BASIC
PAPER
FOLDING
Editor, Samuel Randlett
Illustrator, Jean Randlett
Publisher, Jay Marshall
©Copyright 1968
by Samuel Randlett This book is an exposition of the elements of origami technique; the
methods of manipulation by which squares of paper are turned into
origami models. The great majority of existing models spring directly
from the procedures and basic folds presented here; and the treat-
ment of rectangles, triangles, and other polygons will present no pro- - -
blems if the treatment of the. square has first been understood. CONTENTS
General Instructions
Symbols
_ Procedures
Reverse Fold: inside type
_ Reverse Fold: outside type
Reverse Fold: two-in-one type
Rabbit-Ear
— Crimp
Book Fold
Squash Fold
Petal Fold
Lovers' Knot Move
Sinking a Point
Basic Folds
~ Diamond Base
Fish Base
Preliminary Fold
Bird Base
Frog Base
Waterbomb Base
Blintz Bird Base
Stretched Bird Base
Stretched Frog Base: split-flap form
Stretched Frog Base: smooth-flap form
Pentagon
‘Hexagon
Books on Origami
ee .
FHOUVaANNAMNUb
12
13
14
16
i8
19
20
22
24
25:
26
“27
28 UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT
1. Because valley folds are more common than mountain folds, the
verb "fold" in the text means ''valley-fold."
2, "Repeat behind" means "do the same thing on the back of the model. "
3. If you have trouble, ask someone to read the ‘text aloud while you
study the drawings,
TOOLS AND PAPER
Most models are made from squares, and the paper must be very precisely
squared. It is possible to produce a right angle by folding, and then to
proceed as indicated in figs. 1 through 3 above, trimming off excess paper
with a pair of scissors, .
A paper cutter is a great convenience. This device, also known as a
paper trimmer and a print trimmer, is sold by photography stores, office
supply houses, and stationery stores. The eight-inch size is adequate for
origami; it can cut a sixteen-inch square if the paper is folded. But get a
larger size if you can, Stamp tongs, used by collectors to handle postage
stamps, are handy for putting crimps in tiny flaps; the spade- shaped tongs ~
are the most helpful. Other useful tools include a small pair of scissors,
preferably with sharp points, and an X-acto knife or a razor blade to make
slits,
Paper used for origami must be thin enough and crisp enough to hold
a good crease. Ordinary brown wrapping paper of the type used to wrap
parcels in stores is the favorite of some advanced folders, because it is
both thin and tough. The foil paper used for wrapping gifts is available in
many patterns--the solid colors are perhaps the most useful--and this paper
will hold its shape when used for three-dimensional models, The bond
paper used for typing and mimeograph work can be had in various colors
from stationery stores; it is a good choice when the paper must be colored
on both sides, Origami paper, white on one side and colored on the other,
is excellent for small models. Butterfly Brand Origami Paper, manufac-
tured in England by Samuel Jones & Co. Ltd., New Bridge Street, London
E, C. 4, is especially fine; the specifications for this paper were drawn up
in consultation with Robert Harbin, England's leading origami expert, valley fold wn---- 2-5 eee ee ele
mountain fold ee
cut _—-— eel >
existing crease
previous position
(or X-ray view)
hold here oO
watch this spot X
in front —_—
behind —_— NM
tuck in; or open out; SSK
or apply force
* fold over and over O00»
turn the model over —OoO™
In "Secrets of Origami" Robert Harbin uses two additional symbols:
pushin «
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