Animals

Beginner

8 minutes

Easy Origami Whale

This easy origami whale is a fun and beginner-friendly paper folding project perfect for kids, classrooms, or ocean-themed crafts. With just a square sheet of paper, you can create your very own whale and decorate it with eyes and colors. The step-by-step guide is simple, visual, and enjoyable for folders of all ages.

Materials Needed:

1 square sheet of paper
Scissors (for tail)
Googly eye or marker

Coming soon!

Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow detailed visual guides with clear images showing each fold, crease, and technique to create beautiful origami models

Fold and Unfold the Diagonal

Start with your paper in a diamond position. Fold it in half diagonally to create a crease from corner to corner, then unfold.

TipPress the fold firmly so the guideline is clear for the next steps.

Fold and Unfold the Diagonal

Start with your paper in a diamond position. Fold it in half diagonally to create a crease from corner to corner, then unfold.

Fold the Side Edges Inward

Fold the left and right edges in to meet the center crease, forming a kite shape.

TipAlign the corners carefully for a symmetrical result.

Fold the Side Edges Inward

Fold the left and right edges in to meet the center crease, forming a kite shape.

Fold the Left Tip Toward the Center

Take the left side and fold it over along the vertical line to shorten the whale’s body.

TipFold precisely so the edge doesn’t stick out.

Fold the Left Tip Toward the Center

Take the left side and fold it over along the vertical line to shorten the whale’s body.

Fold the Whale in Half Lengthwise

Fold the entire model in half from bottom to top along the center line.

TipMatch the tail tip carefully to keep the body aligned.

Fold the Whale in Half Lengthwise

Fold the entire model in half from bottom to top along the center line.

Fold the Tail Up to Shape It

Fold the pointed tail section upward along the dashed diagonal line.

TipChange the angle for a more dynamic look.

Fold the Tail Up to Shape It

Fold the pointed tail section upward along the dashed diagonal line.

Make a Small Cut to Split the Tail

Use scissors to make a short cut up the center of the tail to form the two fins.

TipOnly cut 1/3 of the tail's length to keep it strong.

Make a Small Cut to Split the Tail

Use scissors to make a short cut up the center of the tail to form the two fins.

Open and Shape the Whale’s Tail Fins

Fold both tail flaps outward in opposite directions to form the fins.

TipDon’t flatten the fins too much — a little curve adds life!

Open and Shape the Whale’s Tail Fins

Fold both tail flaps outward in opposite directions to form the fins.

Decorate Your Whale

Add a googly eye or draw one near the head to complete your origami whale.

TipAdd fun details like a smile, splashes, or bubbles!

Decorate Your Whale

Add a googly eye or draw one near the head to complete your origami whale.

video

Video Tutorial

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!