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    Home ยป Crafts ยป Kids Crafts

    How To Make an Origami Boat

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    how to make an origami boat

    Sail the art of origami with our captivating paper boat. Unfold creativity, craft wonders, and set sail on a paper adventure today!

    boat origami

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    Is your favorite childhood memory sailing a boat in your backyard pool? Or is it playing with a paper boat in the bathtub? Either way, you've likely had some experience with origami boats. Good old days, right?

    Luckily, the time when you can relive these memories is here! Make an origami boat with your little one and have a joyous boat ride without getting wet. You'll need some colorful origami paper and a special folding technique. It's going to be so much fun.

    origami boat instructions

    Is an Origami Craft Too Much for Young Kids?

    Not at all! Having young children make origami boats is a great way to introduce them to the art of origami. With some guidance, even the smallest fingers can put together a beautiful boat that will impress everybody. Furthermore, it's a delightful experience for both children and adults alike.

    Moreover, folding a rectangular piece of paper into different shapes is an excellent way to practice patience and attention to detail in preschoolers. It'll increase their concentration levels and fine motor skills.

    best origami boat paper

    What Is the Best Origami Paper for Making a Boat?

    Usually, origami boats spend their lives as bath toys, so it's best to choose waterproof origami paper that won't smudge easily. A thin foil paper works best, as it gives the boat a shiny finish and adds extra durability. Moreover, it enhances the overall appearance of the boat.

    Can't find it? No worries. Use construction paper. Even an ordinary plain white paper would do.

    When I declutter my desk, I give my kids colorful Post-it notes and extra newspapers. It reduces paper waste and eliminates the worries about getting it wrong.

    Rember if you are using it in water, air drying the boat at the side of a bath or dry place is best so there isn't growth of bacteria and there is multiple use.

    Don't miss our other boat crafts including the Paper Plate Boat, Juice Box Boat, Pirate Ship Craft, and How to Draw a Sailboat.

    kids origami boat

    Tips and Tricks for Making an Origami Boat

    Most origami boat templates are not too complicated; in fact, they are relatively straightforward. You and your kids will soon get them right. Still, here are some helpful tips to make your project even easier:

    • To begin, start with a flat square sheet of paper, as it simplifies the process of folding and makes it easier for kids to understand what they are doing.
    • Use the reverse fold technique when folding the edges of the boat. It will give it a crisp and neat look.
    • To make the boat sturdier, use a few dots of glue when you're done.
    how to make a origami boat

    Ideas to Decorate the Origami Boat

    Where's the fun in a solid-colored boat when you can liven it up with bright colors? Here are some ideas for decorative objects for your boat:

    • Use colorful paper and stickers for endless fun
    • Create tiny flags and sails from paper or fabric to make a boat look like a real one
    • Draw a beautiful scene on the boat to make it artsier
    uses for paper boat origami

    What Else Can I Do with an Origami Boat?

    The first thing that comes to our minds when we think of a boat is sailing. But you can do so much more with these paper creations!

    • Attach strings to hang them as a whimsical mobile
    • Display a tiny origami boat in a terrarium
    • Use them as gift tags for special occasions
    • Make them into keychains to remember the fun you had

    Check Out These Other Origami Crafts!

    Origami Butterflies

    Hugs and Kisses Origami

    Origami Car

    Bunny Origami

    How to Fold a Paper Football

    origami boats by kids

    Origami Boat Craft Is an Exciting and Creative Activity for All Ages

    Not only is origami art suitable for adults, but it's also perfect for children! Engaging in making an origami boat with your little ones, moreover, is a wonderful way to spend quality time together. And, rest assured, it's not hard at all! With the right techniques, you can easily master it. Additionally, I've attached the step-by-step guide for you all below. I hope it helps.

    origami boat supplies

    Boat Origami Supplies

    • A sheet of craft paper - origami paper
    • Glue (optional).
    • Scissors (optional).
    • Colorful craft paper and or card stock paper (for the flag).

    How To Make an Origami Boat

    step 1 origami boat

    Step 1: Start with a rectangular sheet of craft paper. If the paper has a colored side, make sure it is facing down.

    step 2 origami boat

    Step 2: Fold the paper in half horizontally to create a crease in the center of the paper.

    step 3 how to make a paper boat

    Step 3: Fold the paper in half vertically to create another crease in the center.

    Origami Boat Triangle

    step 4 paper boat

    Step 4: Bring the right edge of the paper towards the center crease line, folding it diagonally to create a triangle shape. Crease the fold well.

    step 5 paper boats

    Step 5: Repeat the previous step for the other edge of the paper, folding it diagonally to create another triangle shape. Crease the fold well.

    Bottom of Boat

    step 6 How to make paper boat

    Step 6: Fold the bottom edge of the paper up. Fold up to the bottom of the diagonal creases you made in the last two steps.

    step 8 how to make paper boats

    Step 7: Flip it over.

    step 8 how to make a paper voat

    Step 8: Repeat the step. Fold the bottom edge.

    step 9 boat origami

    Step 9: Open the gap of the folded triangular-shaped origami pieces.

    step 10 how to fold a paper boat

    Step 10: Bring the top corners of the paper down.

    Bring it toward the center of the paper.

    Fold them along the diagonal creases on two sides.

    step 11 paper boat instructions

    Step 11: This will create a diamond shape.

    step 12 how to make an origami boat

    Step 12: Fold the top layer of the bottom point of the paper up. This should be folded along the top edge of the paper to create a triangle shape.

    step 13 paper boat origami

    Step 13: Flip it over.

    step 14 how to fold a boat from from paper

    Step 14: Repeat the process. It will create a triangle shape.

    step 15 oragami boat

    Step 15: Similar to step 9 open the gap in the middle.

    step 16 how to make a boat out of paper

    Step 16: Fold it along the two creases. Fold on to sides to create a diamond shape.

    step 17 make a paper boat

    Step 17: Gently pull the two sides of the boat apart to create a small opening.

    step 18 make boat from paper

    Step 18: Pinch the bottom corners of the boat. Then pull them down slightly to make the boat more stable.

    step 19 make boat with paper

    Step 19: To make the flags cut out triangular colorful craft paper and a thin strip from cardstock paper.

    make a boat from paper

    Your origami boat is now complete! You can now use it as a decoration or float it in water.

    We highlighted these Origami Crafts along with some other fun kid's crafts in our June Crafts along with our 101+ Easy Kids Crafts.

    You also do not want to miss our 101+ Coloring Pages For Kids and 101+ Printables full of Crafts and Coloring Pages.

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    origami boat
    Print

    Origami Boat

    Sail the art of origami with our captivating paper boat. Unfold creativity, craft wonders, and set sail on a paper adventure today!
    Course Kids Crafts
    Cook Time 15 minutes minutes
    Total Time 15 minutes minutes
    Servings 1 boat origami
    Author Alli Ward

    Equipment

    • Scissors (optional)
    • Glue (optional)

    Ingredients

    • Origami paper
    • Card Stock Paper for the flag

    Instructions

    • Step 1: Start with a rectangular sheet of craft paper. If the paper has a colored side, make sure it is facing down.
      step 1 origami boat
    • Step 2: Fold the paper in half horizontally to create a crease in the center of the paper.
      step 2 origami boat
    • Step 3: Fold the paper in half vertically to create another crease in the center.
      step 3 how to make a paper boat
    • Step 4: Bring the right edge of the paper towards the center crease line, folding it diagonally to create a triangle shape. Crease the fold well.
      step 4 paper boat
    • Step 5: Repeat the previous step for the other edge of the paper, folding it diagonally to create another triangle shape. Crease the fold well.
      step 5 paper boats
    • Step 6: Fold the bottom edge of the paper up to the bottom of the diagonal creases you made in in the last two steps.
      step 6 How to make paper boat
    • Step 7: Flip it over.
      step 8 how to make paper boats
    • Step 8: Repeat the step and fold the bottom edge.
      step 8 how to make a paper voat
    • Step 9: Open the gap of the folded triangular-shaped origami pieces.
      step 9 boat origami
    • Step 10: Bring the top corners of the paper down towards the center of the paper, folding them along the diagonal creases on two sides.
      step 10 how to fold a paper boat
    • Step 11: This will create a diamond shape.
      step 11 paper boat instructions
    • Step 12: Fold the top layer of the bottom point of the paper up along the top edge of the paper to create a triangle shape.
      step 12 how to make an origami boat
    • Step 13: Flip it over.
      step 13 paper boat origami
    • Step 14: Repeat the process. It will create a triangle shape.
      step 14 how to fold a boat from from paper
    • Step 15: Similar to step 9 open the gap in the middle.
      step 15 oragami boat
    • Step 16: Fold it along the two creases on to sides to create a diamond shape.
      step 16 how to make a boat out of paper
    • Step 17: Gently pull the two sides of the boat apart to create a small opening.
      step 17 make a paper boat
    • Step 18: Pinch the bottom corners of the boat and pull them down slightly to make the boat more stable.
      step 18 make boat from paper
    • Step 19: To make the flags cut out triangular colorful craft paper and a thin strip from cardstock paper.
      step 19 make boat with paper
    • Your origami boat is now complete! You can now use it as a decoration or float it in water.
      make a boat from paper

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    paper boat origami

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    About Alli

    Discover a world of creativity and joy with Alli Ward, the creative mind behind Made with Happy. From DIY crafts to delicious recipes, Alli brings happiness to every project!

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    Hi, I'm Alli Ward, the Maker behind Made with Happy. I'm a color-obsessed creative mom of two sharing easy crafts, printables, and home DIY projects that the whole family will love! 

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