This origami crab is a fun and creative paper folding project using two sheets of paper — one for the claws and one for the legs. With 16 clear steps and simple instructions, you’ll be able to create your own paper crab in under 30 minutes. Great for classroom crafts, ocean-themed decorations, or just as a relaxing DIY activity. You can even personalize it by adding googly eyes or drawing a smile!
Take control of your workflow step-by-step with smart tools, actionable insights, and seamless collaboration
Start with your paper in a diamond position (colored side down). Fold the top corner down to meet the bottom corner, creating a horizontal crease. Then unfold the paper to return to the original diamond shape.
Start with your paper in a diamond position (colored side down). Fold the top corner down to meet the bottom corner, creating a horizontal crease. Then unfold the paper to return to the original diamond shape.
Fold the top-right and bottom-right edges of the diamond inward so they meet perfectly along the center crease.
Fold the top-right and bottom-right edges of the diamond inward so they meet perfectly along the center crease.
Take the top-left and bottom-left edges and fold them toward the center line, making sure both sides line up precisely with the crease in the middle.
Take the top-left and bottom-left edges and fold them toward the center line, making sure both sides line up precisely with the crease in the middle.
Take the top point of the model and fold it downwards along the horizontal dashed line, as shown in the diagram.
Take the top point of the model and fold it downwards along the horizontal dashed line, as shown in the diagram.
After folding the top down, your model should now look like this: a long triangle pointing downward, with all flaps neatly folded in.
After folding the top down, your model should now look like this: a long triangle pointing downward, with all flaps neatly folded in.
Open the model slightly and fold both left and right sections upward along the dashed lines by pressing from the inside. This helps shape the crab’s upper body.
Open the model slightly and fold both left and right sections upward along the dashed lines by pressing from the inside. This helps shape the crab’s upper body.
After finishing the folds, your model should look like this. Set this piece aside — we’ll use it again soon.
After finishing the folds, your model should look like this. Set this piece aside — we’ll use it again soon.
Take a second sheet of paper. Fold the top corner to the bottom corner, then unfold to create a guide line.
Take a second sheet of paper. Fold the top corner to the bottom corner, then unfold to create a guide line.
Just like before, fold the top-right and bottom-right edges of the paper inward toward the center horizontal crease.
Just like before, fold the top-right and bottom-right edges of the paper inward toward the center horizontal crease.
Now fold the top-left and bottom-left edges of the paper toward the center crease to complete the symmetrical shape.
Now fold the top-left and bottom-left edges of the paper toward the center crease to complete the symmetrical shape.
Just like you did with the first sheet, fold the top point down to meet the bottom point along the dashed line.
Just like you did with the first sheet, fold the top point down to meet the bottom point along the dashed line.
Make sure your folded piece now looks like this triangle — it's the completed base for the crab's lower body.
Make sure your folded piece now looks like this triangle — it's the completed base for the crab's lower body.
Open the model slightly and press inward on the dashed red lines to fold the legs downward using reverse folds.
Open the model slightly and press inward on the dashed red lines to fold the legs downward using reverse folds.
This is how the lower part should look after folding — with the legs angled downward and symmetrical.
This is how the lower part should look after folding — with the legs angled downward and symmetrical.
Slide the bottom part inside the top section as shown. Adjust until they fit snugly and form a complete crab.
Slide the bottom part inside the top section as shown. Adjust until they fit snugly and form a complete crab.
Add eyes to give your crab some personality! Use googly eyes, paper cutouts, or draw them with a pen.
Add eyes to give your crab some personality! Use googly eyes, paper cutouts, or draw them with a pen.
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!