There are many different types of folds which are used in origami. These folds are used in various models – whether you are making animals such as cats, traditional origami boxes, DIY envelopes, or other projects.
By understanding the basics of these origami folds, you can follow step by step origami tutorials better.
It can help you improve your folding skills and eventually learn how to fold more complex models.
In this guide, we have come up with a list of the most common origami folds you might come across.
Valley Fold
The valley fold is essentially the opposite of the mountain fold. Instead of forming a peak, the paper is folded towards you, creating a dip or “valley.”
Mountain Fold
This is one of the simplest folds. The mountain fold is also one of the most common folds in origami. It involves folding the paper away from you, creating a peak or “mountain” shape.
Reverse Fold (Inside and Outside)
A reverse fold is essential for shaping origami models, especially for creating pointed features like beaks, tails, and legs. There are two main types, these being the inside reverse fold and outside reverse fold.
Squash Fold
The squash fold is used to flatten and shape parts of an origami model. It often appears in models that require symmetrical shaping, such as flowers or birds.
Petal Fold
The petal fold is often found in floral origami models and is an essential fold for bases like the bird base, used in making cranes.
Pleat Fold (Accordion Fold)
The pleat fold, also called the accordion fold, involves making multiple alternating valley and mountain folds in a parallel sequence.
Sink Fold
The sink fold is a more advanced technique that involves pushing a folded section of paper inward, often used in complex models.
By learning and practicing these folds, you will begin to get accustomed to folding your paper. This will help you be more accurate with your folding as well as improve the look of your models.
Understanding the basics in anything is fundamental in anything, especially origami.
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