Start with a simple model
Most beginners improve fastest by folding a few easy models several times rather than jumping to something impressive. Traditional designs such as a simple boat, a jumping frog, a balloon or a paper crane teach the folds that later models reuse. Repeating a model also shows you which step usually goes wrong for you.
Prepare your paper and workspace
- Work on a hard, flat surface. A table with no bumps or texture helps creases stay straight.
- Use paper that is square. Most models assume a square sheet. If you only have rectangular paper, fold one corner over diagonally to form a triangle, then cut off the leftover strip and unfold the square.
- Pick the colored or patterned side deliberately. Instructions usually say which side starts face up. Check the first diagrams before you begin.
- Keep your hands clean and dry. Damp or oily fingers can mark and soften paper.
If you are unsure what to buy, see our guide to what paper to use for origami.
Fold accurately: align, crease, check
Many beginner problems start in the first few folds, because small errors add up as the model gets smaller.
- Match corners and edges before pressing down. Hold the paper in place, line up the points, then flatten.
- Crease from the center outward. Press the fold flat with a fingertip, working from the middle toward the edges.
- Sharpen creases when the model needs it. Many folders run a thumbnail or the edge of a bone folder along the fold. Some designs ask for a soft crease, so follow the instructions.
- Look at the next step before you fold. Seeing where a fold is going often prevents mistakes.
- Leave a little slack where layers meet. In models with thick layers folded toward a center line, a very small gap can give the paper room to move in later steps.
Learn the basic symbols and folds
Origami diagrams use a shared set of symbols. The first two to learn are:
- Valley fold: the crease forms a valley, with the paper folded toward you. It is drawn as a dashed line.
- Mountain fold: the crease points up like a ridge, with the paper folded away from you. It is drawn as a dot-and-dash line.
Other common moves include the squash fold, the inside and outside reverse folds, and the petal fold. A crane uses several of these, which is one reason it is a good practice project. Many diagram sets include a key, and organizations such as OrigamiUSA publish teaching resources.
Choose paper that suits the model
Thin paper is easier to fold many times and suits most traditional models. Thicker paper can hold a shape well but is harder to fold in small, layered steps. Standard origami paper, often called kami, is a common beginner choice. For sizes, weights and alternatives, see what paper to use for origami.
Troubleshooting common problems
- The model looks lopsided. Check the first folds. A slight misalignment early on usually shows up at the end.
- Paper tears at the creases. The paper may be too thin or too stiff for the model, or it may have been folded back and forth many times. Try a fresh sheet.
- The layers will not collapse. Make sure the pre-creases are sharp and that you are folding the creases in the directions shown.
- You get stuck on one step. Try a larger sheet to see the structure more clearly, or watch a video of that step.
- Your paper springs open. Press the creases harder, or choose a thinner paper.
Origami with young children
Children of many ages can enjoy origami, though ability varies a lot from child to child. Younger children generally do better with very simple folds, such as a folded hat or a basic boat, larger sheets and an adult nearby to help with precise steps. Keep sessions short and focus on enjoying the process rather than neat results.
What counts as hard origami
There is no single hardest model, and people disagree about it. Difficulty usually rises with the number of steps, how small the folds become and how precise they need to be. Complex designs such as detailed insects, tessellations and models using hundreds of steps are widely considered advanced. A model that looks simple can still be tricky if it relies on unusual folds, so it helps to read through the diagrams first.
Where to keep learning
- Free diagram sites and video tutorials are the easiest starting point.
- Library and bookstore origami books often include a paper pack and a beginner section.
- Local origami groups and community classes exist in some areas, and some groups also meet online. Search for your region or for national origami society resources.
Once you are comfortable, return to the same model with a different paper or size and compare how it folds.
FAQ
How do you fold origami paper?
Start with a square sheet on a flat surface, follow the diagrams one step at a time, align edges before pressing and crease each fold fully.
Can any paper be used for origami?
Many kinds of paper can work, but thin, square, crease-holding paper is usually easiest. See our paper guide for details.
What should I fold first?
A simple, well-known model such as the origami crane is a reasonable goal once you are comfortable with basic folds. A boat or frog is a gentler first step.