How to Make an Origami Crane

1. Make a Square Base

   Start by making an origami square base. Begin with your paper color side up.

2. Fold Diagonally

   Fold the paper in half diagonally.

3. Unfold

   Unfold. There should now be a crease in the paper from the diagonal fold.

4. Fold Diagonally Again

   Now fold the paper in half diagonally in the other direction.

5. Unfold Again

   Unfold the paper. Your square should now have two diagonal creases, forming an "X."

6. Flip Over

   Flip the paper over to the other side.

7. Fold Horizontally

   Fold the paper in half horizontally.

8. Unfold

   Unfold to reveal the new crease from the previous fold.

9. Fold Vertically

   Fold the paper in half vertically. 

10. Unfold Again

    Unfold to reveal the new crease.

11. Fold From Top Down

    Bring the top point down to the bottom, while also folding the left and right corners down into the center.

12. Finish Origami Square Base

    You should now have a diamond shape, with a vertical crease running down the center—this is an origami square base.

13. Begin a Squash Fold

    Starting with your square base, make sure the open end is at the bottom. Fold the right lower edge to the central crease.

14. Fold Left Side

    Now follow suit with the left side; fold the left lower edge to the central crease.

15. Fold Top Down

    Fold the top section down.

16. Unfold

    Now unfold the previous three folds.

17. Pull Bottom Up

    Pull one layer up from the bottom, along the creases you just made.

18. Finish Squash Fold

    Push the left and right edges inwards. 

    This is called a squash fold—you can see the wing is fully "squashed" into place.

19. Flip Over

    Flip the model over to the other side.

20. Repeat the Squash Fold

    Repeat the same steps of the squash fold on this side, starting with the lower right fold to the central crease.

21. Fold the Left

    Now fold the left side to the central crease.

22. Fold Top Down

    Fold the top section down (the smaller triangle) to meet the two folds you just made.

23. Unfold

    Unfold the last three folds you just made.

24. Pull Bottom Up

    Pull one layer up from the bottom, along the creases you just made.

25. Finish Squash Fold

    Push the left and right edges inwards to complete the second squash fold.

26. Fold Lower Right

    Fold the lower right edge to the central crease.

27. Fold the Other Side

    Fold the bottom left corner in the same way, to the crease.

28. Flip Over

    Flip the model over.

29. Fold the Right Corner

    Now fold the entire right lower corner to meet the central crease.

30. Fold the Left Side

    Fold the left lower corner to meet the central crease.

31. Fold the Neck of the Crane

    Fold the lower right flap up, under, and out to the right.

32. Fold the Tail of the Crane

    Do the same with the left side (the tail).

33. Fold the Head of the Crane

    Create a head by flattening the flap, and inside reverse folding a little section down at the top.

34. Open the Wings

    Complete your crane by folding out the wings.

How to Display Your Cranes

There are so many ways you can display your origami cranes! They make great party decor, table decor, or string together a bunch to make a garland.

• For a more creative approach, try attaching them to skewers to put in drinks or on top of cakes.
• Gather a large branch that you can hang up, and then hang a bunch of origami cranes and other origami models from it!