Traditional crane
The tsuru is a beautiful next step after simpler folds. Its bird base introduces squash and petal folds. Use a larger square and revisit any step as often as you like.
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Before you begin
1 sheet · Square paper
20 × 20 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.
Begin with a square
Place the colored side down.
Look for: Keep your edges and corners aligned.
See this fold
Crease both diagonals
Fold and unfold along each diagonal.
Look for: The two diagonal guides cross in the center.
See this fold
Turn and crease the centers
Turn the paper over. Fold and unfold edge to edge in both directions.
Look for: The center creases bend opposite to the diagonal creases.
See this fold
Collapse a square base
Bring three corners toward the fourth, letting the guides fold inward. Flatten into a smaller layered diamond.
Look for: The closed point is at the top; loose points are below.
See this fold
Fold the front edges inward
Bring the two lower edges of the front layer to the center line.
Look for: A narrow kite lies on top of the diamond.
See this fold
Mark the top hinge
Fold the top triangle downward over the kite. Crease firmly, then unfold this fold and both side folds.
Look for: Three guides outline a long narrow opening.
See this fold
Open the first petal
Lift only the front bottom point toward the top. As it rises, bring the sides inward along the guides and flatten.
Look for: A long diamond replaces the front kite.
See this fold
Turn over
Turn the model over, keeping the closed end oriented the same way.
Look for: The second square face is ready.
See this fold
Open the second petal
Repeat the side guides, top hinge, and petal fold on this face.
Look for: The bird base has two narrow loose points below.
See this fold
Narrow the first side
Fold the lower left and right edges of the front layer to the center.
Look for: The two lower legs become narrower.
See this fold
Narrow the reverse side
Turn over and repeat the two narrowing folds. Turn back to the first face when both lower points are slim.
Look for: Both lower points are slim on both sides.
See this fold
Raise the neck
Precrease the left lower point upward at an angle, then unfold. Open the paired layers, reverse the crease inside, and close them with the neck pointing upward. The animation opens the layers wide so you can see the reversal.
Look for: The neck points upward and outward.
See this fold
Raise the tail
Precrease the right lower point, then open its paired layers and reverse the crease inside as you close them.
Look for: The neck and tail frame the two broad wings.
See this fold
Make the head
Gently reopen the neck’s paired layers. Reverse a small tip downward inside them, then close the neck again.
Look for: A small beak points away from the body.
See this fold
Lower the wings
Fold each broad wing down gently. Keep the bases of the neck and tail secure.
Look for: Two wings extend from the central body.
See this fold
Give your crane space
Ease the wings a little farther apart into a comfortable, level position. Leave the central body loose, and do not pull hard on the tips.
Look for: Your crane balances between its wings, neck, and tail.
See this fold