The origami butterfly is a simple yet wonderful paper-folding project to add to your list. They are versatile, making great keepsakes, gifts, and decorations.
Making origami butterflies is super easy and fun. You can customize them in any color, pattern, or material you like. Don’t worry if you’re new to origami – butterflies are a great starting point with just a few basic folds. Follow our step-by-step tutorial and instructions to create your own beautiful origami butterflies!
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Butterflies are absolutely beautiful creatures that captivate everyone with their delicate, stunning wings and graceful movements. Their journey from caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly is truly amazing and is seen as a symbol of freedom and transformation.
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the amazing way butterflies transform themselves. It’s a beautiful reminder that change is a natural part of life. Today, let’s have some fun and learn how to make origami butterflies together!
Don’t stop at just making one butterfly; you can create a whole kaleidoscope of butterflies in different sizes and colors. Each butterfly is a testament to your growth, and they’ll always put a smile on your face when you see them. So, why wait? Let’s start learning how to make your very own easy origami butterfly!
We have prepared a step-by-step tutorial just for you. If you encounter any uncertainties during the craft, please check our Frequently Asked Questions right after the tutorial. Happy folding!
Craft Supplies You’ll Need
- Paper:
We used a 6″ by 6″ patterned origami paper weighing 50gsm for this tutorial. We believe that butterflies should be presented beautifully, hence our choice. If you prefer a simpler look, you can opt for regular origami paper instead!
- Metal Ruler or bone folder:
While optional, using a metal ruler or bone folder can help make sharp and precise folds.
- Colored Pens/Pencils:
If you love designing, make your butterfly with plain paper and create your own patterns with colored pens and pencils! It’s all yours from here.
How to Make An Origami Butterfly
Step 1:
- Grab your paper and place it flat on your working surface. We recommend you do this on a flat, clean surface so the paper won’t have any unwanted dents while folding.
Step 2:
- Fold your paper in half vertically, crease it, then unfold. Remember to line up the edges to ensure they are folded precisely in half.
Step 3:
- Fold your paper in half horizontally, crease it, then unfold.
- The creases should make up a cross shape if done correctly.
Step 4:
- Turn your paper around to the blank side.
Step 5:
- Fold the paper diagonally from the top left to the bottom right corner. The edges should line up perfectly.
- Make a sharp crease, then unfold.
Step 6:
- Fold the paper diagonally from the top right to the bottom left corner. The edges should line up perfectly.
- Make a sharp crease, then unfold.
- You’ll notice that your paper is sectioned into eight equal triangles.
Step 7:
- Now that you have the guidelines, fold your paper in a waterbomb base (check out the video on how to do it).
- This is where the magic happens. Press the triangles on both sides of your paper inwards until they meet.
- Once you notice an hourglass shape, press the top triangle downwards to form your waterbomb base.
Step 8:
- Your paper should look like two triangles stacked on top of each other.
- Next, grab the front layer of the left triangle fold, hold the left bottom corner, and fold it upwards towards the tip of the triangle base.
- Grab the front layer of the right triangle fold, hold the right bottom corner, and fold it upwards towards the tip of the triangle base.
Step 9:
- Flip the paper over. It should look like an inverted triangle like this.
Step 10:
- This is where the body will take its shape. For the next step, grab the front layer of the triangle and fold it upwards as far as you can.
- Though it will be a tight fold, avoid creasing the sides of the paper to let its body and wings form.
Step 11:
- Now that you have a tiny triangle popping out, fold it down to make its head.
- You will need to pinch it down to make it stay in place. If done correctly, the triangle will act as a hook.
Step 12:
- Turn your paper around. It should have taken the shape of a butterfly by now.
Step 13:
- For the last and final step, pinch and fold the paper horizontally in half. This is to create a 3D effect on your butterflies.
- The butterfly is now complete! Make more, snap a photo, and be sure to share it with us!
FAQS on Origami Butterflies
1. How can I display my butterflies?
Once you’ve made a handful, you will have multiple choices. We’ve tried sticking them up on a wall with some tack-its, which looks lovely! You can also turn them into a mobile or garland with some pins and strings. Here’s a lovely guide on how to make one by Lana Red Studio; she uses origami cranes, but you can adapt the idea by using butterflies!
2. My butterfly wings look misshapen. Why is that so?
There are a few reasons that this could happen. It could be because your edges weren’t lined up perfectly during steps 1 to 3, or it could be due to creasing the corners we’ve circled out in step 6 of our origami butterfly instructions.
3. What type of paper is best suited for this project?
It depends on your preference! Although we recommended 6″ by 6″ chiyogami paper, the truth is you can use any that suits your taste! If chiyogami paper is too big for you, split the origami paper into four pieces! If it’s too small, try using A4 paper instead! Just ensure that the edges line up to be a perfect square, and you’re good to go!
4. Are these paper-folding butterflies easy for kids?
Definitely! This origami pattern was designed to be suited for children and beginners alike. Guide them through the steps; they’ll undoubtedly enjoy the crafting process! Besides, it serves as a great bonding moment for you and your little ones. It will hone their creativity and spark their imaginations.
What’s Next?
- Show off your finished origami on Facebook and Instagram. Don’t forget to tag us @craftpassion so we can admire your creations!
- Pin it to Pinterest for more fun and easy origami projects!
- Share with your group of origami enthusiasts and enjoy the crafting passion together!
- Feel free to browse our Origami Page section for more inspiration on your next craft project. If you’re looking to learn how to make more fun and simple origami designs, you can try these out:
How To Make Origami Butterfly
This tutorial shows you how to make a simple origami butterfly. You can alter the materials and steps to your liking.
Materials
- 6" by 6", 50gsm paper of your choice.
Tools
- Ruler/Bone Folder (Optional)
- Colored Pens/Pencils (Optional)
Instructions
1. Paper colored side up. Fold in half horizontally and vertically, unfold. Turn the paper around.
2. Fold in half vertically, then unfold.
3. Fold in half horizontally, then unfold.
4. Turn the paper around.
5. Fold the top left corner to the bottom right edge, then unfold.
6. Fold the top right corner to the bottom left edge, then unfold.
7. Make a waterbomb base.
8. Fold both side corners of the top plane into the middle. The corners should touch the tip.
9. Flip the origami around.
10. Fold the tip of the triangle upwards without creasing the paper.
11. Fold down the tiny triangle peeking at the top.
12. Turn the origami around.
13. Fold the origami in half horizontally.
14. Complete!
Notes
For more detailed instructions, check out https://www.craftpassion.com/origami-butterfly/