Learn how to fold a traditional origami butterfly from a paper square in this step-by-step tutorial with photos.
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Butterflies are a favorite bug for lots of kids. After all, they’re pretty and colorful. You can make this origami butterfly using any paper color that you like.
Make this an educational activity by researching different butterfly colors and patterns. Then decorate your finished butterflies to look like the real ones.
Or just have fun and fold up a family of butterflies in a rainbow of unique colors!
Origami paper folding tips
- Start with a perfect square of paper (unless the pattern calls for something different). Use a ruler to double-check that all sides are even.
- Use origami paper if you can. This paper is just the right weight and thickness, and it often comes cut to size.
- Young kids can learn to fold origami but may learn better by copying an adult. Sit beside your child, rather than across from them, so that they can see exactly what you’re doing.
- To make a crease, use the edge of a pencil or ruler, or your fingernail to make the crease nice and crisp.
- Traditionally origami doesn’t include glue. But you may want to add some in a few places to ensure your folds stay put, especially if the finished design is a toy.
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How to make an origami butterfly
Supplies
- 1 square piece of origami paper or craft paper
- scissors
- ruler
- pencil
Instructions
Prep the paper by measuring and cutting it into a square. We started with a 4.5-inch square piece of paper to make an approximately 4-inch wide butterfly.
1. Crease into 8 triangles
Crease the paper by folding it and unfolding it both horizontally and vertically. Then crease again along both diagonals. The crease lines should look like 8 small triangles.
2. Crease the corners
Fold each of the 4 corners to meet in the center. Flip the paper over and fold the new corners into the center. Crease all folds, then unfold the paper to the original square.
3. Fold the sides in and the top down
Fold the right and left sides inward to make a long rectangle. Next, fold the top down, pushing the top creases outward. This should make a trapezoid shape. Rotate the paper and fold the other side into a matching trapezoid.
4. Create the butterfly body
Flip the paper over with the opening facing away from you, and fold the top half down. Next, pull the 2 corners of the top layer down to make a large triangle shape in the center. Fold the tip of the long corners on the top layer a short amount inward.
5. Create the wings
Fold the paper in half along the middle, then crease the center in a small diagonal line. Unfold the butterfly, and flip over the paper. Then, press the center where your crease is while bringing the two wings together, this should create a dip in the paper, giving your butterfly a more three-dimensional effect.
You now have a finished butterfly!
Printable instructions
Origami butterfly
Materials
- square piece of paper
- scissors
- ruler
- pencil
Instructions
- Prep the paper by measuring and cutting it into a square. We started with a 4.5-inch square piece of paper to make an approximately 4-inch wide butterfly.
- Crease the paper by folding it and unfolding it both horizontally and vertically. Then crease again along both diagonals. The crease lines should look like 8 small triangles.
- Fold each of the 4 corners to meet in the center. Flip the paper over and fold the new corners into the center. Crease all folds, then unfold the paper to the original square.
- Fold the right and left sides inward to make a long rectangle. Next, fold the top down, pushing the top creases outward. This should make a trapezoid shape. Rotate the paper and fold the other side into a matching trapezoid.
- Flip the paper over with the opening facing away from you, and fold the top half down. Next, pull the 2 corners of the top layer down to make a large triangle shape in the center. Fold the tip of the long corners on the top layer a short amount inward.
- Fold the paper in half along the middle, then crease the center in a small diagonal line. Unfold the butterfly, and flip over the paper. Then, press the center where your crease is while bringing the two wings together, this should create a dip in the paper, giving your butterfly a more three-dimensional effect.
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