How to Make a Flapping Origami Butterfly

Category: Origami Animals, Origami Toys

Difficulty: Intermediate

Make an origami flapping butterfly in minutes! Follow our easy step-by-step guide for a fun and simple paper craft for all ages.

This brilliantly designed origami flapping butterfly by Deg Farrelly is fun to play with and fortunately, easy to make. The first time I saw this, I was intrigued by its flapping motion and how it appears to gently sit on your fingertips.

I immediately began folding it and was surprised to see how something so cool can be so easy to make at the same time. I just had to create instructions for this origami butterfly and share this with you. Just follow the step-by-step guide and you’ll quickly learn to make an origami butterfly that can flap its wings.

P.S. Deg Farelly recommends folding the flapping butterfly with 8″ to 10″ paper because it flaps better. You can also split the paper in half and fold the butterfly with just a half sheet so that it’s not so thick. That means you get to have two butterflies instead of one with just one sheet of paper! Thanks for the tip, Deg!

Step 1

Start with a square sheet of origami paper. I am using an 7×7 inches origami paper.

If you only have regular paper, follow these instructions on how to make a square origami paper.

Step 2

Simply fold the bottom half to the top half, making sure the edges meet, then unfold.

Step 3

Fold the top edge to meet at the center.

Step 4

Now fold the bottom edge to meet at the center.

Step 5

Fold in the right corners so their edges meet at the center horizontal crease.

Step 6

Now fold in all left corners so their edges meet at the center horizontal crease.

Step 7

Fold down the top half.

Step 8

Fold the center of the bottom half to the top half. Crease about one inch (2.5 cm) of the center only with your fingernail. Do not crease all the way.

Step 9

Remove your finger and there should be a crease in the center only.

Step 10

Turn the figure over.

Step 11

Place a finger on top of the center of the paper.

Step 12

With your other hand, wrap the paper snugly around your finger.

Step 13

Remove your finger and use a fingernail and poke in the center of the bottom of the loop.

Step 14

With your forefinger and thumb, grab both ends of the loop holes and pinch them together.

Step 15

Pinch and release to make the butterfly flap!

How to Make a Flapping Origami Butterfly

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