How to Fold an Origami Snail

It’s the perfect time to enjoy a relaxing craft as the temperatures cool down and the autumn leaves begin to fall.

This origami snail is an interesting project that fits the season’s mood, with the soft rain outside and the golden leaves scattered on the ground.

While this paper snail is suitable for beginners, it’s definitely more challenging than other beginner models, like the origami leaf.

The step-by-step instructions will guide you through interesting folds. You’ll be swirling the paper to create the antennae and stretching the paper to make the snail’s shell.

Origami Snail Step-by-Step Instructions

• Difficulty: Easy – Beginner Level 5
• Folding time: 15 minutes
• Model designer: Toshie Takahama
• Paper: We used 18×18 cm (7×7 in) custom-designed origami paper (you can download it here). Alternatively, Kami 15×15 cm (6×6 in) will work well.

Step 1

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

Step 2

Turn the paper over and fold it horizontally and vertically in half. Then unfold.

Step 3

Rotate the paper 45 degrees clockwise. Then, fold along the dotted lines using the existing creases to create a square base.

Step 4

Fold and unfold the right flap to the center line.

🐌 Folding tip: If you’re already familiar with squash folds, you can skip this step.

Step 5

Open the right flap and squash fold using the creases made in Step 4.

Fold This Snail with Our Free Pattern!

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Step 6

Repeat Steps 4 and 5 three more times on all sides.

Step 7

Fold the right flap along the dotted line so the angle is reduced by about one-third.

Step 8

Fold the top flap’s right edge to meet the centerline.

Step 9

Fold the top left flap in half so its left edge lines up with the centerline.

Step 10

Once again, fold the top left flap in half so its left edge lines up with the centerline.

Step 11

Turn the model over and repeat Steps 7 to 10.

Step 12

Flip the top left flap over to the right side, then repeat on the other side.

Step 13

Repeat Steps 7 to 10 on both sides. This time:

• On the left flap, fold it into thirds by making two equal folds. Each fold turns in about one-third of the angle.

• On the right flap, fold it into thirds too, but do it by folding in half twice.

Step 14

Flip the top right flap over to the left side, then repeat on the other side.

Step 15

Now focus on the top of the model. Carefully make an inside reverse fold on each of the two side flaps. These will become the snail’s antennae.

Step 16

On each side, tuck the two center flaps inward so they’re hidden inside the model.

Step 17

Gently lift the snail’s antennae so they point forward, in front of the head. Then, fold the bottom corner upward along the dotted line. This will make the shell stand upright.

Step 18

Swirl and shape the antennae however you like.

Step 19

Gently open and stretch the vertical layers until they puff out like a balloon. This will form the snail’s shell.

🐌 Folding tip: Go slowly here. Use both hands to shape the shell evenly without tearing the paper. A little patience makes a big difference!

Shell Yeah! You Completed the Snail!

Well done! You’ve just made your very own origami snail.

Whether you’re using it for decorating, adding to your collection, or simply enjoying a peaceful activity on a rainy afternoon, your paper snail brings a touch of nature indoors.

Thanks for taking the time to fold with me. Don’t hesitate to share your creations with us in the comments or on socials.

Download the Full Origami Snail Printable PDF Instructions

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