Origami Dragon

Today, we're going to learn how to make an origami dragon . Origami, like dragons in general, is often associated with Japanese culture . "Ori" means "folding," and "kami" means "paper." In this guide, we'll introduce you to the art of paper folding by teaching you how to make an origami dragon . 🐉

Know that origami is good for you because it develops hand-eye coordination, sequencing skills, mathematical reasoning, spatial skills, memory, as well as patience and attention. Origami also helps improve your fine motor skills and mental concentration. Before you begin, if you love these creatures, take a look at our collection of Dragon Plushies, the ideal and loyal little companion.

So, how do you make an Origami Dragon? At first glance, it might seem difficult, so follow the step-by-step instructions to make this easy Origami Dragon . 🐲 It will take you about 10 to 15 minutes to make this Origami Dragon if you take your time, but learning how to make it can take 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your existing skills in this art. For this tutorial, you will need:

• either a simple square piece of paper 15x15 cm (colour of your choice)
• either a square piece of aluminum foil measuring 15x15 cm (shiny effect)
• of your hands and your brain (you have no choice about that)

How to make an origami dragon?

Step 1 : Start by choosing your square paper. I recommend using aluminum foil for this Origami Dragon (results in conclusion). It's easier to crease some of the folds (especially small or repeated folds), and the aluminum gives these dragons a sharper, more majestic look . The paper I'll be using is standard green paper, measuring 15 cm in length and width.

Step 2 : Fold the paper in half diagonally. Make a triangle. This will eventually form the crane-shaped base of our Origami Dragon. If you already know the basics of this fold, you're not a beginner, so let's continue.

Step 3 : Fold this triangle in half again. This is the simplest step of the Dragon Origami; repeat what you did just above.

Step 4 : Open one of the triangular flaps. Open the pocket formed by the triangle. This will be folded into a square, also known as a pumpkin fold. Make sure the edges are aligned at this stage, as it will be easier to complete the following steps of our Origami Dragon. Repeat this process on the other side.

Step 5 : Fold all sides of the square up to the middle crease. These creases will be undone, but they will be used to create the next folds for the crane base of our Origami Dragon. Make sure to crease them well; it will be easier to perform the following steps. One important detail: ensure that the pointed end is the open end. Fold the opposite side to the middle of the two folded sides (see the image above). This won't be needed for the next step, but it will be useful later.

Step 6 : Open the model and flatten it into a crane base. Undo the creases you just made. Open the sides and flatten the existing creases, forming a diamond shape. Repeat this process on the other side. Congratulations, you've created the base of a crane! We're getting closer to the final version of our Origami Dragon.

Step 7 : Create a sink fold. Open the entire model. Fold the small square in the middle and gently push inward on the square, allowing two sides to fold inward and the original creases to fold back into the square shape. This step of the Origami Dragon brings the model back to a square shape but doesn't yet fold it into the crane base. A few more steps are needed before the model is placed back into the crane's base.

Optional Step : If you can't or don't want to do this folding, you can skip this step. This step is about creating the dragon's back . If you leave this step out, the back will be more pointed and the legs will look slightly different, but it will still work. I recommend doing this step if you can. If you leave the sink unfolded, skip the next step.

Step 8 : Fold the sides. Fold the top of the model down so that the crease meets the ends of the existing creases made previously. Then, unfold and fold the tops of both flaps inwards. The outer edge of the angled Origami Dragon should touch the crease you just made. Repeat this process on the other side. From there, leaving the top as is, fold the model back into its basic crane shape.

Step 9 : Fold the open flaps into an "X". The sides of these flaps should touch the straight crease in the middle of our Origami Dragon. Do this on both sides of the flap, which will form an "X" shape.

Step 10 : Unfold and reduce the Origami Dragon. Undo the folds you just made and fold the model down along them, stopping where they meet in the center. This new flap can be placed on either side; each will be the dragon's wing. Repeat the process on the other side.

Step 11 : Fold the bottom half of the model. Fold both sides over, making creases. Unfold these creases to complete the next step of the Origami Dragon.

Step 12 : Make a reverse inside fold. Opening the side of the model, push inwards, allowing the inner edge of the side to be straight with the middle. Do the same for the other side. One side will be the dragon's head and front legs, the other side will be the tail and hind legs of our Origami Dragon.

Step 13 : Open a flap and retract. Lift one flap from the inverted inner fold to the top. Fold the top side down towards the middle. The top of the middle of the model will get in the way, so fold that part inwards (essentially making a bunny ear fold). The Origami Dragon on the right shows the finished look. Do this on all four sides. These little triangular-flap things will become the ...

The Wings of the Origami Dragon

Step 14 : Fold the dragon's wings. The two flaps on either side of the model are the dragon's wings . Fold them both upwards, at any angle, making sure the bottom of the wing is folded precisely where the bottom of the center crease is. We're nearing the end of this Origami Dragon tutorial, hang in there!

Head and Front Legs of the Origami Dragon

Step 15 : Fold the head and front legs. Fold both sides upwards, making a reverse inward crease. Repeat this technique, establishing the length of the neck and creating the head. Fold this point back again to create the dragon's head and horn. Fold the bottom front flaps backwards. Fold them in half downwards to form the front legs.

Origami Dragon's Hind Legs

Step 16 : Make the hind legs. These legs should only be folded once, in the same direction as the front legs. Use the same technique, folding downwards. Try to even them out by placing the dragon on a surface and checking if one leg is shorter than the other. This isn't essential, but it will help the Origami Dragon stand up better.

Origami Dragon Tail

Step 17 (optional): Crimp the tail. The dragon is finished. If you want to give the dragon's tail some character, create crimp folds and fold them towards the front of the dragon. This will curve the tail upwards. Once the curve is complete, the crimp folds can be folded away from the dragon to give the tail a pointed effect.

An easy and quick Origami Dragon

Step 18 : Stylize the dragon. The Origami Dragon is finished, well done! These images are just a few ideas of what you can do by playing around with the dragon:

• The first is a silver dragon with a downward-curving horn, a slightly modified tail, and wings folded into claw-like shapes. It is called the "mantise dragon" because of its resemblance to a praying mantis.
• The second, a red dragon, also has a slightly elongated tail and wings folded inward and flattened. Like the silver dragon, its neck and tail are again folded inward. The neck is thin enough to hold a pen spring for decoration.
• The last one, a blue dragon, has a more swirling effect on its tail, as well as two additional folds added to its horn. The wings are folded to give the impression of icicles or a glacier effect. This blue dragon resembles an ice dragon.

Note : It's easier to make cool designs on dragons folded with aluminum foil, especially if you roll the foil rather than fold it. The creases also hold better when you modify the wings to give them the desired look, but be careful not to fold the foil too much in one area. The foil can bleed color, and accidental creases will be much more noticeable. 🐉

Congratulations! You've just made an origami dragon . This paper-folding art can help you relax and keep you entertained. If you're a true dragon fan, come check out our dragon shop. You'll find decorative items like the collection below, including dragon stickers.