How to Fold an Origami Shark

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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And if you want to share your shark, tag us on socials or drop a comment below. We’d love to see it!

Download the Full Origami Shark Printable PDF Instructions

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