How to Fold an Origami Tiger

Step 1

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

Step 2

Turn the paper over.

Step 3

Fold the left and right edges to meet the centerline.

Step 4

Fold all four corners in so the top and bottom edges align with the vertical centerline.

Step 5

Mountain fold the top triangle behind.

Step 6

Fold the bottom corner up to meet the center of the top edge. Then unfold.

Step 7

Fold the top edge down to the crease line you just made.

Step 8

Unfold everything.

Step 9

Pinch along the mountain fold and pleat it upward to meet the nearest horizontal line.

Step 10

Repeat the same pleat on the next existing crease, folding it up to meet the nearest horizontal line.

Step 11

Fold the left and right edges into the centerline along existing creases.

Step 12

Inside reverse fold all four corners using the existing creases.

Step 13

Fold the bottom left corner of the top flap to the circled point.

Step 14

Reverse fold along new creases so that part of the vertical edge becomes horizontal.

🐯 Folding tip: Check the next diagram to see how it should look. And of course, the video is there if you need extra help!

Step 15

Reverse fold the hidden flap so the vertical edges become horizontal.

🐯 Folding tip: This step is similar to the last one. We’re shaping the tiger’s stripes here.

Step 16

Fold the top left triangle down.

Step 17

Fold the triangle from Step 15 in half.

Step 18

Fold the bottom edge of the circled flap to the nearest line, then unfold.

Step 19

Mountain fold the corner underneath, using the crease you just made.

Step 20

Repeat Steps 13 to 19 on the right side.

Step 21

Turn the model over.

Step 22

Fold the top flap’s left and right edges to the center.

🐯 Folding tip: Press down on the center of the model as you fold to keep the layers from shifting. This helps avoid unwanted white gaps.

Step 23

Fold the top left triangle in half. This will be one of the front legs.

Step 24

Fold the corner up so the left edge becomes vertical.

Step 25

Fold the tip inward. There’s no exact reference point here.

Step 26

Repeat Steps 23 to 25 for the other three legs.

Step 27

Fold the top corner to the circled point, then unfold.

Step 28

Fold the model in half from left to right.

Step 29

Rotate the paper 1/4 turn clockwise.

Step 30

Fold the top edge of the tail to the nearest line. Crease well, then unfold.

Step 31

Inside reverse fold along the crease you just made.

Step 32

Fold the corner to the circled point. Then repeat on the other side.

Step 33

Fold the edge down. Then repeat on the other side.

Step 34

Fold the left corner to the right and crease well. The vertical crease should start where the two bottom edges meet.

Step 35

Fold the corner to the left so the top edge becomes vertical. Crease well.

Step 36

Unfold Steps 34 and 35.

Step 37

Reverse fold in and out along the creases made in Steps 34 and 35.

Step 38

Inside reverse fold the tip of the tiger’s tail.

Step 39

Crimp along a new valley fold between the circled points.

Step 40

Fold the right corner to the circled point. Crease well.

Step 41

Fold the flap you just made in half. Crease well.

Step 42

Unfold Steps 40 and 41.

Step 43

Reverse fold in and out along the creases made in Steps 40 and 41.

🐯 Folding tip: Feel free to shape the tongue however you like, or tuck it away entirely!

The Completed Origami Tiger