All origami lessons

Before you start

This guide follows the Little Sailboat 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. Find the middle

   Fold left to right, then let the sheet open again.

2. Shape the first sail

   Fold this left corner inward along the sloping crease.

3. Close the other half

   Bring the right half over to the left.

4. Open the second sail

   Fold only the top corner back to the right.

5. Make the little hull

   Bring the lower triangle up to form the boat’s hull.

6. A neat bottom edge

   Tuck the little lower point behind the hull.

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 Allan Wise: Simple Sail Boat, with adaptations for interactive 3D folding.