How to Fold an Origami Duck

Last Updated: May 10, 2022 Approved

Do you enjoy origami? This traditional Japanese design is a favorite among beginners and seasoned origami folders alike. Read this article to learn how to fold an origami duck!

Steps

1
Gather the supplies needed. See “Things You’ll Need” below. You can find a range of origami paper on Amazon.
2
Lay the origami paper on a stable surface, turned so that the paper is diamond-shaped. Unless both sides of the paper are the same, the blank side of the paper should be facing up.

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3
Fold the paper in half. This is to create a crease line; be sure to unfold it once you've folded it well enough to get a crease line.
4
Fold the halves of the paper to the crease line. This means you should take the left side corner of the paper and fold it so that it touches the crease line; repeat with the right side corner.
5
Turn the paper upside down. Fold the bottom corner up so it’s roughly between the right and left side corners.
6
Take the top of the corner you folded up and fold it down. It should now be touching the very bottom of the paper.
7
Fold the entire paper in half. You are mountain folding, so the left side of the paper should be going back.
8
Turn the paper sideways so that the corner you folded up is at the left.
9
Take the first corner you folded up, which is the neck of your origami duck. Stretch it forward until it’s in the shape demonstrated by the picture, and then smooth it with your finger so that it’s folded.
10
Take the smaller corner you folded up, which is the head of your origami duck. Again, stretch it forward until it’s in the shape demonstrated by the picture, and then fold it with your finger.
11
You’re done! Admire your handiwork.

Community Q&A

Question

Will it float over water?

Community Answer

It will float if you use heavier paper that won't fall apart in the water.
Question

What if I struggle with origami?

Community Answer

Just practice until you don't. Try starting with very easy origami pieces. After getting the hang of it, try challenging yourself by making something a little more harder. Keep doing this until you can do the hardest ones possible. Once you get to the hard pieces, try your best, since you will have gradually improved your skills.
Question

How can I make a square out of origami paper?

Katniss73

Community Answer

If you're looking to turn a rectangle of paper into a square, take a corner and fold it up and over to the opposite side, making sure the edges match up and the corner is neat. Then cut the small rectangle off the top, and you have a square! Alternatively, you can buy origami paper that is already a square shape.

Things You'll Need

Origami paper – you can buy this at most craft stores, or online
A stable surface on which to fold – it shouldn’t have any bumps, or your folding could be disrupted; check for crumbs, raised sections of wood, etc.