How to Fold an Origami Duck

Co-authored by Robert Homayoon

Last Updated: January 3, 2024 Approved

Do you enjoy origami? This traditional Japanese design is a favorite among beginners and seasoned origami folders alike. Read this article to learn how to fold an origami duck!

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See “Things You’ll Need” below. You can find a range of origami paper on Amazon .
Unless both sides of the paper are the same, the blank side of the paper should be facing up.

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This is to create a crease line; be sure to unfold it once you've folded it well enough to get a crease line.
This means you should take the left side corner of the paper and fold it so that it touches the crease line; repeat with the right side corner.
Fold the bottom corner up so it’s roughly between the right and left side corners.
It should now be touching the very bottom of the paper.
You are mountain folding , so the left side of the paper should be going back .
Turn the paper sideways so that the corner you folded up is at the left.
Stretch it forward until it’s in the shape demonstrated by the picture, and then smooth it with your finger so that it’s folded.
Again, stretch it forward until it’s in the shape demonstrated by the picture, and then fold it with your finger.
Admire your handiwork.

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Will it float over water?

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It will float if you use heavier paper that won't fall apart in the water.

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What if I struggle with origami?

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Just practice until you don't. Try starting with very easy origami pieces. After getting the hang of it, try challenging yourself by making something a little more harder. Keep doing this until you can do the hardest ones possible. Once you get to the hard pieces, try your best, since you will have gradually improved your skills.

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How can I make a square out of origami paper?

Katniss73

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If you're looking to turn a rectangle of paper into a square, take a corner and fold it up and over to the opposite side, making sure the edges match up and the corner is neat. Then cut the small rectangle off the top, and you have a square! Alternatively, you can buy origami paper that is already a square shape.

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Tips

These little ducks make decorative gift tags or wrapping additions.

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The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Good article. I suggest people use smaller square pieces of paper because large pieces makes large ducks that seem unrealistic. Good luck!
To make this duck, you can use a square sticky note instead of origami paper (if you don’t have it).
It is easier when you do step 9 and 10 together.

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Things You'll Need

Origami paper – you can buy this at most craft stores, or online
A stable surface on which to fold – it shouldn’t have any bumps, or your folding could be disrupted; check for crumbs, raised sections of wood, etc.