How to Fold a Traditional Origami Spider
Are you ready to tackle one of the most challenging traditional origami models? This origami spider will put your folding skills to the test.
You’ll need two sheets of origami paper to create the spider’s body and head. While it’s more advanced, it’s a rewarding way to improve your craft, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.
In just under 30 minutes, you’ll create a paper spider that’s perfect for adding a spooky touch to your decor. Let’s get folding!
Traditional Origami Spider Step-by-Step Instructions
- Difficulty: Low-Intermediate
- Folding time: 20-30 minutes
- Model designer: Traditional
- Paper: 2x Kami 15×15 cm (6×6 in)
Step 1
Start with the white side of the paper up. Fold and unfold in half.
Step 2
Fold and unfold in half the other way. Then, turn the paper over.
Step 3
Fold and unfold along the diagonals.
Step 4
Rotate the paper 45° counterclockwise. Then, turn it over.
Step 5
Collapse along the existing creases to form a Square Base.
Step 6
Lift the top right flap and Squash fold it flat.
Step 7
Turn the model over and repeat Step 6 on the other side.
Step 8
Repeat Step 6 on the two remaining flaps.
Step 9
Fold and unfold the left and right edges to the centerline.
Step 10
Use the creases from Step 9 to make a Petal fold.
Step 11
Turn the model over and repeat Step 10 on the other side.
Step 12
Repeat Step 10 on the remaining flaps.
Step 13
Rotate the model 180°.
Step 14
Fold the top triangle up. Then, gently pull the two top flaps apart to open the triangular flap.
Step 15
Push down the center and sink the triangular flap into the pocket. You are reversing the triangle creases to perform an open sink.
Step 16
Turn the model over and repeat Steps 14 to 15 on the other side.
Step 17
Repeat Steps 14 to 15 on the remaining flaps.
Step 18
Fold the top left and right edges to the centerline. Turn the model over and repeat on the other side.
Step 19
Repeat Step 18 on the remaining flaps.
Step 20
Inside reverse fold the top flaps along the dotted lines. Turn the model over and repeat on the other side.
Step 21
Pull one pair of legs downward and flatten them.
Step 22
Mountain fold the legs downward along the dotted lines.
🕷️ Folding tip: You can also outside reverse fold the legs. However, a double-sided paper is recommended to avoid having white gaps.
Step 23
Blow gently into the hole to puff up the body.
Step 24
Create another Frog Base by repeating Steps 1 to 12 on a new sheet of paper.
Step 25
Fold the top triangular flap up. Then, repeat on the other side.
Step 26
Flip the top right flap to the left and repeat Step 25. Then, repeat on the remaining flaps.
Step 27
Pleat the left and right top flaps behind the front layers. Repeat on the other side, folding at a slightly higher angle.
Step 28
At the level of the front layers, fold the body and leg edges to the centerline. Start folding from the top down, creating a swivel fold at the junction. Repeat on all remaining sides.
Step 29
Mountain fold the legs upward along the dotted lines.
🕷️ Folding tip: Again, you can also outside reverse fold the legs. However, a double-sided paper is recommended to avoid having white gaps.
Step 30
Insert the finished top half into the bottom half.
🕷️ Folding tip: Fold the long flap in half to make the insertion easier.
The completed origami spider 🕸️ Enjoy your new eight-legged friend!
🕷️ Shaping Tip: Bring your origami spider to life
The video tutorial below goes beyond the basics, showing you how to shape and refine the traditional spider for a more lifelike look. With a few extra tweaks, your spider will take on a new level of detail.
Congratulations on finishing one of the most challenging traditional origami models!
Your origami spider is a true achievement, with each fold adding to its intricate, lifelike design. Display it proudly or add it to a spooky-themed setup for extra flair.
Don’t hesitate to share your creations with us in the comments or on socials. We’d love to see them!
Download the Full Origami Spider Printable PDF Instructions
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Watch the Origami Spider Video Tutorial
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I keep messing up, but I keep trying! lets see how it turns out!
Hi Johnnyu, We just published a video tutorial. You can find it at the bottom of the post. I hope it helps!
Had a blast making the spider. Think I messed up on a few steps (and definitely had to finagle the second paper since I accidentally ripprd one of the corners off whoops) but it came out so cool!
Hi Fig, Your spider looks awesome! 🕷️ I love the starry paper you chose. It gives it a cool, magical vibe. You folded the legs really well too! If you feel like tweaking it a bit more, you could try gently puffing up the body to give it a rounder shape, and lowering the pair of legs that stick up. It’ll make it look even more lifelike. But seriously, you did a fantastic job, and I’m so happy you shared it with us!
I could’t get it it is so hard I don’t understand it make it easier to understand!!!!😭
Hi Jesse! If you’re just starting with origami, I recommend simpler designs, such as the heart, ninja star, cube, whale, dog, elephant, or cat face. Once you’ve mastered these, try the box, crane, butterfly, tulip, and lily. Then, I would attempt the spider, which is one of the most challenging models in our easy origami category.
for the first step does it have to be a square
Hi there, Yes it does. Let’s make sure we keep the same proportions. You can easily turn a rectangular piece of paper into a square by folding one corner in half (edge to edge) and then just cutting off the extra strip. Enjoy!
I had a fun time making that spider!
Hi Owen! I’m glad to hear you enjoyed our tutorial! We just added a shaping tip at the end of the article to help make your spider even more realistic. Hope you check it out!