Origami Coach

Paper boat

The familiar paper boat begins with a rectangle and becomes a sequence of hats, pockets, and diamonds. Take your time opening each pocket.

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Before you begin

1 sheet · Rectangular paper

21 × 29.7 cm

No scissors needed

This lesson is being checked for folding accuracy. It has not yet passed a physical fold-through review.

Step-by-step instructions

Read through the fold before you begin, or open any step in the folding viewer.

  1. After step 1: Your paper is taller than it is wide.

    Start with a rectangle

    Lay the rectangle upright, with its short edges at the top and bottom.

    Look for: Your paper is taller than it is wide.

    See this fold
  2. After step 2: The folded edge is at the top.

    Fold in half

    Bring the top short edge down to the bottom edge. Crease the folded edge.

    Look for: The folded edge is at the top.

    See this fold
  3. After step 3: A vertical crease divides the rectangle in half.

    Find the middle

    Fold from left to right, then unfold. This center line will guide the roof-shaped folds.

    Look for: A vertical crease divides the rectangle in half.

    See this fold
  4. After step 4: The folded edge follows the center line.

    Make the first roof slope

    Bring the top-left corner down to the center line. Leave a strip of paper along the bottom.

    Look for: The folded edge follows the center line.

    See this fold
  5. After step 5: The two diagonal folds are symmetrical.

    Complete the roof

    Bring the top-right corner down to meet the first corner at the center line.

    Look for: The two diagonal folds are symmetrical.

    See this fold
  6. After step 6: One strip lies over the triangle.

    Lift the front brim

    Fold the front layer of the bottom strip upward along the base of the triangle.

    Look for: One strip lies over the triangle.

    See this fold
  7. After step 7: The other bottom strip is exposed.

    Turn over

    Turn the paper over, keeping the triangle’s point at the top.

    Look for: The other bottom strip is exposed.

    See this fold
  8. After step 8: You have a paper hat with an open bottom.

    Lift the second brim

    Fold the remaining strip upward. Wrap the small overhanging corners neatly around the triangle.

    Look for: You have a paper hat with an open bottom.

    See this fold
  9. After step 9: The two open flaps point downward.

    Open into a diamond

    Put your fingers inside the hat. Bring its left and right corners together and flatten the opening into a diamond.

    Look for: The two open flaps point downward.

    See this fold
  10. After step 10: A triangle covers the front of the diamond.

    Lift the front point

    Fold the front bottom point up to meet the top point.

    Look for: A triangle covers the front of the diamond.

    See this fold
  11. After step 11: You have a smaller triangle with an opening below.

    Lift the back point

    Turn over and fold the other bottom point to the top.

    Look for: You have a smaller triangle with an opening below.

    See this fold
  12. After step 12: A small diamond holds two loose points at its top.

    Open the second diamond

    Open the bottom pocket again and bring its outer corners together. Flatten it into a diamond.

    Look for: A small diamond holds two loose points at its top.

    See this fold
  13. After step 13: A central sail rises between two long sides.

    Draw out the boat

    Hold the two loose top points and gently pull them apart. Open the bottom and smooth the sides.

    Look for: A central sail rises between two long sides.

    See this fold