All Activities
Craft a Crane

Craft a Crane
Green highlight

Fold and decorate a paper origami crane using simple steps, learning patience, symmetry, and basic paper-folding techniques through hands-on practice.

Orange shooting star
Start Creating
Background blob
Challenge Image
Skill Badge
Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to craft a crane

What you need
Adult supervision required, colouring materials, scissors (if paper is not square), square sheet of paper

Step 1

Place the square paper color side up on a flat table.

Step 2

Use colouring materials to draw patterns or stickers on the paper to decorate one side.

Step 3

Fold the paper diagonally from one corner to the opposite corner and crease firmly.

Step 4

Fold the paper diagonally the other way and crease firmly.

Step 5

Fold the paper in half by bringing the top edge down to meet the bottom edge and crease firmly.

Step 6

Bring two opposite diagonal corners together and flatten the paper into a small square base with the open end facing you.

Step 7

Fold the top layer's left edge to the center line and crease.

Step 8

Fold the top layer's right edge to the center line and crease.

Step 9

Lift the top point up and squash it flat to form a long diamond shape (petal fold).

Step 10

Turn the paper over to the other side.

Step 11

Repeat the edge-to-center folds and squash the top point into a diamond on this side.

Step 12

Fold the two long thin points upward to form the crane's neck and tail and crease them.

Step 13

Fold down the tip of one thin point to make the crane's head.

Step 14

Gently pull the two wide flaps apart to open the body and flatten the wings.

Step 15

Share your finished paper crane on DIY.org.

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

Complete & Share
Challenge badge placeholder
Challenge badge

Help!?

What can we use if we don't have square origami paper or stickers?

Cut a sheet of printer or magazine paper into a square and use crayons, markers, or glued-on craft paper instead of stickers to decorate the paper before folding.

My paper won't flatten into the small square base or the petal fold keeps shifting; how can we fix that?

Unfold to the previous creases, realign the diagonal folds, run a fingernail or ruler along each crease to make them firm, then bring the two opposite diagonal corners together again to form the small square base and complete the petal fold.

How can I adapt the craft for a 3-year-old, a 7-year-old, or a 12-year-old?

For a 3-year-old use a large pre-folded square or have an adult pre-create the small square base and petal folds and let them do colouring and stickers, for a 7-year-old supervise the diagonal and edge-to-center folds, and for a 12-year-old challenge them to use smaller origami paper and precise creases to make multiple cranes for a mobile.

How can we personalize or extend the finished crane?

Add a folded paper beak or draw a face after making the crane's head, attach a loop of thread to hang it, or make a flock by repeating the steps with different decorated square papers and sharing photos on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to craft a crane

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. šŸ˜Š

Easy Paper Crane in 60 Seconds | Origami for Beginner

4 Videos

Facts about origami and paper folding for kids

ā³ Folding cranes helps build patience, concentration, and fine motor skills ā€” perfect for little hands learning to craft.

šŸ” Making a crane uses mirrored folds and symmetry, so each step teaches kids to match left and right sides carefully.

šŸ¦¢ The origami crane (orizuru) is one of the most famous origami models and is a beloved symbol in Japanese culture.

šŸ“„ Traditional origami uses a single uncut square of paper ā€” no scissors or glue ā€” just folds!

šŸ‡ÆšŸ‡µ Folding 1,000 paper cranes (senbazuru) became a symbol of hope and peace after Sadako Sasaki folded cranes while ill following the Hiroshima bombing.

How do I fold and decorate a paper origami crane step by step?

To fold and decorate a paper origami crane, start with a square sheet. Fold both diagonals and the midlines, then collapse into a square (bird base). Fold the top layers to form kite shapes, squash fold to make the head and tail, then pull out the wings and shape the neck. Once folded, decorate with markers, stickers or water-based paints. Work slowly, make sharp creases, and use a tutorial video for the first few tries.

What materials do I need to make an origami crane?

You'll need square paperā€”origami paper works bestā€”or cut a copy paper square. Optional tools: a ruler and pencil for precise folding, a bone folder or fingernail to make sharp creases, and scissors only if you need to trim the paper. For decoration use non-toxic markers, colored pencils, stickers, or sequins and glue. Prepare a flat workspace and a damp cloth for cleanup. Avoid tiny decorations for very young children.

What ages is folding an origami crane suitable for?

This origami crane activity suits children about 6 years and up who have basic fine motor skills and can follow multi-step instructions. Younger children (3ā€“5) can participate with close adult helpā€”use larger paper and simplified folds. Older kids and teens typically fold independently and can explore more complex origami. Adapt pacing, give hands-on demonstrations, and supervise small parts during decorating for safety.

What are the benefits of making paper cranes and safe variations to try?

Making paper cranes builds patience, hand-eye coordination, symmetry understanding, and following sequential steps. Itā€™s a calming, screen-free activity that boosts focus and creativity; folding multiple cranes can teach persistence. For safety, use non-toxic art supplies, avoid small loose decorations with toddlers, and supervise scissors. Variations: try larger paper for easier folding, use patterned paper, make a mobile of cranes, or practice simpler origami bases before attempting the full b
DIY Yeti Character
Join Frame
Flying Text Box

One subscription, many ways to play and learn.

Try for free

Only $6.99 after trial. No credit card required

To create a safe space for kid creators worldwide!

Discovery Tools

DIY Wiki

DIY TV

Creativity Tools

How to draw

Teacher Tools

SafeTube

DIY Blog

2025, URSOR LIMITED. All rights reserved. DIY is in no way affiliated with Minecraftā„¢, Mojang, Microsoft, Robloxā„¢ or YouTube. LEGOĀ® is a trademark of the LEGOĀ® Group which does not sponsor, endorse or authorize this website or event. Made with love in San Francisco.