Fold calm into your day with this beautiful origami koi fish using our step-by-step breakdown and full video tutorial, perfect for kids, beginners, or anyone needing a peaceful pause.
Hello there,
You’ve probably seen those viral videos where koi fish swim through Japanese street drains. So calm, so beautiful. I could watch them swim in aquariums for hours.
But did you know koi fish can be really expensive? In Japan, they even call them “swimming jewels.” They’re more than just pretty fish. They stand for strength, peace, and not giving up.
And yeah, sometimes we need a bit of that in our day.
So today, let’s fold a little koi fish with paper. It’s gentle, peaceful, and something you can do with your hands when your mind feels a bit too full.
We made the steps simple enough so even beginners can try. This is perfect for:
– Therapists guiding clients
– Teachers doing quiet activities with students
– Parents helping kids slow down
– Or just you, taking a moment to breathe
There’s also a printable version of the steps, made like a mini book. You can use it without a screen or give it to someone who needs it.
You only need a square sheet of paper and 10 calm minutes. Let’s start folding.
How to Make an Origami Koi Fish
Things You’ll Need
Materials
- Origami paper or lightweight colored craft papers.
- Pencil
Tools
- Ruler
- A pair of scissors
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Step by Step Instructions to Make Origami Koi Fish
Start by watching the full video once. It’ll give you a clear picture. Then follow the steps at your own pace. Whether you’re brand new or just need a quick refresher, this will make your lotus flower bloom beautifully!
Step 1: Preparing the Paper
Select 2 different shades of colored craft paper and join them together. Use lightweight paper and use a flat paint brush to apply glue on the surface of any one paper to join it with the other one. Or, simply use a glue stick. You can also get colored craft paper that has 2 shades on 2 sides. Prepare a 4″ x 6″ sheet.
Step 2: Middle Crease and Side Folds
Fold the paper in half along the longer side (6″) and unfold. Now, fold both sides of the crease and align them along the middle crease.
Step 3: Fold in the Right Corner and Unfold
Unfold the left and right side folds. Hold the top right corner of the current paper and fold it in. Align the top side (4″) with its adjacent left side. Unfold again.
Step 4: Fold in the Left Corner and Top Side
Similarly, fold in the left corner to align the top side with its adjacent right side. Unfold again. Fold in the top side and join it to the intersected point of the diagonal creases.
Step 5: Fold the Sides Again
Unfold the top side. Fold the left and right sides again.
Step 6: Open the Top Side Slightly
Firmly hold the current pattern and carefully open the top side of it. Make valley folds along the diagonal crease and slowly flatten that side with the base pattern.
Step 7: Turn the Pattern and Fold the Right Wing
Turn the current pattern to the other side. Fold in the right wing and join the top-inner corner to the middle crease.
Step 8: Form the Side Fins
Fold out the right wing along its inner corner and outer bottom corner. Similarly, fold the left side of the current pattern to form the left fin of our origami koi fish.
Step 9: Turn the Pattern and Fold it in Half
Turn the current pattern to the other side. Fold the base rectangle part in half.
Step 10: Unfold and Make Diagonal Crease
Unfold the last half fold. Make a diagonal crease on the right side of the base (from its inner left corner to the right bottom corner of the half crease).
Step 11: Form the Left Crease and Fold Along the Creases
Similarly, form the left crease and then fold the pattern along the creases. Make mountain folds on the top side of the pattern, along the diagonal left and right creases.
Step 12: Flatten the Pattern Along the Diagonal Creases
Make sure that the fold is neatly done along the diagonal creases. Then, slowly flatten the base part of the current pattern along the fold.
Step 13: Fold in the Bottom Side and Make 2 Unfolds
Hold the bottom-closed side of the base’s outer side and fold it in. Align it along the inner edge of the diagonal part on the other side. Unfold the last fold and carefully open the top fold of the current pattern’s base.
Step 14: Forming the Tail Fin of the Origami Koi
Hold the diagonally folded sides of the origami pattern (adjacent to the head) and join the diagonal edges together. Flatten the base part between the diagonal parts. We will use the open side of the base to form the tail fin of the origami koi.
Step 15: Form and Fold Out the Tail Fin
Keeping the folds of the inner part of the base intact, fold out the top layers of the tail fin. Make diagonal folds along the inner edges.
Step 16: Make a Fold in the Middle of the Fin
Make a small fold along the middle part of the tail fin and unfold again. Fold it inwards along the creases. The tail fin is complete.
Step 17: Make Small Folds Around the Head
Turn the origami pattern to the other side and fold in the corners to give the front part of the head a round shape.
Beginner Tips for Making an Origami Koi Fish
Folding a koi fish can feel a little tricky at first, but don’t worry! With a little patience and these helpful tips, you’ll be swimming along just fine:
Choose the Right Paper Combo
To make your koi fish pop with color, we recommend using two different-colored thin origami papers. Stick them together with a glue stick or double-sided tape before starting. Just make sure they’re aligned neatly and completely dry before folding!
Use the Correct Paper Size
This tutorial is designed for a 4″ x 6″ rectangular sheet. If you’re used to working with square papers, take a moment to measure and trim your paper to the correct size before you start folding.
Practice Difficult Folds First
Some folds in this craft may be new or challenging. Before you work on your final koi fish, try practicing the tricky folds on scrap paper. It’ll help you get the angles just right without pressure!
Work on a Clean, Flat Surface
A smooth and clutter-free surface makes it easier to line up edges and crease your folds sharply. You’ll get cleaner results and avoid accidental crumples or shifting.
Use a Folding Tool
A bone folder, ruler edge, or even the back of a spoon can help you press down folds for crisp, sharp creases, especially important for those detailed koi fish fins!
Take Breaks if You Need To
This project has a few detailed folds, so don’t rush. If something feels confusing, pause and refer to the video tutorial, it’s there to guide you step-by-step!
We hope you had a fin-tastic time crafting this lovely origami koi fish with us! Whether you’re folding it as a decoration, a handmade gift, or just for fun, we’re so happy you joined in.
If you recreate this koi fish, we’d absolutely love to see it! 🧡 Share your version with us by tagging @thecraftaholicwitch and use the hashtag #thecraftaholicwitch on Instagram or Facebook.
Happy folding, and we’ll see you in the next crafty adventure! 🎨💫
