Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding, an ancient technique that transforms a flat sheet of paper into a three-dimensional figure.

The name “origami” derives from the Japanese words for folding (“ori”) and paper (“kami”) with ‘kami’ replaced by ‘gami’ due to rendaku, a Japanese linguistics phenomenon in which the first consonant in the second word is voiced.

Although Origami is rooted in Japanese culture, it is popular all over the world. Some people use it as a hobby while others make a living from it. Origami is fun, and no better example of this exists than how it captivates children!

The Most Popular Origami Ideas of All Time

What are the most popular origami ideas of all time? It won’t surprise you to learn that the most popular ideas are relatively easy to make. After all, Origami takes time, and the basics offer a way to learn without tearing your hair out.

Here are the most popular origami figures:

Origami Crane 

The origami crane is the best-known model of all. In ancient Japanese literature, it is said the gods will grant anyone who folds a thousand cranes a wish. Instructables has an excellent tutorial. Give it a try – you’ll have it done in under 10 minutes!

Origami Fortune Teller

A favourite in school playgrounds, the origami fortune teller is the easiest model to make overall. We like the tutorial at Origami.guide. Master it, and you’ll have children begging you to teach them.

Origami Lotus Flower

Although it looks complicated, the origami lotus flower is easy to make. The white lotus flower is a symbol of purity, while blue is a symbol of wisdom. Again, we like the tutorial at Origami.guide because it doesn’t cut corners.

Origami Masu Box

The origami Masu box is a great technique to learn because you never know when you might need a small box! Origami.me has an easy tutorial for the traditional version, which only requires one sheet of square paper.

Origami Jumping Frog

The origami jumping frog is a cheap and cheerful way to make someone smile, especially kids! There are a few methods available, but our favourite is the tutorial at It’s Always Autumn, with their jumping frog promising to really jump!

Origami Swan 

Origami swans are often made as wedding gifts and anniversary decorations, for they symbolise a lifelong partnership. Origami.guide has a comprehensive tutorial. Use double-sided colour paper to give your swan extra pop.

Origami Butterfly 

Not only are origami butterflies easy to make, but they make beautiful hanging decorations – all you need is a needle and a piece of string. We like PPO’s YouTube tutorial, which simplifies the steps without sacrificing form.

Origami Crow

We’ve saved the best until last! The origami crow is a freestanding model that perches over things. Make it with black paper, and it looks incredible. Paper Kawaii – Origami Tutorials has an excellent YouTube tutorial to perfect the crow.

Which origami idea is your favourite? If you’re new to Origami, start with the crane to get a feel for folding. Otherwise, give any of them a go!