How to Fold a Washcloth Animal
Washcloths are normally thought of only for their practical cleaning function. However, folding them into animal shapes has become a trend, particularly among cruise ships. You don't need to set sail to partake in the folding fun. With at least one washcloth or towel, you are equipped to create a cloth creature right at home. Those familiar with origami have an advantage here, able to harness their creasing experience toward the production of a fun animal design.
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Instructions
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Define "washcloth" for yourself. Though it obviously refers to a small cloth used for cleaning body parts like the face and hands, you might also include a towel into this connotation. Clarifying this is an important step because it determines the size of your folding material. Generally, the bigger the washcloth, the more detailed a shape you can create.
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Decide how many washcloths you want to use. Some washcloth animals may involve just one cloth. Another washcloth creation could involve multiple components.
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Select the animal you would like to create. Some of the more common washcloth critters include elephants, monkeys, bunnies, bears, swans and dogs.
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Locate an appropriate folding pattern. You can purchase a book on the topic, such as "The Lost Art of Towel Origami," or "Towel Folding 101". Royal Caribbean International has made several patterns available, such as those for washcloth frogs and lobsters.
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Purchase items to hold your washcloth animal in shape. Many patterns call for the use of rubber bands and glue to keep maintain the folds. You can also consider using safety pins to fasten together delicate areas, but be sure to use these discretely.
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Follow the instructions precisely, especially if you're a beginner. Washcloth animals look best when folded precisely and specifically. Granted, there is more leeway for error in washcloth folding than paper origami, since the material is thick. However, the thickness can also result in a nondescript shape if you are not meticulous about your folds.
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Decorate your washcloth animal. You can place sunglasses, googly eyes, or buttons on the animal's head to represent the eyes. Consider a small hat to lend a monkey or an elephant a cool touch.
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Tips & Warnings
Practice origami with specific origami paper. Working with the small and thin material tests your attention to detail and folding skill, capacities which can significantly improve the quality of your washcloth animals.
