Start with a square sheet of paper, colored side up if applicable
Fold the paper in half diagonally both ways, then unfold
Fold the paper in half horizontally and vertically, then unfold
Bring the top corners together and collapse the paper into a smaller square base
Position the open end of the square base facing downward
Fold the left and right edges of the top layer to the center line
Fold the top point down over the two flaps
Unfold the last three folds
Lift the bottom point of the top layer upward while folding the side edges inward to form a long diamond shape
Repeat the same folds on the back side
Fold the left and right edges of the top layer to the center line on both sides
Fold the top point down over the flaps on both sides
Unfold the last three folds on both sides
Lift the bottom point of each side upward while folding inward to form two long diamond shapes
Fold one of the long diamond shapes in half upward to make a head or tail
Repeat on the other side to make the neck or tail
Fold the tip of one end down to form the crane’s head
Pull the wings down gently
Shape the neck, tail, and wings as desired