Start with a square sheet of paper, colored side up if applicable
Fold the paper diagonally in half both ways, then unfold
Fold the paper in half horizontally, then vertically, then unfold
Collapse the paper into a square base
Position the open end at the bottom
Fold the top layer’s left and right edges to the center line
Fold the top point down over the two flaps
Unfold the last three folds
Lift the bottom point upward while folding the side edges inward to form a long diamond
Repeat on the other side
Fold the left and right edges of the top layer to the center line
Fold the top point down
Unfold the last three folds
Lift the bottom point upward while folding the side edges inward to form a long diamond
Repeat on the other side
Fold the outer bottom edges of each side inward to make the neck and tail
Fold one narrow end upward to make the head
Fold the wings downward
Gently pull the neck and tail apart to shape the crane