This step‑by‑step tutorial shows how to make the origami Bird Base by first forming a preliminary (square) base and then performing petal folds. The Bird Base is a named standard in origami and appears in many traditional designs like the crane and flapping bird. With neat creases and careful alignment, beginners can master it quickly and use it as a starting point for dozens of bird‑themed creations.
Follow detailed visual guides with clear images showing each fold, crease, and technique to create beautiful origami models
Place the paper with the colored side down. Fold top to bottom and unfold. Fold left to right and unfold to create a cross at the center.
Place the paper with the colored side down. Fold top to bottom and unfold. Fold left to right and unfold to create a cross at the center.
Flip the paper to the other side and rotate to a diamond. Fold one diagonal and unfold. Repeat with the other diagonal and unfold to make an “X”.
Flip the paper to the other side and rotate to a diamond. Fold one diagonal and unfold. Repeat with the other diagonal and unfold to make an “X”.
With the diamond in front of you, gently press the center where the creases meet so the paper begins to collapse along the folds.
With the diamond in front of you, gently press the center where the creases meet so the paper begins to collapse along the folds.
Fold left and right corners down toward the bottom point, following the diagonals so the edges meet neatly at the center.
Fold left and right corners down toward the bottom point, following the diagonals so the edges meet neatly at the center.
Guide the top layer inward along the creases and press flat to form a smaller square.
Guide the top layer inward along the creases and press flat to form a smaller square.
You now have a clean preliminary (square) base with open flaps at the bottom.
You now have a clean preliminary (square) base with open flaps at the bottom.
On the top layer, fold left and right edges to the center line.
On the top layer, fold left and right edges to the center line.
Fold the top section of the upper layer down along the dashed line to make a guide crease, then unfold.
Fold the top section of the upper layer down along the dashed line to make a guide crease, then unfold.
Open the two side folds you just made to return to the preliminary base shape with visible crease lines.
Open the two side folds you just made to return to the preliminary base shape with visible crease lines.
You should see all the guiding creases needed for the next movement.
You should see all the guiding creases needed for the next movement.
Hold the bottom point while lifting the top layer upward; the sides start to move inward along the creases.
Hold the bottom point while lifting the top layer upward; the sides start to move inward along the creases.
Continue lifting until a tall diamond forms and the sides tuck toward the center.
Continue lifting until a tall diamond forms and the sides tuck toward the center.
Turn the model over to work on the other side.
Turn the model over to work on the other side.
You will now repeat the sequence performed earlier on this side.
You will now repeat the sequence performed earlier on this side.
Fold the top layer’s left and right edges to the center line.
Fold the top layer’s left and right edges to the center line.
Fold the top section downward along the dashed line to create a crease, then unfold.
Fold the top section downward along the dashed line to create a crease, then unfold.
Hold the lower point steady and raise the top section; the sides fold inward naturally.
Hold the lower point steady and raise the top section; the sides fold inward naturally.
You now have the traditional Bird Base: a slim diamond with two long points at the top and bottom, ready for cranes and flapping birds.
You now have the traditional Bird Base: a slim diamond with two long points at the top and bottom, ready for cranes and flapping birds.
Follow along with our detailed video tutorial to learn how to fold your origami. This step-by-step guide makes each fold easy to understand and fun to follow!
We're working on the video tutorial to help you fold with me. Stay tuned — it'll be available here shortly!
Get more origami tutorials and tips delivered to your feed
Subscribe NowDiscover more origami models to expand your paper folding journey
FoldWith.Me © All rights reserved
Made with ❤️ by @foldwith.me