A Thousand Folds

Folds

The following are nine basic folds used in many origami models. Some require one fold, while some have several steps.

• Mountain Fold

  

• Valley Fold

  

• Inside Reverse Fold

  

• Outside Reverse Fold

  

Pleat Fold

• Step 1

  

  This tutorial of a pleat fold only show the basic concept of the fold. Depending on what you're trying to make, the pleat fold's specifics will change. Take this tutorial as a basic idea, not as a set of instructions.

• Step 2

  

  Fold the paper one way and crease.

• Step 3

  

  Fold the paper the other and crease.

Rabbit Ear Fold

• Step 1

  

  Fold the left edge to meet the horizontal center line. Crease and unfold.

• Step 2

  

  Fold the right edge to meet the horizontal center line. Crease and unfold.

• Step 3

  

  Fold both edges in to meet the horizontal center line. Crease the edge until the two intersect.

• Step 4

  

  Fold the remainding flap down. Its edges should meet the previously folded edges. You have completed a rabbit ear fold.

Crimp Fold

• Step 1

  

  Fold the corner one way. Crease then unfold.

• Step 2

  

  Fold the corner a different way. Crease then unfold.

• Step 3

  

  Inside reverse fold the outermost fold.

• Step 4

  

  Inside reverse fold the next fold. In this example, the model should look like this; however, the result will look different depending on what you're folding. In the case of this one, you have completed a crimp fold.

Squash Fold

• Step 1

  

  Start with the flap paper with the open side facing towards you.

• Step 2

  

  Raise one flap up.

• Step 3

  

  Flatten the flap by bringing the top crease to meet the vertical center line. Once flattened, crease the edges. You have completed a squash fold.

Sink Fold

• Step 1

  

  Fold the corner down. Make sure to keep the vertical center lines aligned. Crease then unfold

• Step 2

  

  Open the model to flatten the point made in the previous step.

• Step 3

  

  Push the point down and begin to flatten the model. Push the sides in to make the model lie flat.

• Step 4

  

  Flatten the model completely. You have completed a sink fold.

Petal Fold

• Step 1

  

  Start with a flat model with the open end pointing towards you.

• Step 2

  

  Fold the topmost layers in to meet the vertical center line and crease.

• Step 3

  

  Fold the top triangle down over the previously folded flaps and crease.

• Step 4

  

  Unfold Steps 2 and 3.

• Step 5

  

  Take the topmost layer of paper and open it, bringing it up and making it lie flat on the table while the left and right sides move towards the vertical center line.

• Step 6

  

  You have completed a petal fold.