How to Fold an Origami Yoda
Francesco Mancini Let’s fold this origami Yoda designed by Francesco Mancini. Even with a relatively simple folding sequence, this model captures the character surprisingly well and is instantly recognizable.
The large pointed ears, wide head, and crossed robe give the figure a strong silhouette. The layered folds also create a nice sense of depth, with the head sitting slightly forward and the overlapping clothes casting a small shadow in the center.
This is a beginner-friendly model and a fun project if you enjoy character-based origami. The bottom of the robe folds behind the model to create a small stand, allowing Yoda to stay upright for display.
You can also draw the face by hand once the model is finished. A few simple lines for the eyes and wrinkles instantly give the character more personality and make the fold even more fun to display.
Origami Yoda Step-by-Step Instructions
- Difficulty: Easy – Beginner level 2
- Folding time: 10 minutes
Recommended Paper
15 x 15 cm (6 x 6 in) Kami Duo – here we used brown and green paper.
If you don’t have duo-colored origami paper, you can also paint or color Yoda’s head green or his clothes brown after folding the model.
Step 1
Start with the white or brown side facing up, this will become Yoda’s clothes. Fold the paper in half vertically, then unfold.
Step 2
Fold the top left and right corners to the center crease.
Step 3
Turn the paper over.
Step 4
On each side, fold the top edge to the center crease using only the top layer. The bottom layer will move to the front.
Step 5
Turn the paper over.
Step 6
Fold the top corner down along the line connecting the two corners.
💚 Folding tip: Keep an eye on the corners while folding. The edge should align neatly, these will become Yoda’s ears.
Step 7
Turn the model over.
Step 8
Fold the top right triangle area in half through all layers.
💚 Folding tip: The model gets a bit thick here, so crease firmly.
Step 9
Fold the flap you just made outward. Use about one third of the edge as a reference.
💚 Folding tip: No need to be exact here. Just make sure the bottom edges form roughly a 90° angle.
Step 10
Repeat Steps 8 and 9 on the left side.
Step 11
Turn the model over.
Step 12
Fold the left section to the right so the circled points meet. Do not fold the layers of the head. Then repeat on the right side.
💚 Folding tip: You can unfold the left flap while folding the right flap, it makes this step easier.
Step 13
Mountain fold the top and bottom corners of the head. There are no exact reference points here, adjust the folds to your liking.
💚 Folding tip: For the bottom corner, you can first make a valley fold, then reverse it. This helps keep the bottom edge of Yoda’s head straight.
Step 14
Tuck the small triangles inside the model to hide them. This step is optional.
Step 15
Mountain fold the bottom section at the back to create a stand.
💚 Folding tip: There is no exact reference point here, but a good guide is where the paper colors cross on the back.
Finished, Your Origami Yoda Is. Hmm!
I hope you enjoyed folding this origami Yoda. It’s a simple model, but the layered design gives it a lot of character once everything is in place.
If you fold one, feel free to share a photo in the comments. It’s always fun to see different paper choices and hand-drawn face variations.
If you’d like to keep folding, you can explore more easy origami tutorials here.
You can also get new tutorials and folding ideas in our origami newsletter here. And if you prefer video instructions, you can follow along on YouTube.
Download the Complete Origami Yoda Printable PDF Instructions
This printable PDF is part of our Origami Friends membership on Patreon. As a member, you get access to these diagrams, our full library of 120+ printable PDFs, and member-only content.
Yodaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa