With this simple instructional folding guide, you can make an easy origami crab!
This paper crab is a beginner-friendly fold that can be completed in about 5 minutes
Let’s get folding!
For this tutorial, I used a red sheet of square origami paper.
If you don’t have square paper, you can always make a normal paper square.
1. Fold the paper in twice from the points
Fold the paper in half from one point to another and then unfold it.
Repeat folding the paper in half from the opposite points.
Unfold the paper again after the second fold, and you should have two diagonal creases.
2. Fold the paper in half from edge to edge
It can help with the next step to make these two folds on the opposite side of the first ones.
Fold the paper in half two more times from the edges this time.
Unfold the paper after each fold to be flat again and ready for step 3.
3. Fold the paper into a triangle
Bring the middle edges in and then fold the top triangle to meet the bottom.
If you have trouble with the creases, simply fold the paper the opposite way on the creases to make it more pliable.
What you have folded now is one of the main origami bases known as the waterbomb base.
4. Fold the upper right flap point down
Make the crease of this fold at an angle while bringing the point down.
5. Fold both flaps over to the left
Bring the flap you just folded over to the left and then the next flap as well.
6. Match this flap to the one folded underneath
Mirror the flap you folded in step 4 to evenly match the crab’s back legs.
Once you are done, fold the top flap back over to the right.
7. Fold the base edge of the triangle over evenly
Fold the long flat edge of the triangle evenly over as shown.
8. Fold the first crab claw
Using the picture as a general guide, make a diagonal crease bend the claw straight outward.
9. Fold the second claw the same way
Fold the opposite claw the same way by mirroring the fold from step 8 on the other half.
10. Shape the back point of the crab
Fold a small triangular section of the back of the crab underneath, as shown.
11. Finish by shaping the claws a bit more
Make diagonal folds on the claws to shape them a bit better.
These folds match the diagonal edge of the claws to the main flat edge.
Now you have your own little origami crab that you can decorate how you like!
If you liked this origami crab design, check out the origami angelfish or paper duck folding guide.
Happy Folding!