The traditional origami crane is one of the best-known paper models. It takes around two dozen folds and uses several basic techniques, so it is a good test of your accuracy. Take your time, and expect the first one to be imperfect.
What you need
- One square sheet of paper. About 6 x 6 inches (15 x 15 cm) works well; see what paper to use for origami.
- A hard, flat surface.
- Optional: a bone folder or the edge of a fingernail for sharper creases.
If your paper is colored on one side, the steps below start with the white side up, so the finished crane shows the colored side.
Before you start
The folds below use two terms. A valley fold folds the paper toward you, and a mountain fold folds it away from you. For more on these and other basics, see our origami tips for beginners.
Step by step
1. Make the pre-creases
- Place the paper with the white side up. Fold it in half diagonally, corner to corner, crease well and unfold.
- Fold the other diagonal the same way and unfold.
- Turn the paper over so the colored side is up. Fold it in half edge to edge, crease and unfold.
- Fold in half the other way, crease and unfold.
You now have creases across the diagonals and through the center, which will guide the later folds.
2. Collapse into the preliminary base
With the colored side up, the edge-to-edge creases should be valley folds and the diagonal creases mountain folds. Bring the three corners down toward the bottom corner. The sides will push inward and the paper will collapse into a small square, with an open end pointing down. This is called the preliminary (or square) base.
3. Fold the kite shape
Place the base with the open end toward you. On the top layer, fold the two lower edges in so they meet at the center line. Crease firmly. Flip the model over and repeat on the other side.
4. Fold the top down and unfold
Fold the small triangle at the top down over the kite folds, crease sharply, then unfold it. Unfold the two side folds as well. You should see a pattern of creases forming a kite shape on the paper.
5. Make the petal fold
- Lift the bottom corner of the top layer upward.
- Using the creases you just made, open the sides of that layer and push them inward so they meet at the center.
- Flatten the paper into a long diamond.
- Flip the model over and repeat the petal fold on the other side.
This is the trickiest step, so go slowly. The existing creases should make the paper want to move in the right direction.
6. Narrow the legs
On the top layer, fold the two lower edges in so they meet at the center line. Flip over and repeat. The bottom of the model now has two narrow points, with the diamond-shaped body above them.
7. Form the neck and tail
Fold one narrow point upward and inside the body using an inside reverse fold. Pre-crease the fold first, then open the layers slightly and push the point up between them. Repeat with the other narrow point. One will be the neck and the other will be the tail.
8. Fold the head
Choose the neck point. Make a short inside reverse fold near its tip to turn down the head. Press the beak flat.
9. Open the wings
Fold the wings down along the front edge. Gently pull the wings apart and press the body slightly flat at the base so the crane stands. Some folders blow lightly into the hole underneath to puff out the body.
Common mistakes and fixes
- The preliminary base will not collapse. Check that the edge-to-edge creases are valley folds and the diagonal creases are mountain folds. Re-crease them.
- The petal fold is awkward. Sharpen the kite creases from step 4 and unfold them fully before trying again.
- The neck or tail is crooked. Make the reverse fold along the center line and match both sides evenly.
- The crane is lopsided. Look back at the pre-creases. Slightly off diagonals are the most common cause.
- Paper keeps springing open. Press creases harder, or use a thinner sheet.
Tips for a cleaner crane
- Make every crease once and crisply instead of repeatedly adjusting it.
- Practice with scrap squares before using patterned paper.
- Try a larger sheet if the small folds feel hard to control.
- Fold a few cranes in a row. Most people notice the second and third are much easier.
Next steps
After your first crane, try different sizes and papers or fold a small group together. For general habits that will help with any model, return to our beginner origami tips. For folding and other skills that carry across crafts, see essential craft techniques.
FAQ
How long does a crane take to fold?
For a first attempt, many people spend around 10 to 20 minutes, and faster after some practice.
What paper is best for a crane?
Thin, square paper is usually easiest. Standard origami paper in 6-inch sheets is a common choice.
Do I have to blow into the crane?
No. It is optional and only puffs out the body slightly.