How to Fold an Easy Origami Turtle
Create a cute, 3-D-shaped origami turtle with these easy-to-follow instructions.
This model is great for practicing the swivel and pleat folds while still being accessible to beginners.
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.
Traditional Origami Turtle Step-by-Step Instructions
- Difficulty: Easy – Beginner Level 3
- Folding time: 10-15 minutes
- Model designer: Traditional
- Paper: Kami 15×15 cm (6×6 in)
Step 1
Start with the white side up. Fold in half vertically and unfold. Then, turn the paper over.
Step 2
Fold the edges to the center line. Then, turn the paper over.
Step 3
Fold to the center line, along one layer only. Make sure not to crease the flaps created in the previous step (see picture).
Step 4
Fold up, aligning the bottom edge with the center line.
Step 5
Fold the right flap down, aligning the reference point with the bottom edge.
Step 6
Repeat on the left side.
Step 7
Fold the top flap in half.
Step 8
Fold the top flap up, aligning the circled points.
Step 9
Fold and unfold, aligning the side edges with the top edges.
Step 10
Swivel fold towards the center, using the crease made in the previous step.
Step 11
Pleat the bottom to create the tail. Then, turn the model over.
Step 12
Pleat the tail and narrow the body.
Step 13
Narrow the arms and legs.
🐢 Folding tip: Pleat the arms to shorten them and give more volume to your model.
The Completed Origami Turtle
🐢 Folding tip: You can also pleat the head to shorten it and give more volume to your model.
What did you think about this origami turtle? Let us know in the comments!
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