How to Fold an Easy Origami Whale

ByPeter Saydak

Designer: Traditional/Unknow

2 Comments

Today, we’re folding a traditional origami whale, a majestic sea creature.

It’s a very easy model that is perfect for beginners.

In this step-by-step guide, I’ll show you how to fold a fish base and make a paper whale in less than 5 minutes.

Whether you’re a fan of marine life or seeking a relaxing craft, let’s begin!

Traditional Origami Whale Step-by-Step Instructions

Difficulty: Easy – Beginner Level 2
Folding time: 5 minutes

Recommended Paper

15×15 cm (6×6 in) Kami

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Step 1

Start with the white side of the paper up in a diamond position. Fold the vertical diagonal, then unfold.

Step 2

Now fold the horizontal diagonal, then unfold.

Step 3

Fold the bottom left and right edges to the centerline.

Step 4

Fold the top left and right edges to the centerline.

Step 5

Collapse along the existing creases to form a fish base.

Step 6

Mountain fold the tip back so the top corner meets the same level as the circled point. Then, turn the model over.

Step 7

Fold the left and right corners slightly inwards. They should meet with the horizontal diagonal.

Step 8

Fold the model in half from right to left. Then, rotate 90 degrees counterclockwise.

Step 9

Fold the top flap down to form the fin. Then, repeat on the other side.

Step 10

Mountain fold to create the tail.

🐋 Folding tip: You can also make an outside reserve fold to lock the tail.

The Completed Origami Whale

Congratulations on completing your origami whale!

Feel free to share your creations with us in the comments or on social media. We would love to see them!

Download the Full Origami Whale Printable PDF
Instructions

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Author Peter Saydak

I've been into origami for quite some time now, and I've been teaching it here on Origami.me for over 14 years. My other hobbies include martial arts, travel, video games and Go. I'm also the author of Everyone Can Learn Origami. You should definitely check it out!

Designer Traditional/Unknow

Traditional origami refers to classic models that are timeless, widely known, and/or have no known creator. Usually passed down through generations, they belong to everyone and form the foundation of modern origami.

Diagrammer Kelly Tan

My origami journey began 17 years ago, evolving into a profound passion throughout the years. My proudest accomplishment has been contributing to a vibrant local origami scene at UC Berkeley’s CAL Origami Club, where I helped to host local conventions and co-founded a university-level origami design class, aiming to inspire creativity within students. For me, origami offers a sense of accomplishment as I transform a flat sheet into a three-dimensional artwork. Its beauty lies not just in its complexity and precision but in the community, a shared connection, and appreciation for the art form.