How to Fold a Paper Crane

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Find a blank square sheet of paper.

   If you're working with square origami paper, that's great.
   
   Fold it so the color is facing out.
   
   If you have an ordinary piece of printer paper, just fold one of the top corners across the paper until it aligns with the bottom edge of the sheet, leaving a long strip of rectangular paper.
   
   Cut the strip to make the paper square.
2. 2

   Step 2: Fold the paper in half into a rectangle.

   , Unfold the paper. ,,, You should end up with a cross crease. ,,,, You should end up with an asterisk-like crease. , Crease.
   
   Repeat on the lower left side.
   
   You'll have a top that resembles a kite. , This will make it so that the lower right edge lines up with the crease. ,, After you do this, you'll return to having a square with an opening that faces down. ,,, This will create a diamond shape with two flaps sticking out on the right and left sides. ,,, Do this as you would turn the page of a book. , Repeat on this side.
   
   Then fold the right flap over to the left again. , Turn over and repeat on the other side. , Again, do this as you would turn the page of a book. , Now the head and tail are nestled in between what will become the wings. ,,,, If you want a three dimensional body, grasp the opposite corners on the bottom of the body and gently pull the shape to create the desired volume.
   
   Or you can blow in the hole at the bottom of the crane. , You can give away the crane, hang it up, or use it as a decoration.
3. 3

   Step 3: Fold the top of the paper down until the top edge aligns with bottom edge of the paper and then crease.

4. 4

   Step 4: Fold it in half the other way.

5. 5

   Step 5: Fold vertically from right to left.

6. 6

   Step 6: Crease

7. 7

   Step 7: then unfold.

8. 8

   Step 8: Fold the top right corner down to the bottom left corner.

9. 9

   Step 9: Crease

10. 10

    Step 10: then unfold.

11. 11

    Step 11: Fold the top left corner down to the bottom right corner.

12. 12

    Step 12: Crease

13. 13

    Step 13: then unfold.

14. 14

    Step 14: Bring the lower right side of the top flap to the middle line.

15. 15

    Step 15: Bring the right corner of the top flap to the middle crease.

16. 16

    Step 16: Fold down the top corner to make the crease lie along the horizontal line created by the previous step.

17. 17

    Step 17: Unfold the last three folds.

18. 18

    Step 18: Fold the bottom corner of the square up along the horizontal crease from the previous steps up to the top corner.

19. 19

    Step 19: Reverse the two creases on the upper flap by folding it in the opposite direction that it naturally folds.

20. 20

    Step 20: Bring the outer edges of the paper to the middle and flatten it.

21. 21

    Step 21: Turn the paper over and repeat steps 6-9 on this side.

22. 22

    Step 22: Fold the outer edges of the diamond to the middle crease.

23. 23

    Step 23: Fold the right flap over to the left.

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    Step 24: Turn over the shape.

25. 25

    Step 25: Fold the bottom tip of the top flap up to the top corner.

26. 26

    Step 26: Fold the right flap over to the left.

27. 27

    Step 27: Turn over and repeat on the back.

28. 28

    Step 28: Fold the wings down so that they are perpendicular to the body

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    Step 29: and tail.

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    Step 30: Fold the tip of the head down.

31. 31

    Step 31: Pull the head and tail out so that they line up with the outer edges of the body.

32. 32

    Step 32: Create 3D volume.

33. 33

    Step 33: Enjoy your paper crane.

Detailed Guide

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