
Traditional Origami Boat
Learn how to fold probably the most famous and well known origami boat. This traditional origami sail boat actually floats so makes a great origami model to teach kids.
You can make these origami boats out of newspaper and other rectangular sized paper. You will probably notice it looks like a hat near the end. This traditional origami boat is actually just a few steps more that the origami hat model (tutorial here).
You will need rectangular paper for this origami boat. Either A4, US letter paper or trim from a square.
Traditional Origami Boat Instructions
Scroll down to follow the photo tutorial for the Traditional Origami Boat.
Made this origami? Leave a comment & submit your photo on the last page here.
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Step 1: This is the front of our paper, the inner triangle of the boat will be this colour.
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Step 2: This is the back of the paper, the lower rim of the boat will end up this colour.
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Step 3: Fold the top edge down to the bottom edge.
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Step 4: Next bring the right corner over to the left and make a small crease.
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Step 5: Unfold the previous step.
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Step 6: Bring the top left and top right corners down using the crease as a starting point.
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Step 7: Flatten the paper so that you have this, both flaps aligned nicely.
I have made a very swaggy boat.
Love this! The first boat I’ve made looks pretty good already. Step 14 was a bit confusing but step 15 on the next page cleared it up. What does it mean to “round out” the hole on the bottom of the boat? I’d like to see if she’s seaworthy lol
Hi Olivia, Sorry if that was a bit vague. Round out the hole = there’s a triangular pocket on the underside. If you pull apart the sides of the boat, it will open. If you round the edges of the pocket so that the triangular opening stays open, it will have an easier time floating. I hope that made sense 🙂
thanks this helped a lot, just widen it a lot and it will float well
Does not work very well I’m a master at origami.
I made it – it’s so cool! I don’t want to ruin it, but I’m going right now to put it in the bathtub.
I love your website and all the things you guys do!
Best website in the world!!!!!!
Umm according to my calculations that is way to many exclamation points 🤓☝
Hello! Im currently very hyper-focused/hyperfixated on origami for a few days and this site has been very useful! But I was wondering how to make the sail/tip thing bigger?
very good