Origami Crane
The classic origami crane — one of the most recognised paper folding designs in the world. Connects to Japanese culture and the story of Sadako Sasaki. Takes 15-20 minutes to learn and is endlessly reproducible.
Paper Crafts
Ages 7–1130 minsMediumIndividual
Watch on YouTube
Search: "how to make origami crane step by step easy beginner" — video tutorials from popular craft channels
What you'll need
- Square origami paper (15x15cm minimum)
- Nothing else needed
How to do it
- Start with paper colour-side down. Fold diagonally, unfold. Fold the other diagonal, unfold. Fold horizontally, unfold. Fold vertically, unfold.
- Collapse into a small diamond (base) using all the crease lines.
- Fold the bottom edges to the centre crease on the front, then the back. Fold the top triangle down, crease, unfold.
- Open the front flap upward and squash flat — both sides.
- Fold the bottom edges in to the centre, both front and back.
- Fold up the two inner flaps (the neck and tail).
- Fold one outer flap over for the head and gently pull the wings to open the body.
💡 Tips
This genuinely takes practice. Do it in front of the class step by step, pausing at each fold. YouTube is essential here — show the video alongside. Once children know it, they teach each other.
Books and materials
Convenience links for everything mentioned above. We link to Amazon — LessonKind may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Origami books
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T The Origami Bible — Nick Robinson
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E Easy Origami — John Montroll
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O Origami: The Art of Paper Folding — Robert Harbin