Origami Folding Techniques

Origami Techniques

Valley Fold
- The most basic fold, creating a crease that forms a "V" shape.
- Used as the foundation for many origami models.
Mountain Fold
- Opposite of a valley fold, creating a peak or "mountain" shape.
- Often used in conjunction with valley folds.
Reverse Fold
- A fold that alters the direction of a previous fold.
- Essential for shaping and adjusting forms.
Squash Fold
- A fold that involves opening a flap and pressing it down flat.
- Creates a wider, flatter shape.
Petal Fold
- A technique that creates a petal-like shape.
- Involves lifting a flap and folding it back to create curves.
Sink Fold
- A fold that involves tucking a section of paper inside itself.
- Used for creating hidden sections and complex designs.
Crimp Fold
- A fold that consists of alternating mountain and valley folds.
- Used to create textures or decorative elements.
Box Pleat
- A series of alternating valley and mountain folds that form a pleated effect.
- Commonly used in more complex designs, such as boxes and animals.
Blintz Fold
- Involves folding the corners of the paper to the center.
- Often used in the initial steps of many models.
Roll Fold
- A technique where paper is rolled to create cylindrical shapes.
- Useful for scenarios requiring rounded forms.
Tessellations
- A process of repeating folded patterns to create intricate designs.
- Requires precision and understanding of geometry.
Wet Folding
- A technique that involves dampening the paper before folding.
- Allows for smoother curves and more organic shapes.
3D Folding
- Involves creating models that have depth, rather than being flat.
- Includes techniques like modular origami, where multiple pieces are combined.

Additional Notes

Tools and Materials
- Standard origami paper is thin, lightweight, and comes in various colors and patterns.
- Scissors, bone folders, and tweezers may be used for precision.
Practice
- Start with simple models to build confidence in techniques before progressing to complex designs.
- Understanding basic folds is crucial for mastering more complicated origami.

Origami Techniques

Valley Fold
- Forms a "V" shape, serving as the fundamental fold used in numerous origami models.
Mountain Fold
- Creates a peak, opposite to the valley fold; often combined with valley folds for complex shapes.
Reverse Fold
- Alters the direction of an existing fold; crucial for shaping and adjusting forms in designs.
Squash Fold
- Opens a flap then presses it down flat, resulting in a wider and flatter shape for models.
Petal Fold
- Produces a petal-like shape by lifting a flap and folding it back, enhancing curves in designs.
Sink Fold
- Tucks a section of paper inside itself, allowing for hidden elements and intricate designs.
Crimp Fold
- Alternating mountain and valley folds create textured or decorative effects, adding detail.
Box Pleat
- Involves a sequence of valley and mountain folds that create a pleated effect, commonly used in more intricate designs like boxes and animals.
Blintz Fold
- Corners of paper are folded into the center, often employed in the initial steps of various models.
Roll Fold
- Rolls the paper to form cylindrical shapes, suitable for designs requiring rounded components.
Tessellations
- A method of repeating folded patterns to craft detailed designs, necessitating precision and geometry knowledge.
Wet Folding
- Dampening the paper aids in achieving smoother curves and more natural shapes during folding.
3D Folding
- Focuses on creating three-dimensional models, including modular origami that combines multiple pieces for depth.

Additional Notes

Tools and Materials
- Standard origami paper is thin, lightweight, and available in diverse colors and patterns; precision tools like scissors, bone folders, and tweezers enhance accuracy.
Practice
- Begin with simple models to build familiarity with techniques; foundational folds are essential for tackling more complex origami patterns.