley to a mountain fold, and fold it rightward (Pics 4-5). Flatten the fold (Pic 6). Create a mountain fold along the red dash-dot line, joining the corner to the intersection (Pic 7). Finish by folding the top flap on the left side rightward along the center vertical line (Pic 8).

Step 7

Mirror the same process of the previous step. Fold left flap to right, fold the top right edge of the same flap to meet the center vertical line, then unfold (Pics 1-3). Reverse valley to mountain, fold it to the left, and flatten the model (Pics 4-6). Create a mountain fold along the red dash-dot line, and finish by folding right flap leftward (Pics 7-9).

Now your model is symmetrical again.

Step 8

Transform red dash-dot lines into mountain folds, as pinching the lower vertical line makes upper creases automatic (Pic 1). Pull that vertical mountain fold upward, forming an upright flap (Pics 2-4). Open and squash this into a central square (Pics 5-6).

Step 9

Fold the bottom edges of the central square inward to align with the center vertical line, then unfold to create creases (Pic 1). Lift the bottom point upward while collapsing the sides to perform a petal fold (Pics 2-4). Finally, flatten the model (Pics 5-6).

Step 10

On the upper portion, fold all flaps located to the right of the center vertical line over to the left side (Pic 1). Next, fold the bottom left edge of the left flap, fold it to align with the center vertical line, and unfold (Pics 2-3).

Fold the bottom edge of the triangle upward along the black dashed line connecting the two red dots (Pic 4). Finally, return all the flaps that you previously folded to the left back to the right side (Pics 6-7).

Step 11

Mirror the process from the previous step.

Shift left flaps rightward (Pic 1), crease the bottom-right edge to the center, unfold (Pics 2-3), and fold the triangle base up (Pic 4). Return flaps leftward to complete this symmetrical section (Pics 6-7).

Step 12

Flip your paper model over from left to right. Fold both top left and right edges inward to meet the center vertical crease, then repeat this action to form a narrower, symmetrical shape, like a squid.

Step 13

Fold both bottom corners upward along the horizontal black dashed line to create a level bottom edge. Next, fold the bottom left and bottom right corners diagonally inward, crease firmly, and unfold all these folds.

Step 14

Unfold the left and right sides to open the model (Pic 1). Convert the indicated red dash-dot crease into a mountain fold (Pic 2). Using existing creases, fold the left edge back to the center, lifting the mountain fold to tuck it between the layers as you flatten the paper (Pics 3-4).

Step 15

Locate the small protruding flap on the bottom left. Fold it along the existing crease (Pic 1), then fold this entire flap backward to tuck it neatly underneath (Pics 2-4).

Step 16

Mirror the process from Step 14, then fold the protruding tiny flap along the existing crease.

Step 17

Similar to Step 15, tuck that tiny flap underneath both the right pocket and the small layer beneath it.

Step 18

Flip the model over (Pic 1). Fold the bottom left and right edges of the diamond toward the center (top flaps only) (Pic 2). Shift left flaps rightward (Pic 3), fold the bottom right edge of the remaining two flaps to the center (Pic 4), then return flaps back to the left (Pic 5).

Step 19

Shift right-side flaps to the left, fold the bottom left edge toward the center vertical line, and return those flaps to the right to complete this mirrored symmetrical section.

Step 20

Fold the left and right side flaps of the upper diamond upward, crease very firmly, then unfold both to prepare for the final head and tail formation.

Step 21

Shift right layer leftward. Lift that bottom corner along established creases. Fold this layer back to the right, tucking the flap between layers to secure the neck angle for this inside reverse fold.

Step 22

Shift left layers rightward, mirroring the previous movement. Lift that bottom corner along creases, then fold the layer back left, tucking the flap between layers for this final inside reverse fold.

Step 23

Rotate the model 90 degrees toward you, then gently pull the wings outward.

Step 24

Form the head by performing a small inside reverse fold on the tip of the left flap. Press firmly to define the beak shape, completing your origami crane bookmark.

What’s Next

Hopefully, this bookmark brings joy to your reading time. Stick around to explore more paper-folding ideas. Below, here are several other bookmark tutorials you might enjoy for your next craft session.