Folding Instructions
Learn to fold a traditional paper crane
Watch the video and autotranslate captions into your own language. Or, scroll down to view the step-by-step photos
Watch the Video
Follow the Photos
Step 1
Fold in half.
If your paper is white on one side, start with the white side up.
Step 2
Fold in half, again.
Step 3
Fold in half, again.
Step 4
Unfold top piece.
Step 5
Open inner pocket, and fold top piece inwards, as shown below.
Step 5.5
Flatten and crease.
Step 6
Flip over.
Step 7
Repeat. Open inner pocket and fold top piece inwards, as shown below.
Step 7.5
Flatten and crease into a diamond.
Step 10
Turn the diamond 90 degrees. The opening should face you.
Step 11
Fold left corner inwards to meet middle crease.
Step 12
Fold right corner inwards to meet middle crease.
Step 13
Fold the top corner into the center over the two flaps.
Step 14
Unfold the top three pieces.
Step 15
Grab the bottom corner of the diamond and fold it over the top, opening up the diamond, as shown below.
Step 15.5
Flatten and crease.
Step 17
Flip over.
Step 18
Repeat. Fold right and left corners into the center crease.
Step 19
Fold the top corner into the center over the two flaps.
Step 20
Unfold top 3 flaps.
Step 21
Grab the bottom corner of the diamond and fold it over the top, opening up the diamond, as shown below.
Step 22
Flatten and crease.
Step 23
Fold only the top layer over to the other side. The right corner will meet the left corner.
Step 24
Flip over.
Step 25
Repeat. Fold only the top layer over to the other side. The right corner will meet the left corner.
Step 26
Fold the crane’s neck inwards. Grab the top left triangle in one hand and the rest of the paper in the other hand as shown below.
Step 27
Fold and crease the neck.
Step 28
Repeat for the tail. Grab the top right triangle in one hand and the rest of the paper in the other hand as shown below.
Step 29
Crease the tail.
Step 30
Fold wing upwards however you like.
Step 31
Fold second wing upwards to meet the first.
Step 32
Bend the wings down and you’re done!
