All origami lessons

Before you start

This guide follows the Crow 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. Start with the white side (automatic view change)

   Turn the square over so its white side faces up.

2. The first diagonal

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

3. A crossing diagonal

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

4. A square crease

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

5. One more guiding crease

   Make the matching crease on the other side.

6. Collapse the square base

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

7. Mark the left petal edge

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

8. Mark the right petal edge

   Make a matching crease on the right.

9. Mark the petal shoulder

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

10. Open the first petal

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

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

    Turn the entire base over to reach the second petal.

12. Open the second petal

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

13. Mark the right foot

    Fold the small bottom point outward, press its diagonal crease, then reopen it.

14. Mark the left foot

    Fold the small bottom point outward, press its diagonal crease, then reopen it.

15. Tuck the right foot inside

    Open the small corner, push its tip outward between the two layers, then close the pocket.

16. Tuck the left foot inside

    Open the small corner, push its tip outward between the two layers, then close the pocket.

17. Lower the folded wings

    Bring the broad front point down over the body. Leave the other tall point for the neck.

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

    Turn the whole bird over from left to right to expose its smooth neck.

19. Close the crow body

    Fold the right half across to the left. The long neck rises above the folded wing.

20. Tuck the beak inside

    Open the neck pocket, guide the tip inward between its sides, then close it.

21. Open the body for its perch

    Gently open the body, then let it settle with room between the two sides.

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 OrigamiOK, Traditional crow, with adaptations for interactive 3D folding.