Are you afraid of worms? You might find them scary or even gross. However, this origami version is different. It is very special and looks incredibly cute on any desk.
We used a lot of pleat folds to create that bouncy, accordion body. It might look complex, but the steps are actually very simple.
If you love this wiggly friend, you should definitely check out my other guides–our Origami Snail. Give your worm a slow-moving buddy!
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: 7.5×7.5 cm
- Total steps: 15
- Difficulty: Easy
Material
- Start with a 7.5 cm x 7.5 cm square sheet of paper to create an origami worm about 6.5 cm long.
- A small amount of glue.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1
Place the paper in a diamond shape, and with the desired display side face down. Fold and unfold the paper in half both horizontally and vertically to create a cross-shaped crease pattern in the center.
Step 2
Fold the bottom-left edge up to align with the top-right edge (Pic 1). Press only the left end to mark the midpoint of the top-left edge, then unfold (Pic 2).
Next, fold the top corner down along an imaginary line connecting the right corner to that new midpoint (Pic 3). Press only where this fold crosses the center vertical line to create a small reference mark, then unfold (Pics 4–5).
Step 3
Fold the bottom corner upward to meet the reference point you just marked on the center vertical line (Pic 1). Flatten this fold completely. Next, fold the top corner down to meet the midpoint of the new bottom edge (Pics 2–3).
Step 4
Fold the right corner toward the left until it meets the intersection where the two paper layers overlap (Pic 1). Crease it well, then unfold (Pic 2. Repeat this exact step with the left corner (Pics 3–5).
Step 5
Rotate the model 90 degrees counterclockwise, then flip it over from left to right.
Step 6
Pinch the three horizontal creases to transform them into sharp mountain folds. Working from top to bottom, fold each of these three crease up a little. This creates three narrow pleats, or “zigzag” folds, that give the worm its segmented, accordion-like body.
Step 7
Fold the bottom corner up to the midpoint of the middle body pleat, then immediately fold it back down to create a new, smaller pleat at the base (Pics 1–2).
Flip the model over from left to right (Pic 3). Fold the bottom triangle up, then fold its top tip back down to the bottom edge to form the final pleat (Pics 4–6).
Step 8
Rotate the model 90° counterclockwise and fold it in half horizontally from top to bottom (Pics 1–2).
Next, take the left corner and fold it over to meet the first vertical pleat on the left (Pic 3). Press down firmly to leave a vertical crease, then unfold (Pics 4–5).
Step 9
Unfold the horizontal center fold to flatten the model, then fold the left corner over along the vertical crease you just made (Pics 1–2). Fold the entire piece in half horizontally again (Pic 3). Fold the top-left corner downward at a small diagonal angle, crease it very firmly, and then unfold (Pics 4–6).
Step 10
Rotate the model 90° toward you and gently open the left side (Pics 1–2). Perform an Inside Reverse Fold by pushing the top-left corner inward along the diagonal creases you just made. Press the model flat again and rotate it 90° back to a horizontal position to complete the rounded head (Pics 3–6).
Step 11
Grasp the body near the tail and gently lift the right tail flap upward before pressing it flat (Pic 1). This adjustment creates a lively, upward-tilting tail.
Using both hands, pinch the edges of each body pleat and gently pull them outward to the sides (Pics 2–4). This subtle expansion allows the model to settle into a naturally curved, crawling pose (Pic 5).
Avoid re-flattening the model completely after this adjustment, as doing so would shift the vertical creases and disrupt the segment spacing.
Step 12
Fold the bottom edge near the right tail section inward slightly to create a smoother, more streamlined transition (Pic 1). Flip the model over from left to right (Pic 2). Repeat this exact fold on the opposite side (Pics 3–4).
Step 13
Gently push the bottom edge of each body segment upward and inward to create a small, arched cavity. Repeat this process for every segment along the length of the worm.
This gives the belly a hollow, arched look, forming tiny, pointed “feet” for the worm.
Step 14
Flip the model over from left to right and repeat the arching process on the opposite side to finish forming the feet (Pics 1–2). Apply a small amount of glue inside the front opening and press the layers together to permanently secure the head shape (Pics 3–5).
Step 15
Use a marker to draw small, decorative spots along the top side of the body, and draw a pair of eyes on the head section to give your origami worm its own personality.
What’s Next
Now your worm is ready to crawl. Check out these other origami insect ideas below. Let’s keep folding and build a whole paper forest together!
Other Origami Insects Ideas
