Folding
a Paper Crane
By:
Ben Elfner
Introduction:
The
crane is a standout amongst many paper origami constructions. An ancient
Japanese legend promises that anyone who folds a thousand origami cranes will
be granted a wish by the gods. Some stories believe you are granted happiness
and eternal good luck, instead of just one wish, such as long life or recovery
from illness or injury. This makes them popular gifts for special friends and
family. The crane in Japan is one of the mystical or holy creatures (others
include the dragon and the tortoise) and is said to live for a thousand years:
That is why 1000 cranes are made, one for each year. In some stories it is
believed that the 1000 cranes must be completed within one year and they must
all be made by the person who is to make the wish at the end. Learning to
create origami can be very fun and engaging. These instructions give detailed
steps to fold a paper crane. This project should only take 5-10 minutes.
List of materials:
- Square piece of paper. Can be any size as long as
you can manipulate it so it shouldn't be too small. The sized used here is
8.5" x8.5"
Steps:
1.Fold
Diagonally
Fold the paper in half diagonally.
2.Unfold
Unfold. There should now be a crease in the paper from the diagonal fold.
3.Fold
Diagonally Again
Now fold the paper in half diagonally in the other
direction.
4.Unfold
Again
Unfold the paper. Your square should now have two
diagonal creases, forming an "X."
5.Flip
Over
Flip the paper over to the other side.
6.Fold
Horizontally
Fold the paper in half horizontally.
7.Unfold
Unfold to reveal the new crease from the previous
fold.
8.Fold
Vertically
Fold the paper in half in vertically.
9.Unfold
Again
Unfold to reveal the new crease.
10.
Fold from Top
Down
Bring the top point down to the bottom, while also folding
the left and right corners down into the center.
11.
Finish Origami Square Base
You should now have a diamond shape, with a
vertical crease running down the center—this is an origami square base.
12. Flip
Vertically
Orient so the opening is pointed towards you
13. Begin
Squash Folds
Fold the right lower edge to the central crease.
14.
Fold Left Side
Now follow suit with the left side; fold the left
lower edge to the central crease.
15.
Fold Top Down
Fold the top section down.
16.
Unfold
Now unfold the previous three folds.
17.
Flip Over
Flip the model over to the other side.
Flip the model over to the other side.
18. Fold
the Right
Repeat
the same steps on this side, starting with the lower right fold to the central
crease.
19.
Fold the Left
Now fold the left side to the central crease.
20. Fold
Top Down
Fold the top section down (the smaller triangle) to
meet the two folds you just made.
21.
Unfold
Unfold the last three folds you just made.
22.
Pull Bottom Up and Squash
Pull one layer up from the bottom, along the
creases you just made.
23.
Flip
Over
Flip the model over to the other side.
24.
Pull Bottom Up and Squash
Pull one layer up from the bottom, along the
creases you just made.
Pull one layer up from the bottom, along the
creases you just made.
25.
Fold Lower Right
Fold lower right edge to the central crease.
26.
Fold the Other Side
Fold the bottom left corner in the same way, to the
crease.
27.
Flip Over
Flip the model over.
28.
Fold the Right Corner
Now fold the entire right lower corner to meet the
central crease.
29.
Fold the Left Side
Fold the left lower corner to meet the central
crease.
30. Fold
the Neck of the Crane
Fold the lower right flap up, under, and out to the
right.
31.
Fold the Tail of the Crane
Do the same with the left side (the tail).
32.
Fold the Head of the Crane
Create a head by flattening the flap, and inside
reverse folding a little section down at the top.
33.
Fold out the Wings
Complete your crane by folding out the wings.