How to Fold Origami Paper

Folding origami paper can be easy or challenging or anywhere in between. For the best result, make sure your edges line up and corners are bisected neatly. And unless the directions tell you otherwise, run a thumbnail along each fold to get a sharp crease. Try each of the following steps on its own to learn that particular type of fold.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Origami paper

1. Fold the paper forward to create a valley fold. This fold is indicated by a dashed line. Its name comes from the appearance of the fold when opened. It looks like a V. This is also called a book fold.

2. Fold the paper backward (or turn it over and fold it forward) to make a mountain fold. This technique is shown by a dashed and dotted line (-- • -- • --). Its shape (/\) resembles a mountain.

3. 

   Start the cupboard fold by folding the paper in half in a valley fold. Unfold; then fold each edge into the middle fold, creating two more valley folds parallel to the first fold. The paper will resemble a cupboard with two doors.

4. 

   Start an inside reverse fold by folding the paper on a diagonal. Mountain fold one corner at the diagonal, using just the top layer of paper. Flip it over and repeat on the other layer. Unfold the diagonal and tuck the corner in. Refold the diagonal. This is also known as a pocket fold.

5. 

   Begin an outside reverse fold by folding the paper on a diagonal. Make a valley fold on one corner at the diagonal, using just the top layer. Flip it over and repeat on the other layer. Unfold on the diagonal and fold the corner out. Refold the diagonal. This is also known as a hood fold.

References

• Origami Folding Instructions