How to Fold a Traditional Origami Butterfly

Are you up for folding a symbol of transformation and beauty? Today, we will show you how to make your own traditional origami butterfly.

In Japanese culture, butterflies symbolize the soul, renewal, and the delicate nature of life. Origami butterflies are often folded during spring festivals and other celebrations and used as decorations to represent the beauty and fleeting nature of the season.

Our easy, step-by-step instructions will help you fold this elegant model, even if you’re new to origami. With just a square sheet of paper and a few minutes of your time, you can create a stunning origami butterfly that captures the simplicity and grace of this timeless art form.

Traditional Origami Butterfly Step-by-Step Instructions

• Difficulty: Easy – Beginner Level 3
• Folding time: 10-15 minutes

Step 1

Start with a square sheet of paper with the white side up. Fold it in half horizontally, crease it well, and then unfold it.

Step 2

Fold the paper in half vertically, crease it well, and then unfold it.

Step 3

Fold the top quarter of the paper along the dotted line to the center line. Crease this fold well and then unfold it.

Step 4

Fold the bottom quarter of the paper along the dotted line to the center line. Crease this fold well and then unfold it.

Step 5

Fold the right quarter of the paper along the dotted line to the center line. Crease this fold well and then unfold it.

Step 6

Fold the left quarter of the paper along the dotted line to the center line. Crease this fold well and then unfold it.

Step 7

Fold the paper in half diagonally. Crease it well and then unfold it.

Step 8

Fold the paper in half diagonally the other way. Crease it well and then unfold it.

Step 9

Turn the paper over so the colored side is facing up.

Step 10

Fold the corner of the paper to the center along the dotted line. Crease this fold well and then unfold it. Do the same for all the corners.

Step 11

Turn the paper over so the white side is facing up again.

Step 12

Fold the two sides of the paper towards the center along the dotted line. You already have a crease here. Only fold the middle half of the paper where the dotted lines are. Don’t fold the top or bottom parts of the existing crease.

You should have a shape that resembles what you see on the second diagram. Fold both the top and bottom of the model along the dotted lines to the center.

▶️ Watch the video below if you have trouble with this step.

Step 13

This is a completed Boat Base. Fold the bottom two flaps of paper down along the dotted lines.

Step 14

Flip the model over.

Step 15

Fold the top part of the paper down along the dotted line.

Step 16

Flip the model over again.

Step 17

Fold the top flap of paper on the right along the dotted line towards the center. The dotted line goes from the top corner to halfway down the diagonal line at the bottom, as you can see in the diagram.

Fold the top flap of paper on the left along the dotted line towards the center. The dotted line goes from the top corner to halfway down the diagonal line at the bottom, as you can see in the diagram.

▶️ Watch the video below to see how to fold this step. Note: I precreased the paper for the purpose of the video.

Step 18

Flip the model over.

Step 19

Valley Fold along the dotted line in the direction of the arrow in the diagram. Crease this fold well and then unfold it.

Do the same on the other side in the direction of the arrow in the diagram.

🦋 Folding tip: Once you’re done with the first crease, fold one side on top of the other to get perfect symmetry. See the video above to see how.

Step 20

Pinch the middle of the model along the two folds you just made and form a Mountain Fold along the vertical line in the middle. This gives the butterfly its final shape.

The Completed Traditional Origami Butterfly.

How did your origami butterfly turn out? We’d love to see your beautiful creations, so feel free to share a photo in the comments below.

If you have any trouble or questions about the steps, just ask! We’re here to help you perfect your folding skills.

Remember, the traditional paper butterfly is not just a simple project; it’s a symbol of transformation and elegance. Try different colors and patterns to make your butterflies even more unique.

Other Origami Butterflies:

Origami Butterfly (Akira Yoshizawa)

Download the Full Origami Butterfly Printable PDF
Instructions

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