Summer afternoons always remind me of simple joys, especially catching grasshoppers in fields. So let’s make an origami grasshopper together!
This model captures that spirit with its long jumping legs and alert pose. It looks ready to jump off your desk.
It is simple to make. You will start with a bird base, then thin the layers. During the process, you will use scissors to cut out the tentacles and legs.
This design pairs perfectly with our origami dragonfly. Both insects belong to sunny days and outdoor adventures. Making them together on your desk to bring a small, peaceful forest into your room.
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: 20 minutes
- Paper: 15×15 cm
- Total steps: 16
- Difficulty: Easy
Material
- Start with a 15 cm x 15 cm square sheet of paper to create an origami grasshopper about 11.5 cm long.
- Scissors
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1
Place the paper in a diamond shape, and with the desired display side face up. Fold and unfold the paper in half both horizontally and vertically to create a cross-shaped crease pattern in the center. Flip the paper over.
Step 2
Fold and unfold the paper in half edge-by-edge in both directions.
Step 3
Based on these existing creases, bring the top, left, and right points to the bottom point. Flatten the fold to form a smaller square.
Step 4
On the top layer, fold the bottom-left and bottom-right edges to meet the center vertical crease. Crease firmly and unfold. Next, fold the top corner down, and unfold to leave a horizontal crease.
Step 5
Open the pocket based on the crease created by the previous step. Then lift up the top layer, use your hands to flatten the pocket to complete the petal fold.
Step 6
Flip the model from left to right, then fold the bottom left and bottom right edges to meet the center vertical line. Crease well, and unfold.
Step 7
Repeat Step 5. Press the entire model flat to finalize the bird base structure.
Step 8
Fold the bottom-left and bottom-right edges of the top layer inward to meet the center vertical line (Pic 1). Flip the model over horizontally and repeat the same folds on this side (Pics 2–4).
Step 9
Fold the top flap on the left side over to the right, similar to turning a page in a book (Pic 1). Flip the model over horizontally and repeat this “page-turn” by folding the left flap to the right side (Pics 2–3).
Using scissors, carefully cut upward along the center vertical line from the bottom point until you reach the horizontal intersection (Pics 4–5).
Step 10
Fold the top flap on the left side over to the right, similar to turning a page in a book (Pic 1).
Flip the entire model over horizontally and repeat this “page-turn” by folding the left flap to the right side (Pics 2–4).
Step 11
Fold the top flap downward along the horizontal dashed line that connects the two side points (Pic 1).
Flip the model over from left to right to work on the opposite side (Pic 2). Bring the remaining top corner down to the center point, crease it firmly, and then unfold it back to the top (Pics 4–5).
Step 12
Use scissors to make three vertical cuts from the top point down to the horizontal crease. One cut goes exactly down the center, and two more go down the sides, dividing the top section into four strips.
Fold the two outer flaps downward, while keeping the two middle strips pointing straight up).
Step 13
Lift the two long flaps at the bottom and fold them outward to the sides. Ensure the inner edges of these flaps align with the white dots on the body (Pic 1).
Fold the model in half vertically by bringing the right side over to the left (Pic 2). Finally, rotate the model 90° counterclockwise so it sits horizontally (Pics 3–4).
Step 14
Separate the top and bottom parts on the right side (Pic 1). Lift the upper flap to represent the grasshopper’s body and tail, while the lower flaps will serve as the base for the jumping legs.
Take the long flap on the front and fold it upward, then back down to create a zigzag shape, forming the front leg (Pics 2–3).
Repeat this zigzag fold on the tail flap by folding it up and then down at an angle to create the back leg (Pics 4–6).
Step 15
Flip the model over 180° to work on the back. Repeat the exact zigzag folds on the remaining two leg flaps. Ensures the legs on each side match, and the model is symmetrical.
Step 16
Rotate the model 90° to view it from the top (Pic 1). Gently curve the two thin antennae outward and upward using your fingers or tweezers (Pics 2-3).
This small adjustment gives the grasshopper a lively, realistic appearance as if it is exploring its surroundings.
What’s Next
Many other paper insects are waiting for you to discover them. Now that your grasshopper is finished, try using different paper colors. Follow the links below to explore more fun origami models that celebrate summer.
Other Origami Insects Ideas
