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Origami: Paper Crane

A classic, kid-friendly origami project — no scissors or glue needed, just one square sheet of paper. Print this page for step-by-step folding instructions.

  1. Step 1 diagramStart with a square sheet of paper, colored side down. Fold it corner to corner diagonally, then unfold; repeat for the other diagonal. Flip the paper over and fold it in half side to side, then top to bottom, unfolding each time — you now have an X and a + crease as guides.
  2. Step 2 diagramUsing those creases, push the sides in and collapse the square down into a smaller diamond shape (the "preliminary base") — the paper naturally wants to fold flat along the creases you already made.
  3. Step 3 diagramWith the open point facing you, fold the left and right edges of the top layer in to meet the center line, narrowing the diamond into a slim kite shape. Flip over and repeat on the back.
  4. Step 4 diagramFold the two narrow bottom points up along the center, one becoming the neck and one becoming the tail.
  5. Step 5 diagramFold the very tip of the neck flap back down a little to form the crane’s head and beak.
  6. Step 6 diagramGently pull the wings apart and hold the body while pulling down slightly on the neck and tail — this pops the crane into its rounded, 3D shape.