How to Fold a Traditional Origami Crab

Are you ready to take on a more challenging origami project?

The traditional origami crab is a rewarding model that tests your skills while still being doable for eager beginners.

You will start with the classic frog base, but instead of making the usual four legs as you would with the traditional origami frog, you’ll use scissors to divide the legs, creating the crab’s full set of eight legs.

Let’s bring this fascinating sea creature to life in less than 20 minutes.

Traditional Origami Crab Step-by-Step Instructions

• Difficulty: Easy – Beginner Level 4
• Folding time: 15-20 minutes
• Material: This traditional model requires the use of scissors

Step 1

Start with the colored side of the paper facing up. Fold and unfold both diagonals.

Step 2

Turn the paper over. Then, fold and unfold in half both horizontally and vertically.

Step 3

Rotate the paper 45° clockwise. Then, collapse the paper as shown on the diagram using the existing creases, making a square base.

Fold This Origami Crab with Our Free Pattern!

By sharing your email, you’ll join our mailing list. We promise no spam and total privacy—just origami inspiration.

Step 4

Fold and unfold the right flap along the dotted line.

Step 5

Bring the right flap to the center line, open it, and squash fold.

Step 6

Repeat Steps 4 to 5 on the other side of the model.

Step 7

Flip the top right flap to the left. Then, repeat behind.

Step 8

Fold and unfold the right flap along the dotted lines.

Step 9

Bring the right flap to the center line, open it, and squash fold.

Step 10

Repeat Steps 8 to 9 on the other side of the model.

Step 11

On each side, fold and unfold the top flaps to the center line.

Step 12

Petal fold the top layer, using the creases created in Step 11.

Step 13

Turn the model over and repeat Steps 11 to 12.

Step 14

Flip the two top right flaps to the left. Then, repeat behind.

Step 15

Repeat Steps 11 to 12 on the front and back.

Step 16

Flip the top right flap to the left. Then, repeat behind.

Step 17

Cut the bottom top flap along the dotted line. Then, repeat behind.

Step 18

Flip the two top right flap to the left. Then, repeat behind.

Step 19

Cut the bottom top flap along the dotted line. Then, repeat behind.

Step 20

On each side, fold the top flaps to the center line.

Step 21

Repeat Step 20 on the other side of the model.

Step 22

Flip the two top right flap to the left. Then, repeat behind.

Step 23

Repeat Step 20 on the front and back.

Step 24

Flip the top right flap to the left. Then, repeat behind.

Step 25

Cut through all layers along the lines.

Step 26

Fold the top corner down along the dotted line and tuck it under the top flap.

Step 27

Fold the first pair of legs (the top layers) along the dotted lines.

Step 28

Fold the second set of legs (the next layers) under the first pair. Fold them at a different angle than the first pair so they peek out above them.

Step 29

Repeat the same folds with the third pair of legs. Again, they should appear above the second pair.

Step 30

Do the same with the fourth pair of legs.

Step 31

Fold the top pair of legs (the crab’s claws) along the dotted lines so that they point toward the center.

Step 32

Fold the remaining legs along the dotted lines so that they point toward the opposite side. Then, turn the model over.

The Completed Origami Crab

Great work! Your traditional origami crab is complete, showcasing its detailed legs and unique design.

This model is quite a challenge, so you should definitely be proud of what you’ve created!

Don’t hesitate to share your creations with us in comments or on socials. We’d love to see them!

Download the Full Origami Crab Printable PDF
Instructions

We’d love to keep you in the loop, so by sharing your email with us, you’ll be signed up for our mailing list. Don’t worry; we won’t bombard you with spammy emails, and your information is safe with us – we won’t share it with anyone else.