Easy Origami Step-by-Step Instructions for Beginners

Need a relaxing break in your day? Learn how to make easy origami with our collection of simple, beginner-friendly step-by-step tutorials.

From traditional cranes to cute paper animals and easy origami flowers we’ve gathered over 100 models that are fun to fold and satisfying to finish. Many of our tutorials are created in collaboration with talented origami artists from around the world, so you’re learning from the best.

Each tutorial includes clear diagrams, helpful photos, and easy-to-follow videos that guide you through every step. All you need is a square sheet of paper.

Although every model on this page is considered easy origami, we’ve organized them into six levels:

easy level 1

Super easy, perfect for kids and first-time adults.

easy level 2-3

Simple but with a few more steps.

easy level 4-5

Still beginner friendly, but requires a lot more steps.

low intermediate

Low-intermediate, ideal for beginners ready for a challenge.

If you want to explore even further, you can browse all tutorials using the advanced filter system in our Origami Index.

If this is your very first time folding, start with our Beginner’s Guide to Origami. It introduces the basic folds, symbols, and techniques you’ll see in our tutorials. Once you’re familiar with those, you’ll find every model on this page much easier to follow.

All Time Favorite Easy Origami

Discover the most popular and timeless easy origami models, loved by folders of all ages. These classics are a great place to start if you’re new to origami.

easy origami crane

Origami Crane

Designer: Traditional

easy level 3
easy origami butterfly

Origami Butterfly

Designer: Traditional

easy level 3
easy origami frog

Origami Jumping Frog

Designer: Traditional

easy level 3
easy origami heart

Origami Heart

Designer: Unknown

easy level 2
easy origami box

Origami Box

Designer: Traditional

easy level 3
easy origami turtle

Origami Turtle

Designer: Traditional

easy level 3
easy origami envelope

Origami Envelope

Designer: Keiji Kitamura

easy level 3
easy origami swan

Origami Swan

Designer: Traditional

easy level 1
easy origami fox

Origami Fox

Designer: Shingu Fumiaki

easy level 1
easy origami dragon

Origami Dragon

Designer: Sébastien Limet

easy level 5
easy origami rabbit

Origami Rabbit

Designer: Akira Yoshizawa

easy level 3
easy origami ninja star

Origami Ninja Star

Designer: Traditional

easy level 2
easy origami star

Origami Star

Designer: Traditional

easy level 2
very easy origami bookmark

Origami Bookmark

Designer: Nick Robinson

easy level 1
easy origami snake

Origami Snake

Designer: Oriol Esteve

easy level 5
easy origami 5-pointed star

Origami 5-Pointed Star

Designer: Nick Robinson

easy level 2
easy origami snowflake

Origami Snowflake

Designer: Shuzo Fujimoto

easy level 5
easy origami styracosaurus

Origami Styracosaurus

Designer: Nick Robinson

easy level 4
origami camel

Origami Camel

Designer: Sébastien Limet

low intermediate
origami vase

Origami Vase

Designer: Traditional

low intermediate

Simple Origami Flowers & Leaves

There’s something really peaceful about folding paper into flowers. You start with a simple square, and a few folds later, you’re holding a tulip or a lily in your hands. These easy origami flowers are perfect if you’re new to folding or just want a quiet, creative moment. Give it a try and see which one blooms for you.

easy origami camellia

Origami Camellia

Designer: Traditional

easy level 3
easy origami iris

Origami Iris

Designer: Traditional

easy level 4
easy origami leaf

Origami Leaf

Designer: Traditional

easy level 2
easy origami lily

Origami Lily

Designer: Traditional

easy level 4
easy origami lotus

Origami Lotus

Designer: Traditional

easy level 3
easy origami rose

Origami Rose

Designer: Traditional

easy level 2
easy origami tulip

Origami Tulip

Designer: Traditional

easy level 3

Easy Origami Animals

We’ve gathered some of our favorite origami animals to share with you. Each model is perfect for beginners, with simple steps and beautiful results. Whether you feel like folding a frog, a butterfly, or a turtle, you’ll find something you’ll love here.

easy origami bat

Origami Bat

Designer: Sébastien Limet

easy level 3
easy origami butterfly

Origami 3D Butterfly

Designer: Akira Yoshizawa

easy level 2
easy origami cat

Origami Cat

Designer: Nicolas Terry

easy level 5
easy origami cat face

Origami Cat Face

Designer: Traditional

easy level 1
origami chameleon

Origami Chameleon

Designer: Adriano Mariani

low intermediate
easy origami cicada

Origami Cicada

Designer: Traditional

easy level 1
easy origami crocodile

Origami Crocodile

Designer: Adriano Mariani

easy level 5
easy origami dog

Origami Dog

Designer: Kunihiko Kasahara

easy level 2
origami dragonfly

Origami Dragonfly

Designer: Traditional

easy level 5
easy origami elephant

Origami Elephant

Designer: Kunihiko Kasahara

easy level 1
easy origami frog

Origami Frog

Designer: Traditional

easy level 5
easy origami giraffe

Origami Giraffe

Designer: Caleb Witte

easy level 5
origami horse

Origami Horse

Designer: Unknown

easy level 1
easy origami kitten

Origami Kitten

Designer: Francesco Mancini

easy level 4
easy origami koi

Origami Koi

Designer: Riccardo Foschi

easy level 5
origami lion

Origami Lion

Designer: Unknown

easy level 1
origami mouse

Origami Mouse

Designer: Unknown

easy level 1
easy origami panda

Origami Panda

Designer: Adriano Mariani

easy level 3
easy origami pig

Origami Pig

Designer: Adriano Mariani

easy level 4
easy origami balloon rabbit

Origami Balloon Rabbit

Designer: Traditional

easy level 3
origami rhino

Origami Rhinoceros

Designer: Unknown

easy level 1
easy origami seal

Origami Seal

Designer: Traditional

easy level 3
origami snail

Origami Snail

Designer: Toshie Takahama

easy level 5
easy origami squirrel

Origami Squirrel

Designer: Sébastien Limet

easy level 3
origami spider

Origami Spider

Designer: Bittistina Genta

low intermediate

Simple Origami Birds

Origami birds have a kind of magic to them. With just a few folds, paper begins to take flight. Cranes, owls, and swans. Each one is simple to make and full of charm. If you’ve never folded a bird before, this is the place to start.

easy origami bird

Origami Flapping Bird

Designer: Traditional

easy level 3
easy origami chick

Origami Basket Chick

Designer: Simon Andersen

easy level 3
easy origami chicken

Origami Chicken

Designer: Traditional

easy level 3
easy origami celebration crane

Origami Celebration Crane

Designer: Traditional

easy level 3
origami sitting crane

Origami Sitting Crane

Designer: Traditional

easy level 3
easy origami crow

Origami Crow

Designer: Traditional

easy level 3
easy origami dove

Origami Dove

Designer: Alice Gray

easy level 4
easy origami duck

Origami Duck

Designer: Traditional

easy level 2
easy origami eagle

Origami Eagle

Designer: Nicolas Terry

easy level 3
easy origami owl

Origami Owl

Designer: Traditional

easy level 4
easy origami parrot

Origami Parrot

Designer: Traditional

easy level 2
easy origami penguin

Origami Penguin

Designer: Traditional

easy level 2
origami phoenix

Origami Phoenix

Designer: Traditional

easy level 5
origami pigeon

Origami Pigeon

Designer: Traditional

easy level 1
easy origami sparrow

Origami Sparrow

Designer: Simon Andersen

easy level 3
easy origami swallow

Origami Swallow

Designer: Traditional

easy level 3

Easy Origami Fish and Sea Creatures

Folding sea creatures is such a fun way to bring a little ocean magic to your day. From simple fish to playful dolphins and majestic whales, these models are simple to fold and perfect for beginners. Just pick one you like and start exploring the underwater world in paper.

easy origami angelfish

Origami Angelfish

Designer: Traditional

easy level 1
origami crab

Origami Crab

Designer: Traditional

easy level 4
easy origami dolphin

Origami Dolphin

Designer: Traditional

easy level 3
easy origami fish

Origami Fish

Designer: Traditional

easy level 1
origami goldfish

Origami Goldfish

Designer: Traditional

easy level 1
origami shark

Origami Shark

Designer: Nick Robinson

low intermediate
easy origami whale

Origami Whale

Designer: Traditional

easy level 2

Useful Origami

While most origami models can serve as beautiful decorations, many also have practical uses. In this section, you’ll find easy origami boxes, bookmarks, and envelopes.

easy origami basket

Origami Basket

Designer: Traditional

easy level 3
easy origami bookmarks

Origami Heart Bookmark

Designer: Traditional

easy level 4
easy origami witch hat bookmark

Origami Witch Hat Bookmark

Designer: Francesco Mancini

easy level 3
easy origami candy box

Origami Candy Box

Designer: Traditional

easy level 3
easy origami sanbou box

Origami Sanbou Box

Designer: Traditional

easy level 3
easy origami star box

Origami Star Box

Designer: Traditional

easy level 3
easy origami cup

Origami Cup

Designer: Traditional

easy level 1
easy paper fortune teller

Origami Fortune Teller

Designer: Traditional

easy level 1
easy origami lazy susan

Origami Lazy Suzan

Designer: Traditional

easy level 4

Origami for the Holidays

Get into the festive spirit with our holiday-themed origami section. From Halloween origami to Christmas origami, these projects bring seasonal magic to your folds. Designed for all skill levels, each tutorial offers clear instructions to help you create fun and festive paper creations that make the holidays even more special.

easy origami angel

Origami Angel

Designer: Nick Robinson

easy level 1
easy origami Christmas tree

Origami Christmas Tree

Designer: Traditional

easy level 1
origami 6-pointed star

Origami 6-Pointed Star

Designer: Shuzo Fujimoto

easy level 5
easy origami santa

Origami Santa

Designer: Nick Robinson

easy level 2
origami santa hat

Origami Santa Hat

Designer: Unknown

easy level 1
origami heart with wings

Origami Heart with Wings

Designer: Francis Ow

easy level 5
easy origami heart card

Origami Heart Card

Designer: Nick Robinson

easy level 2
easy origami kissing lips

Origami Kiss Kiss

Designer: Nick Robinson

easy level 3
easy origami jack-o-lantern

Origami Jack-O’-Lantern

Designer: Nicolas Terry

easy level 2
easy origami skull

Origami Skull

Designer: Sébastien Limet

easy level 5
easy origami vampire mouth

Origami Vampire Mouth

Designer: Francesco Mancini

easy level 2
easy origami witch hat

Origami Witch Hat

Designer: Francesco Mancini

easy level 2
easy origami devilish heart

Origami Devilish Heart

Designer: Francesco Mancini

easy level 4
origami little devil

Origami Little Demon

Designer: Sébastien Limet

easy level 5
origami the thing (1)

Origami The Thing

Designer: JoĂŁo Charrua

easy level 5

Other Easy Origami Ideas

Not sure what to fold next? This little mix has all sorts of fun ideas. From bookmarks to boxes to surprises you didn’t expect, there’s something here for everyone. Just pick one and enjoy the fold.

winged balloon origami

Origami Balloon

Designer: Traditional

easy level 3
very easy origami boat

Origami Boat

Designer: Traditional

easy level 1
origami chair

Origami Chair

Designer: Traditional

easy level 1
easy origami cube

Origami Cube

Designer: Mitsunobu Sonobe

easy level 2
easy origami fan

Origami Fan

Designer: Traditional

easy level 2
easy origami happi

Origami Happi

Designer: Traditional

easy level 2
easy origami kimono

Origami Kimono

Designer: Traditional

easy level 2
easy origami lantern

Origami Lantern

Designer: Traditional

easy level 2
easy origami necktie

Origami Necktie

Designer: Traditional

easy level 2
origami pinwheel

Origami Pinwheel

Designer: Traditional

easy level 2
origami samurai helmet

Origami Samurai Helmet

Designer: Traditional

easy level 1
easy origami shirt

Origami Shirt

Designer: Traditional

easy level 2
origami table

Origami Table

Designer: Traditional

easy level 2
easy origami waterbomb

Origami Water Bomb

Designer: Traditional

easy level 2
origami shark

Origami Shark

Designer: Nick Robinson

low intermediate
origami lucky cat

Origami Maneki Neko

Designer: Oriol Esteve

low intermediate
origami spider

Origami Spider

Designer: Battistina Genta

low intermediate
origami vase

Origami Vase

Designer: Traditional

low intermediate
origami hexagonal box

Origami Hex Box

Designer: Nick Robinson

low intermediate
origami camel

Origami Camel

Designer: Sébastien Limet

low intermediate
realistic origami skull

Origami Realistic Skull

Designer: Sébastien Limet

low intermediate
origami chameleon

Origami Chameleon

Designer: Adriano Mariani

low intermediate

Easy Origami FAQ

Origami is the traditional Japanese art of paper folding. The word comes from oru (to fold) and kami (paper). With just a single sheet of paper, you can create animals, flowers, boxes, and many other shapes. It’s a relaxing and creative hobby that anyone can enjoy, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced folder. You can learn more about the history of origami here.

The easiest models are those that use only simple folds without tricky reverse or squash folds. Great starting points include the traditional origami swancicada, and paper boat. They’re quick to fold, easy to remember, and a perfect introduction to origami.

The best choice for beginners is kami—lightweight, crisp, and inexpensive paper made specifically for origami. It holds creases well and is perfect for traditional and simple models. You can also use printer paper or construction paper cut into a square, but since they’re thicker and more prone to tearing, they’re only suitable for the easiest folds.

The easiest origami projects can be folded in 5–15 minutes. Very simple models may take under 5 minutes, while slightly more detailed ones might take a little longer.

Yes! Many of our Level 1 and Level 2 tutorials are ideal for children around 5 years and up. These models use clear folds and simple shapes, making them easy to follow. Folding together is a fun, screen-free family activity and an excellent way to introduce children to concepts of geometry and mathematics through hands-on learning.

Folding origami helps develop focus, patience, and fine motor skills. It’s also a calming, screen-free craft that reduces stress and sparks creativity.

No tools are required, just a sheet of square paper. Some folders like to use a craft mat or a bone folder to sharpen creases, but they’re optional.

Once you’re comfortable with easy origami, try our intermediate origami tutorials. These projects add more detail and technique, helping you grow your folding skills.