One square of paper, ten steps, no glue.

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Creativity in every crease

Origami swan

Fold one square sheet into a graceful swan in ten steps, finishing with two lifted folds that shape its neck and head.

  • Super easy
  • 10 steps
  • About 8 minutes
  • 1 square sheet

Paper: One 6 × 6 in (15 × 15 cm) square of Kami origami paper.

Your swan is ready!

10

numbered steps from square to swan

2

rounds of folding edges to the centre

15cm

square Kami paper

0

cuts, glue or tape needed

Before you fold

The diagrams use arrows and fold marks to show the direction of each move.

  • Dashed line

    Fold along here. The line disappears inside the model once folded.

  • Curved arrow

    This shows the direction the paper travels.

  • Solid arrows

    Fold or press the indicated layers in this direction.

  • Shading

    The shaded part is the layer currently facing you.

Steps 7, 9 and 10 have no exact reference point, so fold them to the position you like best. Crisp creases keep the neck standing.

Fold your swan

Step 1 of 10

  1. Step 1: Make the centre crease

    Step 01

    Make the centre crease

    Start with the white side facing up in a diamond position. Fold the paper in half vertically, then unfold to create a centre crease.

    You should seeA flat diamond with one vertical crease from the top corner to the bottom corner.

  2. Step 2: Fold the bottom edges in

    Step 02

    Fold the bottom edges in

    Fold the bottom edges to meet the vertical centre crease.

    You should seeA kite shape, with both lower edges lying along the centre line.

  3. Step 3: Turn the paper over

    Step 03

    Turn the paper over

    Turn the paper over.

    You should seeThe same kite shape with the coloured side facing you.

  4. Step 4: Fold the bottom edges in again

    Step 04

    Fold the bottom edges in again

    Fold the bottom edges to the centre crease again.

    You should seeA narrower kite, slimmer than the shape you started this step with.

  5. Step 5: Fold the bottom corner up

    Step 05

    Fold the bottom corner up

    Fold the bottom corner up to meet the top corner.

    You should seeA long narrow shape with the bottom point brought up to the top point.

  6. Step 6: Rotate the model

    Step 06

    Rotate the model

    Rotate the paper 90° counterclockwise.

    You should seeThe same shape lying on its side, with the point facing left.

  7. Step 7: Fold the head flap across

    Step 07

    Fold the head flap across

    Fold the top flap's left corner to the right. There is no exact reference point, so fold it to your preferred position. This will become the swan's head.

    You should seeA small pointed flap folded back to the right, ready to become the head.

  8. Step 8: Mountain fold in half

    Step 08

    Mountain fold in half

    Mountain fold the top section to the back of the model, folding it in half.

    You should seeThe model halved along its length, with both sides matching.

  9. Step 9: Lift the neck

    Step 09

    Lift the neck

    Pull the swan's neck upward, adjust the angle to your liking, then flatten the paper.

    You should seeThe neck standing up from the body, with a new crease holding the angle.

  10. Step 10: Lift the head

    Step 10

    Lift the head

    Repeat the same process for the swan's head. Lift it up, adjust the angle to your liking, then flatten it.

    You should seeA finished swan with a raised neck and a small head tilted at the top.

Use the arrow keys to move between steps

Step 1 of 10: Make the centre crease

Completed origami swan standing in profile with a raised neck and a small folded head.

Your swan is ready!

Adjust the angle of the neck and head until the swan balances, then flatten each fold to hold its shape.

Traditional design, diagrammed by Nick Robinson and published by Origami.me.

If the swan will not stand
Open the base slightly along the step 8 mountain fold so the two halves spread apart.
If the neck tears as you lift it
Ease the fold open a little, then pull the neck up more slowly before flattening it again.
If the neck leans to one side
Reopen the step 9 fold and lift the neck again, keeping it square to the body.
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