All origami lessons

Before you start

This guide follows the Crane 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. Turn the paper over (automatic view change)

   Swipe across to turn the whole sheet over.

2. A square crease

   Fold the sloping edge across, then let the paper reopen.

3. One more guiding crease

   Make the matching crease on the other side.

4. Turn the paper over (automatic view change)

   Swipe across to turn the whole sheet over.

5. The first diagonal

   Swipe the left point across. We will fold it, then open it again.

6. A crossing diagonal

   Bring the top point down, then open the sheet again.

7. Turn the paper over (automatic view change)

   Swipe across to turn the whole sheet over.

8. Collapse the square base

   Bring the top point down. The side creases fold inward together.

9. Mark the left petal edge

   Bring the left edge toward the center, then reopen it.

10. Mark the right petal edge

    Make a matching crease on the right.

11. Mark the petal shoulder

    Fold the little top point down, then open it again.

12. Open the first petal

    Lift the bottom point. The side folds tuck inward around their creases.

13. Turn to the other side (automatic view change)

    Turn the entire base over to reach the second petal.

14. Open the second petal

    Lift the other bottom point along the same creases. This is the bird base.

15. Narrow the front right edge

    Bring this lower diagonal edge to the center line. Keep the long point sharp.

16. Narrow the front left edge

    Bring this lower diagonal edge to the center line. Keep the long point sharp.

17. Narrow the back right edge

    Bring this lower diagonal edge to the center line. Keep the long point sharp.

18. Narrow the back left edge

    Bring this lower diagonal edge to the center line. Keep the long point sharp.

19. Mark the neck angle

    Fold the long point upward and outward, press, then reopen.

20. Reverse the neck upward

    Open the two layers, lift the point between them, then close the pocket.

21. Mark the tail angle

    Fold the long point upward and outward, press, then reopen.

22. Reverse the tail upward

    Open the two layers, lift the tail between them, then press. It eases back to 90% tucked.

23. Tuck the beak inside

    Open the neck seam all the way down to the body and tuck the beak inward. After pressing, the head eases back to 80% tucked, leaving the pocket open.

24. Spread the first wing

    Lower the broad point, press its shoulder crease, then ease it open into a flying wing.

25. Spread the second wing

    Lower the broad point, press its shoulder crease, then ease it open into a flying wing.

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, Traditional crane, with adaptations for interactive 3D folding.