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Fold a Paper Butterfly in 4 Easy Origami Steps

How to make a butterfly by folding?

Making a butterfly by folding is a classic origami-style project that turns a square sheet of paper into a butterfly shape using a few crisp creases and a simple “pinch” in the center. It’s quick, kid-friendly, and works well with colorful scrapbook paper, origami paper, or even a cut square from gift wrap.

Step-by-step: Fold a simple paper butterfly

Start with a square piece of paper (a true square helps the wings match). If your paper is one-sided, decide whether you want the color on the outside; typically, place the colored side down to begin.

1) Make the main crease guides

Fold the paper in half diagonally to form a triangle, crease, and unfold. Repeat with the other diagonal. Then fold in half horizontally and vertically, creasing each time and unfolding. You should now have a grid of crease lines that meet at the center.

2) Collapse into a smaller base

Bring two opposite sides inward so the paper naturally collapses along the creases into a smaller triangle shape (often called a preliminary base). Flatten it neatly so the layers are aligned.

3) Shape the wings

With the triangle point facing down, fold the top layer’s left and right corners outward to create wing shapes. Repeat on the other side if needed, keeping folds symmetrical so the butterfly looks balanced.

4) Form the body and “pop” the wings

Pinch the center where the wings meet to create a narrow body. If you want more lift, gently curl the wing edges around a pencil or lightly bend them upward along the creases.

For extra detail, you can draw patterns, add small paper antennae, or use a tiny dot of glue to hold the body pinch in place. For a fuller walkthrough with helpful visuals and variations, visit this step-by-step butterfly folding guide.

FAQ

What kind of paper works best for folding a butterfly?

Origami paper is easiest because it’s thin and holds creases well, but any square paper works. If you’re using thicker paper, press folds firmly and keep the design simple for cleaner wings.