Origami Course

Lesson 1 • Paper Types and Properties

Examines how grain, weight, and coating affect folding behaviour. Enables informed paper selection for any project.

Lesson 2 • Essential Origami Vocabulary

Introduces standard terms used in diagrams and instructions worldwide. Shared vocabulary prevents misreading and speeds learning.

Lesson 3 • Tools and Workspace Setup

Covers bone folders, cutting mats, rulers, and lighting for an efficient workspace. Proper setup reduces errors and physical strain.

Lesson 1 • Petal and Rabbit-Ear Folds

Demonstrates petal and rabbit-ear folds used in flowers and animals. Students practise collapsing multiple layers simultaneously.

Lesson 2 • Valley and Mountain Folds

Teaches the two primary fold directions with correct hand positioning. These folds appear in every subsequent model in the course.

Lesson 3 • Crease Pattern Precision

Focuses on measuring, pre-creasing, and testing crease accuracy. Precision at this stage prevents compounding errors in later chapters.

Lesson 4 • Reverse and Squash Folds

Introduces inside and outside reverse folds plus the squash fold. These techniques unlock three-dimensional shaping of flat paper.

Lesson 1 • Standard Notation Systems

Covers the internationally accepted line, arrow, and symbol conventions in diagrams. Fluency here enables self-directed learning from any published source.

Lesson 2 • Step-by-Step Diagram Reading

Practises scanning a full diagram before folding and interpreting each step in sequence. Students build a mental model of the finished piece first.

Lesson 3 • Crease Pattern Basics

Introduces crease pattern maps as an alternative to step diagrams. Students learn to identify mountain and valley lines on flat layouts.

Lesson 1 • Frog and Blintz Bases

Demonstrates the complex frog base and the simple blintz fold. Students see how base complexity scales with model detail.

Lesson 2 • Bird and Fish Bases

Builds the bird base from the preliminary base and the fish base independently. These bases introduce multi-point design logic.

Lesson 3 • Preliminary and Waterbomb Bases

Constructs the preliminary base and its inverse, the waterbomb base. Both are entry points for iconic models covered later.

Lesson 1 • Iconic Simple Models

Folds the traditional crane, lotus flower, and jumping frog as benchmark projects. These models reinforce all six bases and core fold types.

Lesson 2 • Practice and Self-Assessment

Establishes a structured repetition routine and personal quality checklist. Consistent self-review accelerates skill development between sessions.

Lesson 3 • Geometric and Modular Basics

Introduces single-sheet geometric forms and simple two-unit modular assembly. Students experience how repetition creates structural strength.

Lesson 1 • Kusudama and Floral Modules

Constructs kusudama flower units and assembles them into decorative balls. Students practise consistent unit sizing for uniform final shapes.

Lesson 2 • Principles of Modular Design

Explains how identical units interlock to form stable three-dimensional structures. Students understand load distribution and unit count planning.

Lesson 3 • Large-Scale Modular Projects

Plans and executes a 90-unit or larger modular project over multiple sessions. Students develop project management habits for complex builds.

Lesson 4 • Sonobe Unit and Variations

Teaches the classic Sonobe unit and three common variations. Mastery of one unit type enables assembly of dozens of different models.

Lesson 1 • Advanced Insect Models

Folds a detailed beetle and dragonfly requiring 40-plus steps each. Students practise managing thin paper and multiple simultaneous layers.

Lesson 2 • Managing Complexity and Layers

Addresses strategies for folding through many layers without tearing. Students learn thinning, pre-creasing, and paper choice for dense models.

Lesson 3 • Wildlife and Marine Models

Folds a lion, eagle, and dolphin using wet-folding and curved shaping. Students combine dry and wet techniques within a single model.

Lesson 1 • Iterative Prototyping

Establishes a fold-test-revise cycle for refining original designs. Students document each iteration to track design evolution systematically.

Lesson 2 • Sharing and Receiving Feedback

Guides students in presenting original work to peers and incorporating critique. Constructive feedback loops accelerate design refinement.

Lesson 3 • Diagramming Your Own Models

Covers how to create clear step-by-step diagrams for original models. Students produce a publishable diagram set for their original design.

Lesson 4 • Crease Pattern Drafting

Teaches manual and software-assisted crease pattern creation. Students translate a design sketch into a foldable crease pattern.