how to make a paper crane essay

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How to Make a Traditional Origami Crane (with Visuals)

Last Updated: June 24, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Amy Guerrero and by wikiHow staff writer, Dan Hickey . Amy Guerrero is an Arts and Crafts Specialist and the Owner of Sunshine Craft Co., a crafting studio based in Phoenix, Arizona. Amy specializes in macrame, DIY crafting, and teaching fiber arts. She offers monthly in-person and online workshops along with having developed a range of DIY craft kits for at-home projects. Amy holds a BS in Industrial Design from Philadelphia University. She worked as a graphic designer before starting her own business. Sunshine Craft Co. is a creative hub that offers a wide range of workshops, tools, and resources for any craft project to inspire creativity and community engagement. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 3,358,011 times.

When most people think of origami, their mind jumps straight to the elegant paper crane. The idea of folding a paper crane yourself might seem intimidating at first, but the process is super straightforward and even first-time origami makers can make one in just a few minutes. In this article, we’ll show you how to make a traditional origami crane step-by-step (with visuals to help you bring your beautiful bird to life). All you need is a square of paper and a flat surface. Let’s get started!

Things You Should Know

Use traditional origami paper in the shape of a square for the best results. Choose paper with a color or design you enjoy to make your paper crane pop.
Make all of your folds slowly and carefully. Line up corners or edges as perfectly to each other as you can for the sharpest looking crane.
Display your crane on a tabletop or shelf, give it as a gift, or make 999 more and string them together to make your own senbazuru !

Lay down your origami paper color-side-up.

In a pinch, cut any rectangular piece of paper into a square if you don’t have origami paper.

Make two diagonal folds.

Use your fingers, a ruler, or a bone folder tool to make neat, crisp creases.
Making these kinds of folds is called making a valley fold.

Fold the paper into rectangles.

You now have creases in the shape of an “X” and a “+” spanning your paper, dividing it into 8 triangles.

Make an accordion fold.

Let the paper fold naturally along the creases you made earlier.
The resulting square has an open end where all 4 corners of the paper come together (facing you). It also has 2 flaps on the right and 2 flaps on the left. [5] X Research source

Create a squash fold.

Undo and open the squash fold..

The resulting shape looks like a thin, vertical diamond (top layer) on top of your square base (bottom layer).
Once you’ve gotten the diamond shape, flatten all of the folds and creases.

Repeat the squash fold on the backside of the paper.

Flatten the second squash fold as well.
The paper now looks like a 2-layer diamond with 2 “legs” at the bottom.

Taper the legs of the diamond.

Make a book fold on both sides of the paper., fold the bottom corners up., do another book fold on both sides of the paper., pull out the pointed tabs beneath the top layer..

One of these pointed tabs will be the tail and one will become the head. Choose one to fold into the head (either one will work).

Fold the head of the crane.

For the best look, fold the head down about 1 in (2.5 cm) from the tip.
Leave the pointed tab on the other side untouched (it will be the tail).

Fold the wings down.

Once the wings are folded and the body is fluffed up, your crane is ready for display!
Display your crane on a flat surface, like a coffee table or shelf, give it as a gift, or make 999 more and string them together to make a senbazuru.

Community Q&A

Reader Videos

Work slowly and carefully throughout the process, making sure to line up your edges and corners as cleanly as possible to get the sharpest looking end result. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 5
The crisper your creases, the more easily they’ll fold in later steps. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 5

↑ https://www.gathered.how/papercraft/origami/how-to-make-an-origami-crane/
↑ https://make-origami.com/paper-crane/
↑ https://mcpl.info/sites/default/files/images/origami_crane_instructions_1.pdf

About This Article

To fold an origami paper crane, start by folding a square piece of paper in half vertically, horizontally, and diagonally, unfolding after each fold. Then, fold the top corners to the bottom and press the sides in so the paper is folded up in a small diamond Next, grab the upper layer of the right side and fold the bottom edge to the center crease. Repeat this on the left side. Fold the top of the diamond down so the crease lies along the horizontal line created by the previous two triangles. Then, unfold the top corner and the previous two triangles to return to the small diamond shape you created. From there, fold the topmost layer of the bottom point all the way up so that the left and right flaps naturally fold in, creating a long, narrow diamond shape. Carefully, crease and flatten the paper.Flip the paper over, and repeat the process to create another long, skinny diamond. At this point, your paper should look like one tall, skinny diamond with two legs at the bottom. Next, grab the point on the upper layer of the right side and fold the bottom outside edge inwards towards the central line. Repeat on the left side. Fold the entire right flap over the central line, as if you were turning the page of a book. At this point, both flaps should be on the left-hand side. Turn the shaper over and repeat the process. Next, grab the upper layer of the bottom point and fold it up so the bottom tip touches the top points. Fold the right flap over to the left. Repeat on the other side. Then, fold wings down so you can just see the body. Finally, fold the tip of the head down and pull the wings out gently. If you want to learn more, like how to make your crane look larger and three-dimensional, keep reading the article! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Knit Patterns

How To Make a Paper Crane Step By Step

Published: Mar 25, 2024 by admin · This blog generates income via ads

Explore the candid world of origami; paper crane have proven to be an emblem of this paper folding art, captivating craft enthusiasts and those who believe in the mythical tale of the Japanese forging a thousand paper cranes and seeing a wish come true. Classic, wishful, and intricate, learning to assemble these careful creatures will not only boost your creative skills but also give you a taste of ancient Japanese art and unwritten folklore.

How To Make a Paper Crane

Our goal here is to keep the simplicity intact.

All you’ll need for crafting your paper crane is:

A square piece of paper, preferably for origami (We use a 5.9×5.9″ origami paper.)
Skillful fingers (Essential!)

Step-By-Step Making Process

Step 1: The Launch Point: Folding Diagonally

Start by folding your paper diagonally from one corner to another. Repeat the process to have a fine ‘X’ crafted on your paper. Ensure the edges are well-aligned to make the crane folding seamless.

Step 2: Merge + With X

Flip your artwork and fold the paper horizontally in half. Repeat for a second time. You aim to overlay a ‘+’ over the ‘X’ you folded earlier. Accuracy is key.

Step 3: Origami’s Staple: The Accordion Fold

With the colored side facing downwards, unfurl the square. One corner should be pointed towards you. Next, converge the two side corners to the corner pointing at you, similar to the picture above. The upper corner is then folded to meet the other corners, resulting in an accordion-shaped square.

Step 4: Superman Fold

With the folded corners still aiming at you, fold the top right corner to meet the center diagonal of the square. A Superman logo-inspired shape should result. Mimic this fold with the left corner as well.

Step 5: Top Down

Now, gently pull the top part down and smooth out the crease.

Step 6: Frog to Diamond

Peel back the triangles you folded down and lift the top layer of the paper. This action will create a shape that looks like a frog’s mouth. Pull the top cornerback and down, flattening the folds for a diamond square.

Step 7: Rinse and Repeat

Mirror the steps from the Superman fold to the Diamond fold on the opposite side of your paper.

Step 8: The Slim Kite

Fold the top corner of the diamond towards the center line and then do the same for the left. Repeat this on the flip side. This gives it a skinny kite-like formation.

Step 9: A Nod to Wolf’s Head

Next, act as if you’re turning the page of a book: lift and fold the top right side over to the other side and press down the middle fold. Duplicate the step on the other side. The outcome should hint at a ‘wolf’s head’ figure.

Step 10: Snout Folding

Like folding an imaginary wolf’s snout, fold the top-right corner so that it touches the ‘ears’ of your paper wolf and imitate the process on the other side.

Step 11: The Book Fold

Fold the top layer from right to left, almost like you’re flipping through the pages of a book. Do the same on the other side.

Step 12: Heads and Tails

Pull out the long pieces to align with the body fold angle. Bend one side down to craft the crane’s head.

Step 13: The Flap Wings

Fold both wings down where two different angles converge. Flatten that fold.

Step 14: Final Touch of Life

To conclude, slightly pull apart the wings at the folds. Flip the crane and gently pry apart the opposite corners to form the body. Blow into the opening at the bottom as you ease out the wings to puff the body.

Step 15: Voila! Your Origami Crane is Alive!

With careful fingers and some patience, your paper crane is set to take flight. Savour your handmade origami crane!

By RNmaster

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The Construction of a Paper Crane.

Introduction: The Construction of a Paper Crane.

Author: Eric Chen

Date: October 9, 2019

This instruction set will show you how to construct a paper crane. This paper crane can be used as a gift for another person or just for personal enjoyment. It's cool to see how a plain piece of paper can come together to become a crane. This project isn't too difficult once you begin to understand how it works all together with the folds and such. Be safe, take your time, and have fun with it!

Tip: The pictures go in order from left to right so they may be very helpful in your journey. All pictures have a note included which denotes which picture goes with which number in each step.

Scissors are a sharp implementation and must be handled carefully.
Paper cuts may be common during this construction therefore be careful when handle paper.

Standard Letter Sized Paper (8.5 x 11) inch. or

A square piece of paper. (Make sure paper is not too small or you may face difficulty during construction.)

Step 1: Creating the Square Piece of Paper (w/o Scissors) (Skip This If You Already Have a Square Piece of Paper.)

Set the paper in a portrait orientation.
Take any corner of the paper and fold it diagonally.
Take the “rectangle” side of the paper and fold it over the top of the triangle and crease.
Undo the folds back to its original orientation.
Fold the “rectangle” side of the paper again in the other direction and crease heavily.
Tear apart the “rectangle” piece so a square piece of paper remains.
You may discard the remaining piece of paper.

Once complete, you may skip Step 2.

Step 2: Creating the Square Piece of Paper (w/ Scissors) (Skip This If You Already Have a Square Piece of Paper.)

Complete Step 1: 1 - 5

Use scissors to cut the “rectangle” piece of paper so a square piece of paper remains. Cut along the crease.

Tip: You may refer to the pictures in Step 1 for assistance.

Refer to ALERT Above

Step 3: Preparation of Paper for the Body.

Fold the paper twice horizontally and vertically so that you see four squares.
Fold the paper diagonally twice. Corner to corner so it creates an “X”.
Position the paper in a diamond formation.
Take the left and right corners of the paper and fold it into the bottom corner of the paper.
Take the top corner and fold down so a smaller square remains. The side of the paper that opens should be facing you.

Step 4: Creating the Body of the Crane.

Take the top left and right corners and fold inward and so it aligns with the center crease.
Do that to the other side as well.
Undo all the folds in this step to both sides.
Lift the top piece of paper. Take the left and right corners and fold inward.
Do the same for the other side. The result should be a smaller diamond shape.
Take the top flap and fold up and do the same for the other side.
Flatten the paper.

Step 5: Creating the Tail, Head, Wings, and Legs

The flaps you folded upward should be pointed away from you.
Take the top left and right corners and fold inward so it aligns with the centerline.
Do the same for the other side.
Result should be two thin legs at the bottom.
Take the left leg and fold in an inward and upward manner.
Do the same step above to the other leg.
Take the end of one of the legs, and fold down so it resembles a head.
Take the two large flaps and fold them down so they resemble wings.
At the bottom, push apart the base so the crane can be set evenly on a flat surface.

Step 6: Complete!

You should now be able to lay the crane flat on the table and the crane is done.

Conclusion: At the end of this small project, you should result in a paper construction that resembles a crane. It is optional to add color or any other kind of decoration.

Note: All pictures and instructions belong to the author stated above.

How to Make an Origami Crane

The origami crane is one of the most popular and recognized paper constructions ever. When origami is brought up in a conversation, you cant help but think of the origami crane. It’s popularity is definitely warranted because it is a beautiful piece of art.

These origami crane instruction were written to be as easy to follow as possible. I recommend using origami paper if you want them to turn out nice, but regular paper will also do fine.