The crane, known in Japanese as the "tsuru," is perhaps the most recognizable model in origami. Folding one thousand cranes, known as "Senbazuru," is said to grant good fortune and happiness. Despite its formation using both the Preliminary and Bird Bases, the entire folding process is shown due to its popularity.
The paper here is 15cm x 15cm, single-sided origami paper. Any paper cut into the shape of a square should be usable.
Turn the paper over.
Fold the top down to meet the bottom edge. Crease then unfold.
Rotate the paper 90°.
Fold the top down to meet the bottom edge and crease.
Unfold.
Turn the paper over.
Bring the top left corner to the bottom right corner. Crease then unfold.
Bring the top right corner to the bottom left corner and crease.
Unfold.
Turn the paper over.
Rotate 45° so that a corner of the paper points towards you.
Bring the right corner to the bottom corner. Use the previous creases as a guide.
Bring the left corner to the bottom corner.
Bring the top corner down to meet the others.
Flatten the model. It should be in the shape of a square with the open side towards you.
Take the first flap of the bottom left side and bring its open edge to the vertical line in center. Crease.
Repeat on the other side using the bottom right side.
Fold the top triangle down over the other two flaps and crease.
Unfold.
Open the topmost bottom flap.
Bring the bottom corner up.
Petal fold then crease all edges.
Turn the model over.
Fold the flaps in to the center and crease.
Fold the top triangle down and crease.
Petal fold then crease all edges.
From the end of the bird base, there are two routes you can take. The first makes the traditional crane. The second makes the flapping crane, which is more popular with children.
Traditional Flapping
Take the topmost bottom right flap and crease bring its long edge to the center. Crease.
Repeat on the left side.
Turn the model over.
Repeat Steps 28 and 29.
Take the bottom right side and valley fold it at the angle you prefer. Crease then unfold.
Inside reverse fold.
Repeat on the other side. Try to make the model symmetrical
Inside reverse fold.
Pick one side to make the head. Mountain fold at the angle you prefer. Crease then unfold.
Inside reverse fold.
Fold one wing down and crease.
Fold the other wing down and crease.
You have completed the Traditional Crane
Take the bottom right side and valley fold it at the angle you prefer. Crease then unfold.
Inside reverse fold.
Repeat on the other side. Try to make the model symmetrical
Inside reverse fold.
Pick one side to make the head. Mountain fold at the angle you prefer. Crease then unfold.
Inside reverse fold.
Fold one wing down. Make sure it points in the same direction as the head.
Repeat on the other side.
You have completed the Flapping Crane.
Hold the front "feet" with one hand and the tail with the other. Pull straight back on the tail and the wings should flap forwards.