Origami Koi Folding Instructions
This origami koi is quite realistic-looking. If you've ever seen real koi or carp, then you'd know that they open their mouths wide when feeding.
Made this origami? Comment and Submit your photo using the comment box at the end of this page!
You can start off with a 6 inch (15cm) square color faded Origami Paper like we have done. But once you've mastered the origami koi, you may want to use a more exotic paper, like a metallic Origami Paper
which really makes the origami koi a true masterpiece.
One of our readers did just that. You can see his metallic origami koi in the origami koi photos page. What a beauty!
Check out our video instructions! Then view our detailed photos and reader submitted koi's.
Origami Koi Step 1: Start with an origami square base, then fold corner A upwards as shown below.
Origami Koi Step 2: Now fold the corners B and C to the centerline, then fold D and E to the centerline as shown:
Origami Koi Step 3: Next fold the top point of the model down...
Origami Koi Step 4: ...and flip the entire piece over. Fold the corners toward the centerline as shown...
Origami Koi Step 5: ...and then unfold. Take the bottom corner and fold it upwards as shown in the next three photos. This is a famous fold and is called a Petal Fold.
Origami Koi Step 6: Now fold the corners to the centerline, and flip the model over. Fold the fins of the koi upwards...
Origami Koi Step 7: ...then do a reverse inside fold on each fin:
Origami Koi Step 8: Now put a a finger or thumb in the "pocket" on the front of the piece, and hold it firmly. Grasp the corner F and pull slowly out as shown in the next five photos.
Origami Koi Step 9: Use your fingers to shape the body and tail. Also curve the fins a bit.
Now your origami koi is ready to swim in the backyard pond!
Check out the many origami koi photos that have been submitted by our readers!