Origami Mountain Fold vs Valley Fold: Mastering the Basics

In the captivating world of origami, two fundamental folds stand out as the building blocks of countless intricate designs: the mountain fold and the valley fold. These two folds, though simple in concept, are powerful tools that allow paper artists to transform a single sheet into stunning, three-dimensional structures. But what exactly are these folds, and how do they differ from each other?

At their core, both mountain and valley folds are techniques used to create depth and dimension in origami. They are essentially the same fold, just going in opposite directions. The key difference lies in the direction of the crease and the resulting shape it creates. Let's delve deeper into each fold and explore their unique characteristics.

The Mountain Fold

The mountain fold is one of the most commonly used folds in origami. It's easily recognizable by the distinctive 'V' shape it creates, with the points of the 'V' pointing towards each other. This fold is used to create the appearance of a mountain or a raised surface.

To perform a mountain fold, you simply fold the paper inwards, bringing the edges together to form the 'V' shape. The crease should be made by pressing the paper from both sides, ensuring it's sharp and well-defined. This fold is often used to create peaks, such as those found in mountains, roofs, or waves.

Mountain Fold in Action

One of the most iconic examples of a mountain fold in action is in the traditional origami crane. The wings of the crane are created using a series of mountain folds, giving them their distinctive shape and allowing them to fold flat when the crane is closed.

Another example is in the creation of a traditional origami box. The sides of the box are formed using mountain folds, creating the raised edges that give the box its structure.

Mountain Fold Variations

While the basic mountain fold is simple, there are several variations that can add complexity and interest to your origami. One such variation is the reverse mountain fold, where the paper is folded outwards instead of inwards, creating a 'U' shape rather than a 'V'.

Another variation is the squash fold, which involves folding the paper inwards, then flattening it out to create a square or rectangular shape. This fold is often used to create the base of origami boxes or to change the shape of a square or rectangle.

The Valley Fold

The valley fold is the inverse of the mountain fold. Instead of creating a 'V' shape that points inwards, the valley fold creates a 'V' shape that points outwards, giving the appearance of a valley or a depressed surface.

To perform a valley fold, you fold the paper outwards, bringing the edges away from each other. Like the mountain fold, the crease should be sharp and well-defined. This fold is often used to create the appearance of a valley, a pocket, or a hollow.

Valley Fold in Action

One of the most common uses of the valley fold is in the creation of origami birds. The body of the bird is often created using a valley fold, giving it its distinctive shape and allowing it to fold flat when the bird is closed.

Another example is in the creation of an origami boat. The hull of the boat is formed using a series of valley folds, creating the depressed surface that gives the boat its shape.

Valley Fold Variations

Like the mountain fold, the valley fold also has several variations. One such variation is the reverse valley fold, where the paper is folded inwards instead of outwards, creating a 'U' shape that points outwards.

Another variation is the pleat fold, which involves folding the paper inwards, then flattening it out to create a series of parallel creases. This fold is often used to create the petals of flowers or the scales of a dragon.

Understanding the difference between mountain and valley folds is crucial for any aspiring origami artist. These two fundamental folds are the foundation upon which countless intricate and beautiful designs are built. Whether you're a seasoned paper artist or a beginner just starting out, mastering these folds will open up a world of creative possibilities. So, grab a sheet of paper and start folding - the mountains and valleys of origami await!