Crane Origami Tutorials

crane origami tutorials

Today, we share crane origami tutorials to you!

Learn how to make the iconic Traditional Origami Crane with this easy to follow step by step tutorial. You will need one sheet of square paper for this.

Everyone associates origami with this origami crane or 'Tsuru'. It's especially popular due to the story of 1001 cranes, but its simplicity is hard to argue with.

This well-known origami model is easy to intermediate level. It's a great model to introduce after other simple models such as the Easy Origami Boat or Easy Origami Fox.

Easy crane origami tutorials Instructions - Step 1

We're going to start by making an origami square base.

Start with your paper color side up.

1. Fold the paper in half diagonally and unfold, then fold the paper in half diagonally in the other direction.

2. Flip the paper over to the other side. Fold the paper in half, and unfold, then fold it in half in the other direction.

3. Bring the top point down to the bottom, whilst folding the left and right corners down into the center as well.

4. You should now have this, this is an origami square base.

Easy crane origami tutorials Instructions - Step 2

5. Starting with your square base. Make sure the open end is at the bottom. Fold the left and right lower edges to the central crease, and unfold.

6. Fold the top section down from the previous two creases. Unfold.

7. Pull one layer up from the bottom, along the areas you just made.

8. Push the left and right edges inwards, this is called a squash fold.

Easy crane origami tutorials Instructions - Step 3

9. Now the wing is fully squashed into place.

10. Flip the model over to the other side from left to right and repeat the same steps on that side.

11. Fold lower left and right edges to the central crease.

12. Flip the model over to the other side, from left to right.

Repeat the last step on this side.

Easy crane origami tutorials Instructions - Step 4

13. Fold the lower right flap up and out to the right and unfold.

14. Open out that flap and inside reverse fold it up to the right.

15. Do the same with the 'tail'.

16. Now you can fold both 'wings' down and create a head by flattening the flap and inside reverse folding a little section down at the top.

Now that you have an origami crane, why not make an origami 'flappy bird' by following this tutorial.