Get ready to fold the apex predator of the paper ocean! The shark is one of the most fascinating creatures in the sea. Whether you are a fan of Jaws, celebrating “Shark Week,” or just have a little one obsessed with the “Baby Shark” song, this craft is sure to make a splash.
In this tutorial, we will show you how to make a cool Origami Shark. Unlike complex models that take hours, this version is easy and kid-friendly. It features the shark’s signature dorsal fin (the one that sticks out of the water!) and a powerful tail.
This is a great activity for improving fine motor skills and perfect for decorating a blue-themed bedroom or classroom.
Grab a sheet of blue or grey paper, and let’s take a bite out of this project!
🦈 Fun Facts: The King of the Ocean
While you fold, share these jaw-dropping facts:
- No Bones About It: Sharks don’t have bones like we do! Their skeletons are made of cartilage (the same flexible stuff your ears are made of). This makes them lighter and faster in the water.
- Teeth for Days: If a shark loses a tooth, a new one spins forward to replace it. A Great White Shark can go through 20,000 teeth in its lifetime!
- Sandpaper Skin: Shark skin feels smooth if you stroke it one way, but rough like sandpaper if you stroke it the other way.
What You Need
- Paper: 1 sheet of square origami paper (6×6 inches / 15×15 cm).
- Color: Blue, Grey, or Silver.
- Two-Sided: Paper that is colored on one side and white on the other is great because it gives the shark a white belly!
- Marker: Black (for eyes/gills) and Red (for the mouth).
- Scissors: (Optional) To make the tail sharper.
- White Paper Scrap: To cut out zig-zag teeth to glue on (optional but highly recommended!).
Instructions: The Origami Shark
Difficulty: Easy / Beginner
1.Start with a square piece of paper.
2.Fold and unfold.
3.Fold side corners to center, unfold.
4.Fold side corners to center from the top, unfold.
5.Fold in half horizontally to precrease only on the ends.
6.A. Pinch the right side and collapse to the center along diagonal folds.
6.B
6.C. Fold the flap up.
7.Repeat for left side to finish “fish base.”
8.Result: Fish base. Rotate 180º so flaps point down.
9.Fold top tip to meet the small flaps.
10.Fold tip of top layer to a point at original mid-line or slightly above.
11.Fold in half vertically.
[Enlarged view of tip]
12.Open the seam, insert finger to press a small crease between X & Y.
13.Repeat on other side of seam.
14.A. Open seam and fold tip down using the three creases at the base of the tip.
14.B. Result will spread the tip into a new shape
[Return to full view]
15.Unfold top layer maintaining new tip shape.
16.Fold tips to sides.
17.Refold step 9. Turn over.
18.Fold side tips in almost to center vertical, not including fin flaps.
19.Fold upper corners almost to mid-line.
20.Fold (A), both sides. Fold (B), only on left side.
21.Result.
22.[Enlarged view] Swivel-squash: (A) Fold vertical edge, bisecting angle. (B) Pull down edge (E) by loosening the part of the edge underneath the flap created in (A).
23.Result. Fold the whole model in half verti- cally, rotate clockwise 90º. [Return to full view].
24.Hold the model at the circle with one hand, gently grasp dorsal fin flap and pull it free. Tug carefully; smooth its layers into a dia- mond shape and flatten it in its new upright position. (A pointed tool, such as a bamboo skewer with its sharp tip sniffed off, may help.)
25.(A) Inside-reverse fold tail, starting at rear corner of dorsal fin (X), and inverting spine so it lands at corner (Y). (B) Fold lateral fin up. Repeat with other fin.
26.(A) Inside-reverse fold tail, starting at cor- ner (Y), inverting spine so it aligns with new corner. (B) Fold lower corner of lateral fin flap under fin (not body). Repeat with other fin.
27.(A) Lift near layer of tail and flatten (B) Fold lateral fin down. Repeat for both fins
[Enlarged view of tail]
28. Fold tail flap down across widest part.
29.Fold tail up, keeping mid-line straight.
30.Refold tail in half along mid-line.
31.Result. [Return to full view].
32.Result. Fold the whole model in half verti- cally, rotate clockwise 90º. [Return to full view]
33.Finished!
Crafty Ideas: Shark Week Fun
- Shark Attack Card: Glue your shark onto a blue card. Draw little stick figure swimmers running away!
- Mobile: Hang the shark from the ceiling using clear fishing line. It will look like it is “swimming” in the air.
- Feed the Shark: Make a few small Origami Fish (orange ones look like goldfish crackers) and place them near the shark’s mouth.
Conclusion
You did it! You’ve folded a fearsome (or friendly) shark.
This model is a fantastic introduction to origami because it results in a toy you can actually play with. Who knew a flat piece of paper could have such a big bite?
