How to Fold an Origami Squirrel
Sebastien Limet (Mister Paperfold) This origami squirrel, designed by Sébastien Limet, is one of those models that just feels good to fold.
It’s simple, smooth, and beginner-friendly, but still full of character with its bushy tail and alert little ears. What makes it really interesting is that it’s been designed to offer different levels of difficulty.
The base version is easy to fold, but you can also take it further by reverse-folding the tail or adjusting the arms to shape them more precisely.
Just a quick tip: it’s best to use paper that’s the same color on both sides, so you don’t get any color change in the final model.
Origami Squirrel Step-by-Step Instructions
- Difficulty: Easy – Beginner Level 3 (base version)
- Folding time: 10 minutes
Recommended Paper
15×15 cm (6×6 in) Kami or Tant
Step 1
Start with the white side of the paper facing up in a diamond position. Fold along the vertical diagonal, then unfold.
Step 2
Fold the top edges in to meet the centerline.
Step 3
Fold the right corner in to meet the centerline. Crease well, then unfold.
Step 4
Inside reverse fold along the creases made in Step 3.
Step 5
Repeat Steps 3 and 4 on the left side.
Step 6
On the right top flap, fold the bottom edge to meet the centerline. Crease well, then unfold.
Step 7
Inside reverse fold along the creases made in Step 6.
Step 8
Fold the flap created in Step 7 upward.
Step 9
Repeat Steps 6 to 8 on the left side.
Step 10
Mountain fold the model in half from right to left.
Step 11
Rotate the model 90° clockwise.
Step 12
Fold the top left corner down to the reference point. Crease well, then unfold.
Step 13
Fold the bottom left edge up to meet the left edge of the triangle. Crease well, then unfold.
Step 14
Now focus on the right side of the model (this will become the squirrel’s head). Fold the white triangle along its right edge. Crease well, then unfold.
Step 15
Fold the right corner in to meet the same reference point. Crease well, then unfold.
Step 16
Crimp fold along the existing creases from Steps 12 and 13.
Step 17
Inside reverse fold the white triangle along the crease from Step 14.
Step 18
Inside reverse fold the flap from Step 17 along the crease made in Step 15.
Step 19
Fold the right corner along the dotted line so that the top edges align. There’s no exact reference. Crease well, then unfold.
Step 20
Inside reverse fold along the crease from Step 19 to form the squirrel’s snout.
Step 21
Fold the top flap’s right edge to the nearest vertical crease. Make a small pinch mark at the bottom edge level, then unfold.
Step 22
Fold the flap again so that the pinch mark aligns with the vertical crease.
🐿️ Folding tip: As you fold, the flap will cover the vertical crease. Turn the model over to help align them accurately.
Step 23
Repeat Step 22 on the other side.
🐿️ Folding tip: You won’t need a pinch mark this time. Just align the flap with the one you made in Step 22.
Step 24
Fold the tail along a dotted line starting at the point where the leg and tail intersect. Leave a small gap between the squirrel’s ears and the tail.
Step 25
Fold the top corner of the tail downward along a dotted line. There is no exact reference.
Step 26
Fold the right corner of the tail inward along a dotted line. Again, there is no exact reference.
Nuttin’ But the Best – Squirrel Complete!
Folding Challenge: Taking Your Squirrel to the Next Level
Try reversing the tail folds so it flares out on both sides. If you’re using duo-color paper, this creates a color change at the tail. You may find that interesting, but if you’d rather avoid it, just use paper that’s the same color on both sides.
Here’s a video showing how to do it:
Now, let’s reorganize the layers at the arm level so you can separate and shape them more easily.
Check out how it’s done in this video:
Nice work on your squirrel. I hope you enjoyed folding it as much as I did.
It’s such a charming little design, and I love how it gives you room to explore. Whether you kept it simple or tried out the extra shaping, the result always has a personality of its own.
If you want to keep folding with us, feel free to join our newsletter or subscribe to our YouTube channel. And if you want to show off your squirrel, tag us on social media or drop it in the comments. I would love to see how it turned out.
Download the Full Origami Squirrel Printable PDF
Instructions
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Watch the Origami Squirrel Video Tutorial
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I love this squirrel design! It’s very nice!
It’s very tail-heavy though, is there a way to make it stand upright more easily?
Nice! Thanks for sharing. You can fold the tail closer to the ears.
Hi! It doesn’t look like there is a link for the printable instructions 🙁
Hi Kristina, thank ou for letting us know! I fixed the issue and the form is back.
i just find out your webpage, and know you have a youtube channel. Wonderful tutorial in the website, with diagram and pictures, and video. Love you guys.
Thank you so much for your support 🙂 We also have an awesome newsletter. Don’t hesitate to join it!
I made this squirrel! It’s super cute and next time I make it I will take it to the next level for sure.
Nice folds and paper! I’ll be waiting to see your next squirrel 🙂
The hardest origami challenge ever! Mine turned out a bit different but it’s very cute. :]
Excellent! Well done 🙂 You should look the video from YouTube. Sébastien (the folder and designer) shows it in an easier way. I’ll need to update the short videos on this page.
I LIKE ORIGAMI HOW CAN I BUY THE BOOK
There are a plethora of origami books. The easiest way would be to go to a bookstore. Online resources for buying the books are there too.