How to Make an Origami Crane

Origami, as we all know, is a fun way of creating beautiful 3D models with a single piece of paper. You can make origami flowers, birds, animals and many more creative things by simply folding the paper in a specific manner. Origami cranes make wonderful gift tags and can be used as decoration items. According to a Japanese legend, a person who makes thousand such origami cranes is granted a wish by the crane.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make an Origami Crane

Making an origami crane is not all that easy, however, these simple origami crane instructions will guide you through the whole process. So, get ready for making this elegant bird out of a single piece of paper.

Step 1
The first step in making any origami pattern for kids is the choice of paper. You may use paper made specifically for origami or any other kind of paper with the texture and color of your choice.

Step 2
Place the square piece of paper on the working surface. If you are using an origami paper, which is colored on one side, begin with the white side facing up.

Step 3
Fold the paper into half to get a rectangular shape. Unfold it to get a crease in the middle of the paper. Now, rotate the paper by 90 degree and fold it into half again. Unfold the paper. You now have two creases, perpendicular to each other in a 'plus' manner.

Step 4
Flip the paper over and rotate it 45 degrees this time. Fold it into half to get a triangle. Unfold to get a crease joining two corners of the paper. Similarly, make another crease to join the two other corners of the paper.

Step 5
Flip the paper over again and bring the sides as well as the top corners to meet the bottom point, so that the sides fold inwards along the creases and the paper looks like a diamond.

Step 6
Now, fold the top layer of the sides along the center crease. Flip the paper over and repeat the step to get a kite shape. Fold the top triangle of the kite downwards. Unfold all the folds made in this step.

Step 7
Lift the bottom point of the diamond and flatten the paper along the new creases, to bring the edges towards the center. Flip the paper over and repeat the step. You get a tall, thin diamond.

Step 8
Place the diamond in such a way that the part which is separated in the middle is at the bottom. The two separated flaps will be the neck and tail of the crane.

Step 9
Fold the top layer of the sides along the center crease. Flip the paper and repeat the step.

Step 10
Now, fold the top layer of the right side over the left side. Fold the lower triangle upwards in a reverse fold. Put the right side back to its place. Flip the paper over and repeat the step.

Step 11
Pull the neck and the tail slightly apart. Using another reverse fold on the neck, make the head of the crane.

Step 12
Fold the wings down from both sides. Pull them slightly apart and flatten them a bit. Blow through the hole in the bottom to give your crane a 3D appearance. Your cool origami crane is all set to fly!

This was all about folding a square piece of paper to make an elegant bird. Now, that you to make an origami crane, get ready to hit a thousand and make a wish! Who knows, the crane might just be grateful to you! All the best!