origami doves

How to Fold an Origami Peace Dove

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

Recommended Paper

15×15 cm (6×6 in) Kami

Step 1

origami dove paper fold step 1
origami dove diagram 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

origami dove paper fold step 2
origami dove diagram step 2

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

Step 3

origami dove diagram step 3

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

Step 4

origami dove diagram 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

origami dove diagram step 5

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

Step 6

origami dove diagram step 6

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

Step 7

origami dove paper fold step 7
origami dove diagram step 7

Turn the model over.

Step 8

origami dove diagram step 8

Repeat Steps 3 to 6 on this side.

Step 9

origami dove paper fold step 9
origami dove diagram step 9

Flip the model from bottom to top.

Step 10

origami dove diagram 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

origami dove diagram step 11

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

Step 12

origami dove paper fold step 12
origami dove diagram step 12

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

Step 13

origami dove paper fold step 13
origami dove diagram step 13

Repeat on the other side to form the second wing.

Step 14

origami dove diagram step 14

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

Step 15

origami dove diagram step 15

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

Step 16

origami dove diagram 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!

origami dove paper fold completed
origami dove paper fold completed

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.

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3 Comments
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Olivia

I love this one

Józek

very easy for a beginner, definitely worth spending your time on it

Screenshot_20250927_024845_Gallery
Florent Fabre

Thanks for sharing your folds, Józek!