Q&A for How to Fold a Paper Crane

Yes, normal writing paper is much harder to use than origami paper because the origami paper is lighter yet stronger, which makes it easier to fold and shape. Writing paper is flimsier and liable to tear.

Traditionally, it was believed that if one folded 1000 origami cranes, one's wish would come true. It has also become a symbol of hope and healing during challenging times. As a result, it has become popular to fold 1000 cranes (in Japanese, called “senbazuru”).

It usually is 6 or 7 inches. You can find big books of origami paper in craft stores. Origami paper is perfectly square.

A senbazuru is 1000 paper cranes tied together on a string. It is said in Japanese legends that if you make one, you get a wish.

Construction paper is thicker and has a different texture than origami paper so it may be more difficult to make an origami crane.

You can do both. If you want to add detail on a specific part of the body, I would wait until the end. If you just want a pattern on them, do it before folding.

It has to be big for beginners, to make it easier. Once you've made it, try to make it smaller. The smaller the the paper, the harder it is to make.

You can buy origami paper for $2 at a dollar shop.

You may be putting too much pressure on it. Crinkling doesn't hurt; it actually looks okay as a texture.

For relaxation and the art of doing a complex set of actions resulting in beauty.

Origami paper is simply square paper. You can cut construction paper into a square or buy a pack of real origami paper, which usually has color on one or both sides.

Fold the bottom corner up to the top corner to create a crease, then fold it back down. This is a crease to mark, not to keep folded. It makes future steps easier to execute.

At first making a paper crane can be difficult if you are new to origami, but after making a few times you will memorize the steps.

Roughly two minutes if you're advanced with origami. You'll improve as you practice and the time will decrease.

You might be doing step 18 wrong, it's really a repeat of steps 16-17, not steps 6-9.

This article can walk you through the steps of making a paper swan: How to Fold a Traditional Origami Swan .

Yes, definitely, I learned it myself when I was quite young. Showing her a tutorial video on YouTube might be helpful.

Check the wikiHow article, Make an Origami Flower .

In many Japanese legends and myths, making a thousand cranes gives you a wish. You can read more about it online; there are many stories about it.

I don't think the wings flap on this original paper crane. Check YouTube for tutorials on how to make one that flaps.

Yes. If you use loose leaf paper, making a paper crane can be easier. But, you still have to follow the directions that are given.

Just fold and cut the paper into a square as printing paper is rectangular, then follow all the steps.

If the mistake is fixable, fix it. If it isn't, start again and be careful not to make the same mistake twice.

You can make origami with lined paper if that's all you have, but keep in mind that the paper will be harder to fold.

They will, but if you're a beginner it might be a little challenging to get all of your creases to line up.

Yes, but you will need to cut it into a square first.

No, unfortunately you can't fly it. But another way to see it in the air is to hang it. It dangles flawlessly, and that's probably the closest you can get to flying.

Lift the flap that is to be squashed towards you. Pry apart the layers of paper. Gently press down to squash the paper creating two new mountain folds. Align the crease line on the top layer of paper with the layers of paper beneath.

There are a lot of multi-fold creases you need to make, and the amount of steps just makes me sick.

I would recommend going on YouTube and searching for "paper crane folding." You should be able to find plenty of demonstration videos that way.