PaperTori

Home / Origami Animals / Origami Butterfly

Finished origami butterfly

How to Make an Origami Butterfly

Easy9 steps Animals

A butterfly folded from the waterbomb base. The last fold in half lets the wings lift and spread.

You need: One square of paper. 15 cm (6 inch) origami paper is ideal; any square sheet works.

Step by step

  1. Step 1: Start with the white side up. Fold in half corner to corner, then unfold.
    1

    Start with the white side up. Fold in half corner to corner, then unfold.

  2. Step 2: Fold in half along the other diagonal, then unfold.
    2

    Fold in half along the other diagonal, then unfold.

  3. Step 3: Fold the top behind to the bottom, then unfold.
    3

    Fold the top behind to the bottom, then unfold.

  4. Step 4: Push the sides in along the creases and flatten the top half into a triangle.
    4

    Push the sides in along the creases and flatten the top half into a triangle.

  5. Step 5: Fold the bottom corners of the top layer up to the top point.
    5

    Fold the bottom corners of the top layer up to the top point.

  6. Step 6: Turn the paper over.
    6

    Turn the paper over.

  7. Step 7: Fold the top point down so it sticks out past the bottom edge.
    7

    Fold the top point down so it sticks out past the bottom edge.

  8. Step 8: Fold the tip that sticks out back up over the edge to lock it.
    8

    Fold the tip that sticks out back up over the edge to lock it.

  9. Step 9: Fold the butterfly in half along the middle, then open it a little so the wings lift and spread.
    9

    Fold the butterfly in half along the middle, then open it a little so the wings lift and spread.

  10. The finished origami butterfly
    ✓

    Your butterfly is done. Draw a body and antennae down the middle if you like.

Tips

  • Patterned paper makes beautiful wings.
  • Lock the tip over the edge firmly so the body holds together.

Questions

What paper do I need for an origami butterfly?

One square of paper. 15 cm (6 inch) origami paper is ideal; any square sheet works.

How hard is it to fold?

It is rated easy and takes 9 steps. It is one of the simpler models on the site.

Can I print the instructions?

Yes. The printable PDF has every diagram and step on 2 pages.

More to fold

See all