This step-by-step origami tutorial will teach you how to create a stunning butterfly fish using simple folds. Ideal for ocean-themed crafts and origami enthusiasts, this model features wide fins, a sleek shape, and a chance to decorate creatively. Great for kids and adults alike.
Take control of your workflow step-by-step with smart tools, actionable insights, and seamless collaboration
Place the paper color side down. Fold and unfold vertically, then fold and unfold horizontally to create center creases.
Place the paper color side down. Fold and unfold vertically, then fold and unfold horizontally to create center creases.
Fold each side to the center crease and unfold before moving to the next. Do this for top, right, bottom, and left.
Fold each side to the center crease and unfold before moving to the next. Do this for top, right, bottom, and left.
Fold the bottom corners up diagonally to the horizontal crease and unfold again. These are guideline creases.
Fold the bottom corners up diagonally to the horizontal crease and unfold again. These are guideline creases.
Fold the left and right sides inward to the vertical center crease and unfold. These are setup folds for shaping.
Fold the left and right sides inward to the vertical center crease and unfold. These are setup folds for shaping.
Fold the bottom corner all the way up to the top edge, following the center horizontal line as your crease guide.
Fold the bottom corner all the way up to the top edge, following the center horizontal line as your crease guide.
Fold just the top layer down along the horizontal center line. The bottom layer remains flat.
Fold just the top layer down along the horizontal center line. The bottom layer remains flat.
Make sure your model matches this reference image before continuing.
Make sure your model matches this reference image before continuing.
Open both lower corners and reverse-fold them inside along the creases. This forms the base of the body.
Open both lower corners and reverse-fold them inside along the creases. This forms the base of the body.
Gently open the left and right flaps outward. These are the fish's side fins.
Gently open the left and right flaps outward. These are the fish's side fins.
Turn the model over to view the opposite side. You’ll now begin shaping the top fin.
Turn the model over to view the opposite side. You’ll now begin shaping the top fin.
Fold each side diagonally upward along the dashed lines to form the top outline of the fish.
Fold each side diagonally upward along the dashed lines to form the top outline of the fish.
Fold the top-left and top-right corners down along the diagonals to shape the top of the fish.
Fold the top-left and top-right corners down along the diagonals to shape the top of the fish.
Now fold each top blue triangle outward along the diagonals — these form the pectoral fins.
Now fold each top blue triangle outward along the diagonals — these form the pectoral fins.
Flip over to reveal the shaped butterfly fish. You’ll see the body, fins, and triangle tail.
Flip over to reveal the shaped butterfly fish. You’ll see the body, fins, and triangle tail.
Decorate the fish with a googly eye or drawn one. Add stripes or bubbles to personalize your model!
Decorate the fish with a googly eye or drawn one. Add stripes or bubbles to personalize your model!
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!