How to make an origami swan
This traditional Japanese origami swan is easy to make and looks great with double-sided paper.
The simple design uses one piece of 15 x 15cm paper and shows a peek of the reverse with detail for the wing. It’s a stable model, so will stand up on its own without support.
This is an ideal first origami bird project, as it only takes a few minutes to make and uses simple folds.
How to make an origami swan
Step 1
Start with a square of origami paper (15 x 15cm).
For the purpose of this tutorial, we are using double-sided origami paper which is red on one side and yellow on the other.
Fold in half along the diagonal....
...and then unfold.
Step 2
Fold one side up to meet the crease you have just made.
Step 3
Repeat on the other side to create a kite shape.
Step 4
Turn the model over.
Step 5
Again, fold the sides up to meet the central fold.
Step 6
Repeat on the other side.
Step 7
Mountain fold the whole model in half.
Step 8
Fold the neck up by using an outside reverse fold. To do this, open the neck slightly as you bring it up, and fold what was the bottom of the model up and around the body.
Step 9
Fold the head down. Use an outside reverse fold again, to create the head. Make the head around 5cm long. It’s longer as we need to accommodate for the beak in step 11.
Step 10
Open up the head by pulling out the hidden paper on both sides of the head.
Step 11
Create the beak by first pleating the end of the head, then pushing the beak inside the head. This is called a double reverse fold.
Squash the head to firm up the creases.
Step 12
If you like, give your swan a tail by doing an outside reverse fold at the end of the swan’s body. This is not part of the traditional Japanese origami swan – just a cute little detail I like to add.
Your origami swan is now complete!
Create some paper flora as well as fauna with our collection of origami flower projects.
More origami paper
1. Traditional origami paper
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This pack of origami paper comes in traditional designs with a great price point. There are 30 different designs and 60 sheets.
They’re double-sided too, so if you’re looking to get into the hobby without splashing too much cash, this is a great option.
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2. Double-sided origami paper
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This is the origami paper we used for the steps photos. It’s great, because not only is it double-sided, but the sides are different colours so it really adds a little bit extra to those designs where you see both sides of the paper. Plus it comes as loose leaf, which is handy.
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3. Plain origami paper
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Coloured on one side and white on the other, having a stash of plain origami paper is great for practising models.
There are 50 different colours in the pack and each sheet is 20 x 20cm, just a little larger than the traditional 15 x 15cm square sheets.
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4. Patterned origami paper gift set (Chiyogami)
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Working with speciality origami paper can make the whole process more enjoyable, as it won’t rip, it’s easy to crease and the design won’t crack. It enables greater manipulation as it’s thinner than regular paper, so if you’re keen to get into origami, it’s worth investing in some proper paper.
With this pack, you get a whopping 180 sheets with 45 beautiful traditional designs, check out the plethora of 5-star reviews on Amazon for this product!
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Make a beautiful origami swan in 12 easy steps
All you need for this project is one piece of paper coloured differently on both sides. It's a great one to try if you're a beginner to origami as it uses simple folds and won't take you long.
As swans mate for life, why not make two? A pair of swans is one of the most enduring symbols of love, so this would be a sweet gift for a partner on an anniversary or Valentine's Day.
More origami to try
From simple origami for kids to a funky origami necklace, discover a range of projects in our collection of easy origami projects for beginners.
