FOLD A PAPER CRANE
This instruction sheet for origami cranes shows traditional steps to make the bird.  If some folds on the main page seems confusing, try the DETOUR links for some alternative folds that might be easier.
   
Start with a perfectly square sheet of paper. Origami papers often have a pattern or color on the front, and white on the back side. 1.  Flip the paper over to
the back side.		 2.  Make the first fold from corner to corner. 
If the following directions are confusing, Unfold paper and take our DETOUR to an easier, alternative set of folds.		   3.  Fold corner to corner again
as shown.		   4.  The paper should have four layers.
5.  Slide a finger (or thumb) into first pocket , and gently move its corner to the opposite side while opening the gap with fingers as shown. 6.  Line corners up. Crease and press the new folds
until they are flat.
Turn the paper over.		 7.  First crease the back triangle along the dotted line, then open the pocket as in step 5  (except move right corner to the left).  Line up corners to make a square shape. 8.  With the opening down,   fold bottom edges to meet at center in a "paper airplane" type fold.
*If the next instructions are confusing, take the  DETOUR for alternative steps to the "bird base."    
9.  Crease the top fold 
indicated in step 8.
Unfold top and sides.		   10.  Lift corner up taking care to fold along the top crease.  Squash the sides creases in as the corner is pulled  up and over the top.   11.  Press folds flat and turn paper over.   12.  Follow direction from 
steps 8. to 11.
     
13.  This is the "Bird Base," a jump-off point for many origami bird and animal figures.   14.  Fold bottom edge of diamond to center.  Turn the paper over.   15.  Fold the back side as in step 14.   16.  Spread the sides to make room to work.  Pull neck and  legs (or tail)  inside and up (reverse fold) to make bird shape.
       
Pinch to adjust the angle of head and legs to your liking.   Use a thumb nail to dent and "reverse fold" the head. Pinch closed.  Pull wings down.   Pointy back can be left as is, or "scrunched" down with some gentle pushing and tugging on surrounding folds. -- Japanese children blow into the bottom of their crane to inflate the crane's midsection.

 

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