How to Fold an Easy Origami Turtle
If you’re in the mood for a calm and satisfying fold, this origami turtle is a lovely little model to try.
It creates a rounded, almost 3D shape that feels full and grounded, with clearly shaped legs, a tail, and a little head tucked in. The folding sequence is smooth and beginner-friendly, but also a nice opportunity to practice swivel and pleat folds.
It’s the kind of model that doesn’t rush you, and the result feels solid and complete with just a few simple moves.
If you’re new to paper folding, have a look at our Beginner’s Guide, which will teach you all the basic folds and techniques.
Origami Turtle Step-by-Step Instructions
- Difficulty: Easy – Beginner Level 3
- Folding time: 5 to 10 minutes
- Model designer: Traditional/Unknown
- Paper: 15×15 cm (6×6 in) Kami
Your turtle is all done! It’s a simple design, but there’s something really satisfying about how it comes together.
If you enjoyed this one and want to keep folding with us, feel free to join our newsletter or subscribe to our YouTube channel.
And if you share your turtle online, don’t forget to tag us. I’d love to see how yours turned out.
Download the Full Origami Turtle Printable PDF Instructions
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looks good i think
Nicely folded! Well done 🙂
It’s so cool and like I made mine blue it matches well You should try it out too. 😀
Well done, Tom! Thank you for sharing it with us 🙂
Step 11 I found to be really confusing, especially since there’s already a crease in the video. Not the end of the world though, my turtle just has a more symmetrical tail 🙂 otherwise very fun design
Hi! Thanks for your feedback. I totally see how the pre-creased step could be confusing. We’ll be posting a new video for this model on our YouTube channel soon, and we’ll also update this post to make it clearer.
hi do I need 2 pieces of paper
Hi Marianny, only one paper sheet for this one.
I’m tried making it but its challenging and I like it a lot and I gave it a name to its called cuteie
yes it is challenging
I had to do this turle 4 times over again because I kept messing up by making a “square” XD
But over all it’s COMPLETLY worth it and I absolutely LOVE IT SO MUCH!
I even named HIM Jeremy Jr. And gae him a tiny tiny little hat :’)
nice
it’s ok but it’s not really origami if you use scissors and it’s a bit flat it should be a bit more 3D
I think I’m blind but I don’t see the scissors section
You’re right. There is none. We’ve updated the tutorial, and it now shows another model. But let’s keep in mind that when it comes to traditional origami, there’s really no rule against using scissors or glue. It’s a personal choice.
Thx, I liked this, but isn’t it technically not origami if you use scissors?
Yes, it is technically called kirigami I believe, but still cool turtle.
We’ve added a new diagram to the page that doesn’t require the use of scissors. However, it’s worth mentioning that scissors are perfectly fine to use in origami and have been used in traditional models for a long time. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference!
Yellow turtle friend
Now keeps me company while
I sip my green tea
Had a lot of fun learning something new this morning. Glad to have put a few wrinkles in my brain as well as some paper. Thanks!
me to