How to Fold an Easy Origami Swan

Do you love the grace of swans and how they move so gracefully? If so, folding an origami swan is a perfect way to capture this image in paper form.

Swans are cherished in Japan for their lifelong pair bonding and elegant movements, qualities that make the origami swan a popular project both in Japan and around the world.

This model is fantastic for beginners and fun for all ages, requiring only simple mountain and valley folds to achieve a beautifully angular and abstract representation of a swan.

Whether you’re using plain white paper to echo the swan’s purity or opting for a beautiful patterned paper, this traditional origami swan is a lovely way to spend less than five minutes, adding a touch of tranquility to your day.

Origami Swan Step-by-Step Instructions

• Difficulty: Super Easy – Beginner Level 1
• Folding time: Less than 5 minutes

Step 1

Start with the white side facing up in a diamond position. Fold in half diagonally and unfold.

Here, I’m using chiyogami (patterned paper), so I want the pattern to face down.

Step 2

Fold the bottom edges to the centerline. Then, turn the paper over.

Step 3

Fold the bottom edges to the centerline again.

Step 4

Fold the bottom corner up to meet the top corner.

Step 5

Fold the top flap corner down along the dotted line. The crease should align where the colored side meets the white side.

Step 6

Fold the model in half behind itself, from left to right.

Step 7

Pull the swan’s neck upward, adjust the angle to your liking, and flatten the paper.

Step 8

Do the same for the swan’s head—lift it up, adjust the angle to your liking, and flatten.

The Completed Origami Swan

🦢 Folding tip: While this isn’t part of the traditional model, you can pleat the tip of the head to create a beak like the image above.

Well done! You’ve just folded your very own paper swan.

If you’d like to shape it further, check out our reel:

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This traditional origami swan will bring a sense of peace wherever it’s placed. It’s perfect for decorating your space or gifting it to someone special.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial as much as I loved guiding you through it. Feel free to share your models with us in the comments or on social media.

If you enjoyed this project, check out our easy origami and origami bird collections for more. Happy folding!

Download the Full Origami Swan Printable PDF
Instructions

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