origami sitting crane

How to Fold a Traditional Origami Sitting Crane

Are you on the lookout for a new origami crane project? This one might just be what you’re searching for!

While it may not be as well-known as the traditional origami crane, it’s a truly elegant model that will bring beauty to any space.

It’s perfect for both beginners and experienced folders, and you can complete it in under 10 minutes.

Traditional Origami Sitting Crane Step-by-Step Instructions

  • Difficulty: Easy – Beginner Level 3
  • Folding time: 10 minutes

Recommended Paper

15×15 cm (6×6 in) Kami or Chiyogami

Step 1

origami sitting crane paper fold step 1
origami sitting crane diagram step 1

Start with the white side of the paper facing up. Fold the paper in half vertically, then unfold.

Step 2

origami sitting crane paper fold step 2
origami sitting crane diagram step 2

Fold and unfold the paper in half horizontally. Then, turn the paper over.

Step 3

origami sitting crane paper fold step 3
origami sitting crane diagram step 3

Fold and unfold along the diagonals.

Step 4

origami sitting crane paper fold step 4
origami sitting crane diagram step 4

Rotate 45° clockwise, then turn the paper over.

Step 5

origami sitting crane paper fold step 5
origami sitting crane diagram step 5

Collapse along the existing creases to form a Square Base.

Step 6

origami sitting crane paper fold step 6
origami sitting crane diagram step 6

Fold and unfold the bottom left and right edges to the centerline. Next, fold the top corner down, using the creases you just made as guides, and unfold again.

Step 7

origami sitting crane diagram step 7
origami sitting crane diagram step 7-1

Lift the bottom corner of the top flap and fold it upward along the creases from Step 6 to form a Petal Fold.

Step 8

origami sitting crane paper fold step 8
origami sitting crane diagram step 8

Turn the model over and repeat Steps 6 to 7.

Step 9

origami sitting crane diagram step 9

Fold the top right flap over to the left. Then, repeat the same fold on the other side.

Step 10

origami sitting crane diagram step 10

Fold the top flap upwards. Then, repeat on the other side.

Step 11

origami sitting crane paper fold step 11
origami sitting crane diagram step 11

Fold the top flap’s left edge down to meet the bottom edge.

Step 12

origami sitting crane paper fold step 12
origami sitting crane diagram step 12

Fold the top flap’s bottom edge to the triangle’s left edge.

Step 13

origami sitting crane paper fold step 13
origami sitting crane diagram step 13

Fold the flap you just made in half by bringing its top edge to meet the bottom edge.

Step 14

origami sitting crane paper fold step 14
origami sitting crane diagram step 14

Unfold the entire wing flap downward.

Step 15

origami sitting crane paper fold step 15
origami sitting crane diagram step 15

Fold up along the back edge.

Step 16

origami sitting crane paper fold step 16
origami sitting crane diagram step 16

Fold the wing flap back up.

Step 17

origami sitting crane paper fold step 17
origami sitting crane diagram step 17

Fold the wing flap in half so its top edge meets the bottom edge.

Step 18

origami sitting crane diagram step 18

Repeat Steps 11 to 17 on the other side.

Step 19

origami sitting crane diagram step 19

Mountain fold the top left flap in half. Then, repeat on the other side.

Step 20

origami sitting crane diagram step 20

Make an inside reverse fold on the top left corner, folding it downward to form the head.

Step 21

origami sitting crane diagram step 21

Gently pull out the pleated wings to give them shape, then pull the tail back slightly to finish the posture.

The Completed Origami Sitting Crane

origami sitting crane paper fold completed
origami sitting crane diagram step 22

Well done on folding your very own Orihazuru, the traditional sitting crane.

The fan-like wings will give your crane an elegant touch, particularly if you choose patterned Chiyogami.

Thanks for folding along, and don’t forget to share your creation with us. We can’t wait to see your beautiful models!

Other Origami Cranes:

diagrams

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2 Comments
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Mustafa

This was the toughest one I’ve made so far, but also the most fun! Really appreciate the tutorials, I’ve been getting back into origami lately thanks to this site!

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Florent Fabre

You’re on fire, Mustafa! 🔥 You folded it perfectly, and this paper looks amazing!