Start with a square sheet of paper, colored side down if applicable
Fold the paper in half diagonally to make a triangle, then unfold
Fold the paper in half diagonally the other way, then unfold
Fold the paper in half horizontally, then unfold
Fold the paper in half vertically, then unfold
Bring the top corners down toward the center to form a smaller square base
Fold the left and right edges of the top layer to the center line
Fold the top point down over the flaps
Unfold the last three folds
Lift the bottom point of the top layer and open it upward
Flatten into a long diamond shape
Turn the paper over and repeat the same folds on the other side
Fold the outer edges of the top layer to the center line on both sides
Fold the top point downward over the flaps
Unfold the last three folds
Lift the bottom point of the top layer and open it upward
Flatten into a long diamond shape
Fold the narrow bottom point of the front layer upward to make a neck
Fold the narrow bottom point of the back layer upward to make a tail
Fold one neck tip downward to make the head
Pull the wings down gently to shape the crane