How To Make An Origami Crow
Gallery
Traditional origami is the ancient craft of folding paper to make beautiful structures and models without needing glue, tape or anything else to hold them together.
Of all origami designs, perhaps the most famous is the traditional origami paper crane. With our guide, you'll learn how to make a different type of origami bird: a paper crow.
Our easy origami instructions are set out step by step so that you, your children and their friends can make a Halloween crow that, when you're done, will help create a spooky scene as they perch on the side or stand at the window.
Image © Jade Scott
You Will Need
One square of black paper per origami crow. The paper should be coloured on both sides and ideally, 6 inches by 6 inches.
Coloured paper, pens and any other craft supplies you'd like to decorate your origami paper crows with.
How To Make A Crow
Fold your piece of paper in half from left to right, make a crease and unfold. Then, fold your paper in half from top to bottom, making another crease and unfold again.
Next, flip your paper over. Take the top left corner and fold it down to the bottom right corner. Crease the paper and unfold. Do the same again, but with the top right corner to the bottom left corner. This should leave you with a + crease and an X crease in your origami paper.
Flip your paper back to the other side and rotate it so that it is a diamond shape rather than square.
Bring the left and right corners together into the centre. This should cause the top corner to fold into the centre on top of them. This will create a shape known as a "square base".
Image © Jade Scott
Now you have your origami paper square base, the next step is to use this to create an "origami bird base".
Fold the bottom left and right edges to the central crease of your shape. Then, fold down the top corner to make the shape shown below.
Image © Jade Scott
Unfold the sides and fold them back behind to structure to the centre crease and unfold them again. Open up the top layer of paper and fold it back in on itself.
Image © Jade Scott
Flip your model over and repeat the last two steps for that side and your origami bird base is now complete.
Image © Jade Scott
Finishing Your Crow Origami
Now you have the base for your origami crow, you can now finish it by giving it legs and a head.
Fold the points of the two bottom flaps up to the centre crease. These are what will form the legs. Then, fold them both down over themselves out to opposite sides.
Flip the paper to the other side. This is what becomes the back and tail of your origami crow.
Image © Jade Scott
Now, fold your model in half as shown below.
Image © Jade Scott
For the final step, fold over the top point to the desired angle to make the head of your origami crow and you have finished these easy origami instructions!
Image © Jade Scott
If you want to, you can now add a small piece of orange paper to make a beak or maybe even stick on a few feathers to give it a realistic look.
Now you know how to make an origami crow, if you don't want to make just one, grab a few more sheets of origami paper and make a whole flock of origami birds.
Top Tips
These origami crows make great decorations for any Halloween event. They can be perched on a surface or strung together to make bunting. You could even hang them from the ceiling to make them look like they are flying.
Why not try making some other spooky origami animals too such as bats or spiders to guarantee a spine-chilling scene!
We Want Your Photos!
More for You
See All
Master of Science specializing in Criminal Investigation, Criminal Justice/Police Science, PCGE in Primary Education, Professional Diploma in User Experience Design
Jade ScottMaster of Science specializing in Criminal Investigation, Criminal Justice/Police Science, PCGE in Primary Education, Professional Diploma in User Experience Design
Hailing from London, Jade now calls Lincolnshire home and enjoys the serene countryside that surrounds her. She has a wealth of experience as a primary school teacher, possessing a strong understanding of the curriculum, games, activities, and learning opportunities for children aged between 3-11. Jade is constantly on the lookout for new outdoor adventures and educational attractions to share with her two nephews. Her interests in science and crafts also enable her to provide fun, engaging, and educational activities for children to enjoy on rainy days. With a passion for discovering new experiences, she is always seeking out the latest deals and attractions to ensure a memorable time for all.
Disclaimer
1) Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the Buy Now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published but we cannot guarantee that on the time of reading. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.
2) At Kidadl, we strive to recommend the very best activities and events. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
3) Because we are an educational resource, we have quotes and facts about a range of historical and modern figures. We do not endorse the actions of or rhetoric of all the people included in these collections, but we think they are important for growing minds to learn about under the guidance of parents or guardians.