The paper crane (or peace crane) is one of the most widely recognized models in the origami world. Everyone recognizes the paper crane as a symbol of peace and good will. Actually, cranes originally symbolized longevity & good health. The use of the origami crane to symbolize peace came after the Sadako Sasaki story.
In Japan, it is believed that if you folded 1000 paper cranes, then your wish will come true. When strung together, a batch of 1000 paper cranes is called a senbazuru.
I’m ready to fold 1000 paper cranes, are you?
Instructions for Paper Crane
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Step 1:
Start with a square sheet of paper with the colored-side facing up. |
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Step 2:
Turn the paper over. Fold in half from left to right. Unfold. |
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Step 3:
Fold the paper in half top to bottom. |
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Step 4:
Push the left and right upper corners of the paper towards one another. At the same time, allow the top layer to come towards you. |
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Keep pushing the corners towards one another. |
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Watch the movemnet of the red dot. |
Step 5:
Swivel the flap of paper towards the right. There should be a similar flap of paper behind the model, swivel this one towards the left. |
Step 6:
Work with the top layers of paper only: fold the bottom-left and bottom-right edges of the paper towards the center to meet with the vertical crease line. |
Step 7:
Fold the top part of the model downwards as shown. |
Step 8:
Unfold the last 2 moves bringing the model back to the preliminary base. |
Step 9:
Lift the top layer of paper (red dot) upwards. Transitional steps shown below. |
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Keep lifting the top layer of paper up. Some of the creases made in step 6 and step 7 will be reversed from valley to mountain folds. |
Step 10:
Work with the top layer of paper only: fold the bottom-left and bottom-right edge of the model towards the central crease. This makes the bottom part of the model more narrow. |
Step 11:
Turn the model over and work on the other side. |
Step 12:
Repeat step 6: fold the bottom-left and bottom-right edges of the paper towards the center to meet with the vertical crease line. Unfold the last two folds. |
 
Step 13:
Lift the top layer up as in step 9. |
Step 14:
As in step 10, fold the bottom-left and bottom-right edges of the model towards the central crease. Now both sides have narrow bottoms. These narrow sections will be come the neck and tail of the crane. |
Step 15:
We will work on the neck of the paper crane. Fold the bottom-right section of the model upwards at an angle. |
Step 16:
Unfold. |
Step 17:
Push the right side of the model (top layer only) towards the left. It is like turning the pages of a book. |
Step 18:
Lift the right flap of paper upwards. Use the crease made in step 15 to position the paper. |
  Keep lifting. You will need to invert the crease so the valley fold becomes a mountain fold. Step 19:
Repeat step 15 to step 18 on the left side of the model. This side will be the tail. |
  Fold the left side up and then unfold to get the crease line. Step 20:
Push the left-flap over like turning the pages of a book. |
   Lift the tail section of the model up. Keep going. Step 21:
Once you’ve positioned the tail section properly, you can then work on the head of the crane. Pry open the layers of paper at the tip of the neck (the right side of the model). |
  Bend the head so it is at a comfortable angle compared to the neck and… you’re done! |
  
Shown above are the 3 ways to present the paper crane. |
Watch video: