Origami, the art of paper folding, is a fun, creative hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. If you're new to origami, don't worry! This article will guide you through the basic origami folds that every beginner should know. By mastering these foundational techniques, you'll be well on your way to creating an array of beautiful and intricate origami models.
So, let's grab a piece of paper and get started on our origami journey.
Basic Origami Folds
Before diving into specific models, it's crucial to understand the fundamental origami folds. These techniques form the building blocks for almost every origami creation.
Maintaining proper paper tension and using a steady creasing motion are essential skills to develop. Remember, the goal is not to tear the paper, but to create sharp, well-defined creases. With practice, these techniques will become second nature.
Valley Fold
The valley fold is the most basic origami fold. It is created by bringing the two edges of the paper towards each other, forming a 'V' shape.
To perform a valley fold, hold the paper with your dominant hand and use your other hand to crease the paper. Make sure to press firmly and evenly, using a besom fold or your finger to help maintain a sharp crease.
Mountain Fold
The mountain fold is similar to the valley fold, but in reverse. Here, you bring the edges away from each other, creating an inverted 'V' shape.
Just like with the valley fold, use your dominant hand to hold the paper while your other hand performs the crease. A helpful trick is to place a finger on the edge of the paper to keep it secured during the fold.
Paper Preparation
Preparing your paper correctly sets the stage for successful folding.
Working with square paper is a must in origami. If you're using a rectangular sheet, start by trimming it to size. Also, consider the quality of your paper. Thinner paper, like origami paper or construction paper, is ideal for beginners.
Squaring the Paper
Squaring the paper ensures that your starting point is even and symmetrical.
To square your paper, perform several successive valley and mountain folds, then unfold. This will create a grid of small squares on your paper. Choose one of the smaller squares as your starting point, and perform a final crease. Then, use this crease as a guide to trim your paper into a perfect square.
Making a Mark
Sometimes, you'll need to make a mark on your paper for reference during a model. But remember, the goal of origami is to create without writing on your paper. So, consider using 'ghost creases' instead.
A ghost crease involves lightly creasing the paper without collapsing the previous crease. To create a ghost crease, make a preliminary crease, then carefully flatten it. Finally, fold along the original crease without touching the paper on the other side.
Starting Folds
Now that you've mastered the basics, let's explore some starting folds that set the stage for many origami models.
These folds are designed to shape your paper into a specific form, making it easier to work with.
Preliminary Base
The preliminary base is a fundamental fold that sets up your paper for a wide range of models.
Start with a square piece of paper. Perform a valley fold, then unfold. Next, fold the top two corners to the center crease, then unfold. You should now have a cross shape on your paper. Finally, fold the four corners to the center point, crease and flatten the edges to complete the preliminary base.
Square Base
The square base, also known as the 'crane base,' is another starting fold that is used extensively in origami.
To create a square base, start by making a preliminary base. Then, fold the top two layers down to the bottom edge. Next, unfold the top layer and flip your paper over. Fold the side edges to the center crease, then unfold. Finally, bring the sides towards the center, creasing well and flattening the sides to complete the square base.
That's it for our exploration of basic origami folds! With these techniques under your belt, you're well-equipped to start creating your own origami models. Origami is a journey of continuous learning, so embrace the process and don't be afraid to make mistakes. Who knows? Maybe your next creation will be the next big thing in the world of origami. So, keep practicing, keep exploring, and most importantly, keep having fun!