Swan

An easy traditional swan from the kite base. Pull the long neck up and the head out to finish.

Why this level: Mostly edges-to-the-centre folds and folding in half; only pulling the neck and head into place needs a little care.

You need: 1 sheet of origami paper

Preview Preview: checked on screen; real-paper verification is in progress.

Steps at a glance

1. Crease the diagonal
White side up as a diamond. Fold the left corner to the right corner and unfold.
2. Kite fold
From the bottom corner, fold the two lower edges to the centre crease. It looks like a kite.
3. Turn over
Turn the whole model over.
4. Narrow it again
Fold the two lower edges to the centre crease again. The bottom becomes long and sharp.
5. Fold the point up (neck)
Fold the sharp bottom point up to meet the top corner. This becomes the neck.
6. Turn it sideways
Rotate the paper a quarter turn so the neck tip points left.
7. Fold the head
Fold the tip of the top flap (the neck) a little to the right to make the head.
8. Fold in half (mountain)
Fold the top half behind along the centre line.
9. Pull the neck up
Open the body a little, pull the neck up, then close the body in half again and flatten.
10. Pull the head out
Draw the folded head at the tip of the neck out to the front and flatten it.
11. Stand it up — done
Stand the body up and your swan is done!