line.
Fold the paper so that your hand moves in the direction of the arrow.
Make a mountain fold on your model on the indicated line.
Fold the paper away from you in the direction of the arrow.
Open a previously made fold.
This type of arrow combines two actions. (This symbol means to fold the paper and then open that fold.)
This symbol depicts a line that is hidden from view or a guide line.
Insert or tuck the flap where the arrow indicates.
Line up the dots when making the fold indicated by the arrow.
Repeat a procedure on the model at the location pointed to by the arrow.
Push the paper in the direction of the arrow with your finger.
Turn the model over in the direction of the arrow.
Rotate the model in the direction of the arrows for the specified fraction of a turn.
The next step will be illustrated from the indicated vantage point.
Fold (or unfold) the paper to form an angle of the specified degree.
Hold the model at the location indicated by the circle.
Blow a puff of air in the direction of the arrow.
After looking over the group of symbols, you may be wondering how they are used together. So, here’s a sneak preview. The following are examples of how line and arrow symbols are combined to make the folds and creases that you learned about earlier:
valley fold:
valley crease:
mountain fold:
mountain crease:
FOLDING TIPS
Let’s talk about some good habits that will make folding easier and more enjoyable:
Fold on a hard surface. This is especially important for beginners.
Beginners should press all folds well. It may be helpful, however, to first make a gentle fold and check its location before pressing down hard.
Sometimes you will find it simpler to create a mountain fold by turning the paper over, making a valley fold, and then returning the paper to its original position.
READING THE DIAGRAMS
Understanding origami diagrams is simpler than you might expect. Before starting, keep the following tips in mind:
Carefully read the written instructions for every step. When working on a particular step, look at the diagram of the step that follows it to see what the result will look like.
Change the position of a model to any one that you are comfortable with while folding. Just be sure to return the model to the same position as shown in the illustration before going on to the next step.
If you feel unsure about what to do at a particular step, read ahead to the next step. Sometimes by going ahead, the preceding step will become clarified.
Here’s a little exercise to get you started. The illustrated steps that follow and their accompanying written instructions include an explanatory discussion of what is being depicted and what you should look for. Work through the steps with a square of paper in your hand—any type of paper will be fine.
1 If you are using origami paper, start with the white side facing you. Position the square with a corner toward you. Fold the bottom corner to the top corner.
Discussion: Before making the fold, it is important to study the details of the illustration. Check the direction of the arrow—it shows that the bottom corner is folded up to the top corner. Look carefully at the location of the valley-fold line. Notice that it connects the left and right corners of the paper.
2 The illustration shows the result of step 1. Fold the left corner to the top corner.
Discussion: Before making the fold, find each location referred to in the written instructions. Check for the location on the illustration and on your model. It is helpful to look ahead to the next step’s illustration. This will show what the completed step will look like and give you confidence to make the fold.
3 Fold the right corner up and to the left.
Discussion: The instructions in steps 1 and 2 referred to specific locations on the model where the folds should be made. Sometimes, instead, it is necessary to estimate where to place the fold. This is called a “judgment fold.” The fold in this step is an example of a judgment fold. Before making the fold, it is essential to look at both the illustration of the step you are on as well as that of the next
