how to make an origami duck

How to Make an Easy Origami Duck

This cute little origami duck is a great model for beginners. It starts from a simple kite base and uses a few reverse folds to shape the beak and tail.

It’s quick to make (under five minutes) and a fun way to learn some foundational folding techniques.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking for a playful project to fold with kids, this traditional duck is a perfect choice.

Origami Duck Step-by-Step Instructions

  • Difficulty: Easy – Beginner Level 2
  • Folding time: 5 minutes

Recommended Paper

15×15 cm (6×6 in) Kami

Step 1

origami duck paper fold step 1
origami duck diagram step 1

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

Step 2

origami duck paper fold step 2
origami duck diagram step 2

Fold the bottom edges in to meet the centerline.

Step 3

origami duck paper fold step 3
origami duck diagram step 3

Fold the top edges in to meet the centerline.

Step 4

origami duck paper fold step 4
origami duck diagram step 4

Turn the model over.

Step 5

origami duck diagram step 5

Fold the model in half from right to left.

Step 6

origami duck diagram step 6

Fold the bottom corner up and to the left. Then unfold.

Step 7

origami duck diagram step 7

Inside reverse fold along the crease you just made to form the duck tail.

Step 8

origami duck diagram step 8

Fold the top corner down and to the left. Then unfold.

Step 9

origami duck diagram step 9

Inside reverse fold along the crease you just made.

Step 10

origami duck paper fold step 10
origami duck diagram step 10

Rotate the model 90° clockwise.

Step 11

origami duck diagram step 11

Fold the top corner down and to the left. Then unfold.

Step 12

origami duck diagram step 12

Inside reverse fold along the crease you just made to create the duck head.

Step 13

origami duck diagram step 13

Gently open the wing so the model can stand on its own.

You’ve quacked it! The origami duck is done! 🦆

origami duck paper fold completed
origami duck diagram completed

If you enjoyed this simple model, there’s plenty more easy origami to discover.

You can also check out our YouTube channel for more beginner-friendly tutorials, and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to get fresh ideas, seasonal projects, and origami tips every week.

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Anais

i may be dum, but i got as far as step 7, then didn’t know how to do a reverse fold – I have given up on several different designs because of this

Florent Fabre

Hi Anais, Did you watch the video that goes along the step? If it’s not helpful enough, on this video I show how to make an outside reverse fold in details. You can apply the same logic to an inside reverse fold. In the whale tail video, we would fold the tail down to make an inside reverse fold.

Scoot

Zip zoom, quacko.