origami sailboat box

How to Make a Cute Origami Sail Boat!

The Spruce / Chrissy Pk

Completed Origami Sail Boat

This is a very simple traditional origami model, the origami sailboat makes a sweet little decoration perfect as decor at a kids party because they stand up, make great table place cards or, folded flat, use as a card embellishment.

You could also attach a long thread and use as a garland, hanging display or baby mobile. There are so many possibilities with this easy to remember the origami model.

This project requires just one piece of square paper. It works best with origami paper that has a design or color that is different on each side.

You can use slightly thicker paper, such as the craft paper used in the tutorial, which has a blue-and-white side and is six inches.

If you're new to origami this is the perfect model to start with and would be great as an origami project for kids. You could also put these little boats in envelopes as a cute card.

Folding the Paper Square to Make a Triangle

Have your paper boat-side up. If you want your sails to be white, have the color-side facing up.

Now fold the paper diagonally. Bring the bottom corner of the paper up to the top and unfold. Next, fold the right corner over to the left and unfold.

Refolding the Paper to Make a Rectangle.

Turn the paper over to the other side, and rotate it as shown.

Fold the paper in half, right to left, and unfold.

Fold the paper from bottom to top, and unfold.

Creating the Sails

Making sure the paper is still white-side up, fold the top and bottom corners to the central crease.

Bring the left and right corners inward together to the top, and then collapse the model as shown.

Insert Paper Corners Into Each Other

Fold the left sail down to the bottom, and then fold it back up. Leave about a centimeter overlap behind as shown.

Tuck the overlap into the pocket of the boat by gently opening it.

Create the Bottom of the Sailboat

Turn the boat over, and fold the bottom corner up to the center. This will be the stand.

Turn the model back over to the other side, and you're finished.

If you want the boat to be flat, you could use a little bit of glue or double-sided tape to stick it down.

Remember that origami takes practice, so take your time and fold as precisely as possible, and you will get a better result.

If you're more advanced with origami, you could also unfold the whole thing and reverse squash fold the bottom stand so it would have an internal pocket. If you're interested in more origami boats, try the traditional one .

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How to Fold an Origami Sail Boat

Last Updated: April 25, 2024

This article was co-authored by Robert Homayoon . Robert Homayoon is an Origami Expert known for his engaging YouTube videos and accessible instructions. He has been teaching origami on YouTube since 2009. His channel has a following of over 676,000 subscribers, and his videos have garnered over 211 million views. Robert uses his channel to highlight his passion for teaching people origami, crafts, and how to solve puzzles. He graduated from SUNY Albany in 2007 and earned his D.M.D degree from Temple University Dental School in 2013. This article has been viewed 64,993 times.

Origami is fun, and can be a boredom buster. Learn how to make a sailboat with origami.

Expert Q&A

• You can also use wax paper so it can float on water, or other liquids. Normal paper will get soggy. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• Use colored paper to make it look creative. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• Don't get discouraged if you mess up the first time. Nobody is perfect! Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

• Don't get paper cuts! Thanks Helpful 12 Not Helpful 3
• Be careful while using scissors. Thanks Helpful 11 Not Helpful 4
• Handle everything with care-or have an elder help you. Thanks Helpful 10 Not Helpful 5

Things You'll Need

• 8 1/2 by 11 sheet copy paper
• Wax paper (optional)
• Scissors (for wax paper if needed)

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Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about origami, check out our in-depth interview with Robert Homayoon .

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Origami.org

People Folding Paper

Origami Boat

November 1, 2023 by Origami Admin

Difficulty: Easy

Ahoy, aspiring paper crafters! Prepare to set sail on a creative journey as we delve into the delightful art of origami and embark on a nautical adventure with these instructions for making an origami boat.

Origami, a traditional Japanese art form, is a fascinating blend of simplicity and precision, where a single sheet of paper is transformed into intricate shapes through the magic of folding. In this guide, we’ll explore the joy of crafting an origami boat, a timeless symbol of exploration and adventure. Whether you’re new to origami or a seasoned paper-folding enthusiast, you’ll find this project both enjoyable and rewarding.

Origami boats are not just charming in their simplicity; they also carry a sense of wanderlust and curiosity. As you fold the paper and bring your boat to life, you’ll be reminded of the endless possibilities and journeys that await you.

These step-by-step instructions will provide you with a clear and easy-to-follow path to create your very own origami boat. Once completed, your miniature paper vessel can serve as a lovely decoration, a thoughtful gift, or a playful addition to your creative repertoire.

So, grab a square piece of paper, prepare to navigate the folds, and let’s sail away into the world of origami with the construction of a charming paper boat!

Not only does this origami boat look super cute, but it floats too! Why not have sailing races or see how much weight they can carry?

Step 1: Start with a rectangular piece of origami paper placed in portrait position. We’re using single sided paper which will result in a sail in a different colour to the hull.

Step 2: Fold the paper in half horizontally, bringing the top down to meet the bottom

Step 3: Fold the paper in half vertically, bringing the left side over to meet the right. Make sure you only crease the very top section of this fold!

Step 4: Unfold the paper

Step 5: Fold the two top coners down to meet in the centre

Step 6: Fold the top layer of paper upwards

Step 7: Turn the boat around

Step 8: Repeat step 6, folding the bottom layer of paper upwards

Step 9: Open up the inside of the boat

Step 10: As you widen the boat, ensure the ends fold underneath one another

This website has been created with the simple aim of bringing the joy and benefits of origami to more people.  We have tried to make it as user friendly as possible.  If you can’t find what you’re looking for, try searching below.

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