All origami lessons

Before you start

This guide follows the Sunfish 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. Mark the middle

   Fold the bottom edge to the top, then reopen.

2. Mark the other middle

   Fold left to right and reopen.

3. Mark quarter crease 1

   Bring the edge to the middle, press, and reopen.

4. Mark quarter crease 2

   Bring the edge to the middle, press, and reopen.

5. Mark quarter crease 3

   Bring the edge to the middle, press, and reopen.

6. Mark quarter crease 4

   Bring the edge to the middle, press, and reopen.

7. Mark the first diagonal

   Fold corner to corner and reopen.

8. Mark the other diagonal

   Make the crossing diagonal, then reopen.

9. Close the left gate

   Bring the left edge to the middle.

10. Close the right gate

    Bring the right edge to meet it.

11. Open the fin pocket

    Spread the upper corners and flatten the pocket.

12. Open the tail pocket

    Spread the lower corners and flatten the second pocket.

13. Turn the fish sideways (automatic view change)

    Turn the whole sheet so the head points right.

14. Bring the upper tail inward

    Fold the upper left point toward the tail end.

15. Bring the lower tail inward

    Fold the matching lower point toward the tail end.

16. Shape the lower tail

    Bring the lower left corner diagonally upward.

17. Spread the lower tail

    Press the triangular flap down, then let it spring open a little.

18. Shape the upper tail

    Bring the upper left corner diagonally downward.

19. Spread the upper tail

    Press the flap upward and let the tail open into two raised lobes.

20. Shape the upper lip

    Press the upper edge inward. Let the long fin relax away from the body.

21. Shape the lower lip

    Press the lower edge inward and let the matching fin spring open.

22. Give the body its shape

    Press along the middle, then let the body open with a gentle bend.

23. Show your fish (automatic view change)

    Turn the fish over to its smooth side.

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, Easy Origami Fish, with adaptations for interactive 3D folding.