BASIC FOLDS

Learning simple folds like these
helps you follow diagrams to
make origami models.

REVERSE FOLDS

inside

outside

PETAL FOLD

♠

♠

♠ ♠

♠

♠

♠

SQUASH FOLD

VALLEY FOLD

MOUNTAIN FOLD

SWIVEL FOLD

CRIMP

Preliminary fold

Preliminary fold

RABBIT EAR FOLD

Make 3 folds

simultaneously

and flatten

Valley-fold the

bisector of

each angle

Turn over

Fold over to
other side

Preliminary fold

PRELIMINARY FOLD

OPEN SINK

Open and sink

the centre

Crease

firmly

CLOSE SINK

Sink the centre

Crease

firmly

Turn over

WATERBOMB BASE

Waterbomb base

Fold
over to
other
side

CRANE and
FLAPPING BIRD

Traditional models.

♠

♠

♠ ♠

Turn over

Fold over to
other side

Preliminary fold

Rotate so that

closed end is

pointing up

(Enlarged view)

Open end

Closed end

Make three
valley folds

Petal fold

Turn over and
petal-fold
other side

Split end

Crane

Flapping
bird

Crane

Flapping
bird

Turn over

and repeat

Inside

reverse

folds

Inside

reverse

folds

Spread

the wings

Inside

reverse

folds

Gently pull
the tail, while
holding

♠

♠

WATER BOMB
and BUTTERFLY

Traditional models.

Turn over

Water bomb

Waterbomb base

Fold
over to
other
side

Butterfly

Turn over

Repeat on
other side

Petal fold

Turn over

Swivel the tip

Turn over and
repeat on other side

Inflate

Tuck into

pockets

Water bomb

Butterfly

(Enlarged view)