How to Fold an Origami Dove: Step-by-Step Instructions

The peace dove, designed by Alice Gray, is one of those legendary models that has become deeply associated with origami itself.

Like the traditional crane, it carries a message of peace and simplicity. The folding sequence is accessible to beginners and offers a gentle introduction to inside reverse and crimp folds.

With just a few steps, you can create a graceful dove with open wings and a quiet, thoughtful presence.

Origami Dove Step-by-Step Instructions

Difficulty: Easy – Beginner Level 4
Folding time: 5 minutes
Model designer: Alice Gray
Paper: 15×15 cm (6×6 in) Kami

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Step 1

Start with the white side of the paper facing up, in a diamond position. Fold along the horizontal diagonal and unfold.

Step 2

Fold the left corner to meet the right corner, folding the triangle in half.

Step 3

Fold the top layer’s bottom right corner up to the top left corner.

Step 4

Fold the top layer’s top corner down to the bottom corner. Lightly pinch to mark a reference point, then unfold.

Step 5

Fold the top flap’s right corner to the pinch mark made in Step 4. Crease well, then unfold.

Step 6

Use the crease from Step 5 to make an inside reverse fold.

Step 7

Turn the model over.

Step 8

Repeat Steps 3 to 6 on this side.

Step 9

Flip the model from bottom to top.

Step 10

Fold the top corner down along the dotted line. This will become the dove’s beak. Crease well, then unfold.

🕊️ Folding tip: There’s no exact reference point here, so you can adjust the angle to your liking.

Step 11

Inside reverse fold the beak along the crease from Step 10.

Step 12

Fold the top flap up along the dotted line to form the first wing.

Step 13

Repeat on the other side to form the second wing.

Step 14

Fold the bottom right edge inward to the nearest line. Crease well, then unfold.

Step 15

Fold the bottom right edge inward along the dotted line. Crease well, then unfold.

Step 16

Open the bottom layers and crimp fold the tail using the creases from Steps 14 and 15.

🕊️ Folding tip: You can leave the tail slightly unfolded for a nice 3D effect!

The completed peace dove!

Your peace dove is complete. I hope it brought a sense of calm and focus.

It is a simple model, but it holds a lot of meaning. Whether you folded it as a gesture of peace or simply for the joy of it, thank you for taking the time to fold with us.

If you would like to keep learning and folding together, feel free to join our newsletter or subscribe to our YouTube channel. And if you share your origami dove online, we would love to see it. Just tag us or leave a comment below.

Download the Full Origami Dove Printable PDF Instructions

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