How to fold an origami crane
March 1, 2008 · Print This Article
A number of readers have asked me to post instructions for folding an origami crane.
The first origami crane I’d ever seen was given to me by a dear college friend, Maura. Maura had survived two rounds of childhood cancer and had begun folding cranes after learning Sadako Sasaki’s story of cancer and cranes.
I still have the crane Maura gave me, worn and smudged, now tucked away to preserve it. Maura died a few years after we graduated, her big heart weakened from so many years of cancer treatments. I’ll never fold an origami crane without reflecting on Maura and our friendship.
Instructions for folding an origami crane
Pick a quiet moment to fold. Turn off the mindless chatter and replace it with a reflection about someone for whom you care deeply. Fold for them, perhaps.
The following instructions are from the Sadako Sasaki site. For alternative instructions, click here.
Peace to you,
Thank you! I learn something new with your help!
Tammy,
I love that you posted these directions. I notice that you didn’t actually say that you’ve learned to make origami cranes yourself. I tried a few years ago and succeeded only when I found someone to demonstrate. Learning more about origami is on my list of things to explore - maybe when I retire and have all that free time to spend on new endeavors.
Carol
Hi there, Carol, I hope all is well with you! Thanks for pointing out that I haven’t said whether or not I can fold the crane. Yes, I can! When I was learning a few years ago there was one step that stumped me every time, regardless of which directions I used. Then I woke up one day just knowing what I was doing wrong. If I see you in person again soon, I’ll share the trick in case it’s helpful!
I’m kind of into it now. I just ordered an origami book to learn more. Maybe it’ll be like string figures were to me when I was 10…a great puzzle, something interesting, keeping the brain nimble.
Thanks for taking time to comment, Carol.
[...] Back in March I offered up instructions for folding an origami crane. [...]