How to Fold a Very Easy Origami Butterfly

This origami butterfly, inspired by Akira Yoshizawa’s classic design, will bring a fresh splash of color to your home.

Easy to fold yet incredibly elegant, it’s the ideal project for a calming creative break or a stylish decoration.

Choose your favorite patterned paper to make each butterfly uniquely yours. Smaller papers (around 3×3 in or 7.5×7.5 cm) also work wonderfully if you’d like to add these butterflies to your indoor plants. They’ll appear ready to flutter off the leaves!

Origami Butterfly Step-by-Step Instructions

• Difficulty: Easy – Beginner Level 2
• Folding time: 5 minutes
• Model designer: Akira Yoshizawa (3D variation)
• Recommended paper: Chiyogami or Kami 6×6 in or 15×15 cm

Step 1

Start with the colored side of the paper facing up. Fold and unfold in half both horizontally and vertically.

Step 2

Turn the paper over.

Step 3

Fold and unfold both diagonals.

Step 4

Collapse the paper as shown on the diagram using the existing creases, making the Waterbomb base.

Step 5

Fold the top layer ́s corners up to meet the top corner.

Step 6

Turn the model over.

Step 7

Gently lift the bottom corner of the top layer up. Then, make a soft fold at the center without flattening the sides. Make sure the corner goes over the edge of the paper.

Step 8

Fold the top corner tip down over the top edge and crease firmly. Then, turn the model over.

Step 9

Gently fold the wings toward you to help shape the butterfly and lock the model in place.

🦋 Folding tip: Depending on the type of paper you’re using, the model may not hold together properly. If that happens, you can add a little glue under the top flap to keep everything secure.

The Completed Yoshizawa Origami Butterfly

Congratulations on folding your origami butterfly!

Go ahead and have fun folding some more using different types of paper and sizes! It’s a great way to add a creative touch around your home or among your plants.

We’d love to see your butterflies, so feel free to share them in the comments or tag us on social media.

Other Origami Butterflies:

Traditional Origami Butterfly

Download the Full Origami Butterfly Printable PDF Instructions

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Watch the Origami Butterfly Video Tutorial

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