I’ve always found sharks fascinating, so I was really excited to try this origami shark designed by Nick Robinson. The result is sleek, expressive, and fun to fold.
What I like about this shark is how it captures the essence of a shark with just a few clever folds.
It’s a low-intermediate model with one step that can be a bit tricky: folding the eyes. Beginners can skip this part or make it easier by folding the eyes a little bigger. It also gives this origami shark a more playful and comic look, which I really love.
Origami Shark Step-by-Step Instructions
- Difficulty: Low-Intermediate
- Folding time: 15-20 minutes
- Model designer: Nick Robinson
- Paper we used: Kami 15×15 cm
Step 1
Start with the colored side of the paper facing up in a diamond position. Fold and unfold along both diagonals. Then, turn the paper over.
Step 2
Fold the paper in half side to side in both directions, then unfold.
Step 3
Collapse the paper along the creases from Steps 1 and 2 to form a Square Base.
Step 4
Fold the bottom edges of the top flaps to the centerline. Repeat on the other side.
Step 5
Fold down the top triangular flap. Crease well, then unfold.
Step 6
Bring the bottom corner up and fold along the existing creases from Steps 4 and 5, creating a Petal Fold.
Step 7
Repeat Step 6 on the other side.
Step 8
Fold the top flap’s top corner down to meet the bottom corner.
Step 9
Turn the paper over.
Step 10
Fold the top corner down to the centerline, make a small pinch, and unfold.
Step 11
Now fold that same corner down to meet the pinch mark from Step 10. Pinch again and unfold.
Step 12
Open the top left layer and mountain fold along the dotted line. This will lift the lower flap. This fold connects the pinch created in Step 11 to the centerline (see Step 13).
Step 13
Flatten the lower flap upward.
Step 14
Fold the top corner down to the centerline. Make a light pinch, then unfold.
Step 15
Fold the pinch made in Step 14 over to meet the centerline, crease it well, then unfold.
Step 16
Open the top left flap, then bring the top corner down and flatten it using the crease from Step 15 to guide you.
Step 17
Repeat Steps 14 to 16 on the right side.
🦈 Folding Tip: Try to mirror both sides as closely as possible to maintain balance. These steps will create the shark’s left and right fins.
Step 18
Fold and unfold the top corner down along the dotted line. The crease should be slightly below the top of the colored areas.
🦈 Folding Tip: The lower you fold the top corner, the bigger the shark’s eyes will be! You can experiment for a comic effect. Also, keep in mind that smaller eyes require more precise folds in the next steps.
Step 19
Fold the top corner down along the existing crease while opening and flattening the colored layers on each side.
🦈 Folding Tip: Make sure the paper edges align neatly as you flatten the folds.
Step 20
Fold the left flap from Step 19 to the right so its left edge aligns with the top edge.
Step 21
Lift the top flap, open, and Squash Fold.
Step 22
Repeat Steps 20 and 21 on the right side. You’ve just created the shark’s eyes!
Step 23
Turn the model over.
Step 24
Fold the top corners inward, but not all the way to the centerline.
Step 25
Fold and unfold the top left edge of the center triangle to the bottom edge, creasing only from the centerline to the bottom left corner.
Step 26
Repeat Step 25 on the right side of the shark’s fin.
Step 27
Fold the right side of the model behind, folding the whole model in half. This will lift the shark’s top fin.
Step 28
Rotate the model 90° counterclockwise.
Step 29
Fold a narrow flap along the dotted line. Crease well, then unfold.
Step 30
Reverse fold the narrow flap inside.
Step 31
Fold and unfold the tail along the body’s main edges.
Step 32
Reverse fold the tail upward.
Step 33
Open the layers and gently flatten the nose to refine the shark’s profile.
Step 34
Fold and unfold the bottom fins along the body’s main edges.
Step 35
Finally, add a gentle curve to the body to make it slightly three-dimensional.
Finished! Your origami shark looks fin-tastic! 🦈✨
Thanks for folding along! This shark has such a fun character, and I hope you’re happy with how yours turned out.
The eye fold can be a bit of a puzzle, but it’s a great little challenge if you feel like pushing yourself. And if not, the model still looks awesome without it.
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Download the Full Origami Shark Printable PDF Instructions
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You should use origami notations to make it clear.