All origami lessons

Before you start

This guide follows the Bat activity in Origami Pico. Open the interactive version to see the current paper, highlighted fold and movement in 3D. Choose a free basic paper to try it as many times as you like.

No physical paper is needed for the on-screen activity. If you want to try real paper too, use the linked folding reference below alongside the app. Some movements are adapted for the interactive guide.

Folding instructions

1. Make a triangle

   Bring the bottom point up to the top point.

2. Mark the center

   Fold the right corner across to the left, then open it again.

3. Lift the bottom edge

   Fold the long bottom edge upward. Leave the small triangle peeking above it.

4. Fold the little head

   Fold the top tip down over the front flap to make the triangular head.

5. Fold the body backward

   Fold the right half behind the left. Keep the little head on the outside.

6. Lift the first wing

   Lift the broad front wing diagonally upward, keeping a narrow strip beside the head.

7. Lift the other wing

   Fold the wing on the other side along the matching diagonal.

8. Pleat the first wing

   Fold the raised wing back along the diagonal from the bottom point to its long edge.

9. Pleat the other wing

   Make the same diagonal fold on the other wing.

10. Fold the first wingtip

    Fold the pointed end down across the two corners of the wing.

11. Fold the other wingtip

    Fold the other pointed end to match.

12. Open your bat

    Gently spread the wings. Let the diagonal pleats open into ridges.

Use this lesson together

Read one instruction aloud, describe where the moving corner will go, then make the fold. Students or family members can take turns explaining the next step.

Classroom activity guide · Family folding guide

Folding reference

This app activity is based on Origami Guide: Easy Origami Bat, with adaptations for interactive 3D folding.