How to Fold an Origami Crane

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By chocolate00
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Fold an Origami Crane

This is a step by step guide with pictures to show you the instructions on how to fold an Origami Crane. An ancient Japanese legend says that when you create 1000 origami cranes and attach them together with strings, you will be granted a wish!

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

square origami paper (same length and width, the bigger the paper, the bigger the crane)

Step 1

With the colored side up, fold the tips from one end to the other end. Repeat on all corners. Then unfold.
Step 2

Turn the paper to the other side so that the white colored side is up. Fold the paper in half, forming a rectangle. Repeat with other end. Then unfold.
Step 3

Grab the middle part of the paper on both sides, and fold it towards the center (like the picture on the right). Flatten it. It should look like a square.
Step 4

With the open points facing you, Fold the first flap on left and right sides to the center. Then fold the top tip to the center as well (see picture on right side). Then unfold.
Step 5

Gently grab the bottom tip of the diagram and pull it slowly towards the top. Flatten it, it should look like a kite shape (like picture on right side)
Step 6

Repeat steps 4 and 5 with the back side of diagram.
Step 7

Fold the first flap on both sides toward the middle. Repeat on the back side of diagram.
Step 8

We are now working on the head and the tail of the crane. Fold both outwards (like 11 o clock and 2 o clock). Then unfold.
Step 9

Now, if you flip the first right flap over, you will see the 'middle' section (picture on left). Grab the 'head' part of your crane and fold it up towards the middle area, make sure to press the middle (picture on right). Repeat that with the 'tail' part of the crane.
Step 10

Now you can take one side of the crane and fold it's head downwards (like picture on the right).
Step 11

Now grab the middle part (the wings) and fold it outwards. You are done making this beautiful crane!

Comments

saucywriter said

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on 9/29/2009 Very well written and illustrated article on making an origami crane. 5* & rec.

pinlight said

on 8/15/2009 This helped me make a paper crane, which I used to know how to do but had forgotten. Your photos for me as a visual learner were perfect.

on 8/15/2009 This origami paper crane article is perfect. Your photos are fantastic--I learn visually so they were key for me. I used to know how to make these as a kid too...it's funny what we forget!