Origami is the traditional Japanese art of paper folding. The goal of this art is to create a representation of an object using only a single sheet of paper. Some origami artists use specialised tools to help them create their masterpieces but it is possible to create simple origami shapes using only your hands.
The origami swan is a popular choice for beginners as it is a relatively easy shape to create. Follow the instructions below to learn how to make your own origami swan.
Start with a square sheet of paper. If you only have rectangular paper you can fold it in half to create a square.
Fold the paper in half to create a crease down the centre. Unfold the paper and then fold it in half the other way to create a perpendicular crease.
Fold the paper in half again this time bringing the top corner down to meet the bottom corner. Crease well and then unfold.
Fold each of the top corners into the centre aligning the edges with the perpendicular crease. Crease well and then unfold.
Flip the paper over and repeat the above steps on the other side.
Fold the paper in half bringing the top corner down to meet the bottom corner. Crease well and then unfold.
Fold each of the top corners into the centre aligning the edges with the crease in the middle of the paper. Crease well and then unfold.
Fold the paper in half aligning the top and bottom edges. Crease well and then unfold.
Starting at the top make a small accordion fold by folding the paper back and forth. Stop when you reach the centre of the paper.
Fold the paper in half aligning the top and bottom edges. Crease well and then unfold.
Fold each side of the paper in to meet the centre crease. Crease well.
Fold the paper in half aligning the top and bottom edges. Crease well and then unfold.
Roll the paper up from the bottom making sure to keep the edges aligned.
Fold the top corner down to meet the bottom edge of the paper.
Fold the paper in half aligning the top and bottom edges. Crease well and then unfold.
Fold each side of the paper in to meet the centre crease. Crease well.
Fold the top corner down to meet the bottom edge of the paper.
Fold the paper in half aligning the top and bottom edges. Crease well and then unfold.
Roll the paper up from the bottom making sure to keep the edges aligned.
Fold the top corner down to meet the bottom edge of the paper.
Your origami swan is now complete!
How do you make a origami swan?
Fold a square piece of paper diagonally to make a triangle.
Cut off the excess triangle.
Fold the triangle in half.
Fold the top corner to the bottom corner.
Fold the triangle in half again.
Unfold the triangle.
Fold the top layer of both sides to the middle.
Fold the bottom layer up.
Fold the top point down.
Turn the paper over.
Fold the top layer to the middle.
Fold the bottom layer up.
Tape the two pieces together.
What is the best type of paper to use for an origami swan?
origami paper works best but you can also use construction paper printer paper or any other type of square paper.
How big should the origami swan be?
It can be any size but it is typically around 6 inches.
What is the most difficult part of making an origami swan?
The most difficult part is usually folding the paper into a triangle and then cutting off the excess.
How long does it take to make an origami swan?
It usually takes around 10 minutes to make an origami swan.
