origami sailboat envelope instructions

• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Origami.org

People Folding Paper

Origami Boat

November 1, 2023 by Origami Admin

Difficulty: Easy

Ahoy, aspiring paper crafters! Prepare to set sail on a creative journey as we delve into the delightful art of origami and embark on a nautical adventure with these instructions for making an origami boat.

Origami, a traditional Japanese art form, is a fascinating blend of simplicity and precision, where a single sheet of paper is transformed into intricate shapes through the magic of folding. In this guide, we’ll explore the joy of crafting an origami boat, a timeless symbol of exploration and adventure. Whether you’re new to origami or a seasoned paper-folding enthusiast, you’ll find this project both enjoyable and rewarding.

Origami boats are not just charming in their simplicity; they also carry a sense of wanderlust and curiosity. As you fold the paper and bring your boat to life, you’ll be reminded of the endless possibilities and journeys that await you.

These step-by-step instructions will provide you with a clear and easy-to-follow path to create your very own origami boat. Once completed, your miniature paper vessel can serve as a lovely decoration, a thoughtful gift, or a playful addition to your creative repertoire.

So, grab a square piece of paper, prepare to navigate the folds, and let’s sail away into the world of origami with the construction of a charming paper boat!

Not only does this origami boat look super cute, but it floats too! Why not have sailing races or see how much weight they can carry?

Step 1: Start with a rectangular piece of origami paper placed in portrait position. We’re using single sided paper which will result in a sail in a different colour to the hull.

Step 2: Fold the paper in half horizontally, bringing the top down to meet the bottom

Step 3: Fold the paper in half vertically, bringing the left side over to meet the right. Make sure you only crease the very top section of this fold!

Step 4: Unfold the paper

Step 5: Fold the two top coners down to meet in the centre

Step 6: Fold the top layer of paper upwards

Step 7: Turn the boat around

Step 8: Repeat step 6, folding the bottom layer of paper upwards

Step 9: Open up the inside of the boat

Step 10: As you widen the boat, ensure the ends fold underneath one another

This website has been created with the simple aim of bringing the joy and benefits of origami to more people.  We have tried to make it as user friendly as possible.  If you can’t find what you’re looking for, try searching below.

Choose Language

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Author Listing
• About File Downloads
• New Products
• Books & Downloads
• Other Media
• Miscellaneous
• Combo Packs
• Access Pass
• Conventions
• Scholarships
• Origami Connect
• Origami Café
• Special Sessions
• Folding Sundays
• Holiday Tree
• Origami by Children
• World Origami Days
• Code of Conduct
• Event Photos
• The Video Vault
• The Origami Collection
• Other Publications
• Commercial Books
• Submissions
• Ways to Connect via Video
• Shared Zoom Room for COGs
• Groups & Societies
• Lending Library
• Library Excerpts
• Research LIbrary
• Social Media
• Art Gallery
• Difficulty Ratings
• Teaching Tips
• Classroom Etiquette
• Who's Who
• News Archive
• Mission and Values
• Board Documents
• In Memoriam
• Free Diagrams
• Diagrams from The Fold
• Diagrams for Sale
• How to Zoom
• Attending a Zoom Meeting on Mac
• Attending a Zoom Meeting on iPhone/iPad
• Attending a Zoom Meeting on Android
• Attending a Zoom Meeting on Windows
• Attending a Zoom Meeting as Host
• COGs Online Scheduler - How-to
• Annual Meeting Minutes
• Financial Reports

Sailboat Envelope

Here is a clever and practical self-locking envelope that sports the well-known symbol of Lillian Oppenheimer's Origami Center of America (OCA). Michael LaFosse designed this envelope in 1998 when Jan Polish requested that he create a simple model that could be used in a folding-challenge game for the 1998 OrigamiUSA Convention. This being the 40th Anniversary of the Origami Center of America, Michael chose to include the OCA origami sailboat in his design. The 1998 OrigamiUSA Convention Game: Each participant was given an envelope that contained the diagrams for this new model. The catch: The diagram sheet had been torn into pieces! Contestants had to first scramble to put the diagram sheet back together. It was essential that the model be new and unknown, preventing the advantage to anyone who would have been familiar with the folding of an existing design!

• PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Happiness Hub Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
• Browse Articles
• Learn Something New
• Quizzes Hot
• Happiness Hub
• This Or That Game
• Train Your Brain
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow
• Log in / Sign up
• Hobbies and Crafts
• Paper Craft

How to Fold an Origami Sail Boat

Last Updated: April 25, 2024

This article was co-authored by Robert Homayoon . Robert Homayoon is an Origami Expert known for his engaging YouTube videos and accessible instructions. He has been teaching origami on YouTube since 2009. His channel has a following of over 676,000 subscribers, and his videos have garnered over 211 million views. Robert uses his channel to highlight his passion for teaching people origami, crafts, and how to solve puzzles. He graduated from SUNY Albany in 2007 and earned his D.M.D degree from Temple University Dental School in 2013. This article has been viewed 65,257 times.

Origami is fun, and can be a boredom buster. Learn how to make a sailboat with origami.

Expert Q&A

• You can also use wax paper so it can float on water, or other liquids. Normal paper will get soggy. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• Use colored paper to make it look creative. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• Don't get discouraged if you mess up the first time. Nobody is perfect! Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

• Don't get paper cuts! Thanks Helpful 13 Not Helpful 3
• Be careful while using scissors. Thanks Helpful 12 Not Helpful 4
• Handle everything with care-or have an elder help you. Thanks Helpful 11 Not Helpful 5

Things You'll Need

• 8 1/2 by 11 sheet copy paper
• Wax paper (optional)
• Scissors (for wax paper if needed)

You Might Also Like

Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about origami, check out our in-depth interview with Robert Homayoon .

About This Article

• Send fan mail to authors

Did this article help you?

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

• Butterfly Craft
• Origami Boat
• Dream Catcher
• How to Make a Paper Boat
• How to Make an Envelope
• Ladybug Craft
• How to Draw
• Your free coloring book
• Fairy Tales & Fables
• Crafts for Kids

Your Origami Adventure: Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting a Paper Boat

Step 1: Fold twice

Take a square sheet of paper and fold it once in the middle from one corner to the opposite one. You smooth out the fold and unfold the triangle into a square again. Then you take the other corner and do the same. In front of you is a sheet of paper with two lines crossing like an X.

Step 2:Fold vertically and horizontally

Now fold the paper from one edge to the other. To do this, place the square straight in front of you and fold the right side over the left, so that the edges lie directly on top of each other and a rectangle is formed. You stitch over the fold and open the rectangle again. Then take the top edge of the square and fold it down, creating a fold in the middle again. After opening, the sheet is divided into eight pieces like a cake.

Step 3: Corners inward

Take the upper left corner and fold it inward so that the tip is exactly in the middle of the square. Do the same with the lower right corner.

Step 4: Sides in

Now you need a little dexterity. You press the flat sides inward at the same time. In doing so, you push the center fold slightly upward so that the two corners automatically fold inward. Then flatten the shape. A small square lies in front of you.

You fold the left corner of the top folded layer over to the opposite side and smooth the fold. The cross-shaped lines are visible again.

You turn the square and fold it over so that a square with one closed and one open tip is formed. The closed part lies on the table with the tip down. The upper part consists of two triangles. There is a gap between the triangles.

Step 7: Sail of the paper boat

You fold the right triangle down and bend it back up so that it shortens by about a centimeter. This is the shorter sail of the paper boat. You put the sail in the pocket that has formed in the middle.

Step 8: Stand

You fold the bottom corner and in front of you is the finished paper boat. The folded corner serves as a stand. You place the boat so that the stand is on the back and can not be seen from the front.

More Crafting Ideas

More Ideas for Drawing

Origami Sailboat

Introduction: Origami Sailboat

These instructions are oddly specific. That is because they were written for a task analysis assignment for a special education class. They are very specific, but that was done on purpose.

Being careful to line up the corners, fold the paper in half diagonally to form a triangle, color side in. This is “fold A.” Remember to make solid creases in your paper! The white side of the paper should be facing out.

One the left, do the same thing, fold the short side so it line up with the center crease.

We now have a thinner pentagon!

With your right hand grab the top triangle, but only the top most layer.

Pull back the top layer till it is stopped by another fold.

Form a crease there.

Undo that fold slightly so that your new sail sticks up from the body of the boat at a right angle.

Gently curl the front of your boat upwards. The easiest way to do this is to curl it around your index finger. It will look like an elf shoe.

Set boat on table, front facing away from you

Gently blow on sail until the boat sails forward and off the desk.

• Beginner Origami Book
• Beginner Origami FAQs
• Origami Gallery
• About Origami Expressions
• Privacy Policy
• Work With Me

Traditional Origami Sailboat

Written by  Russell |  Beginner , Instructions , Models , Objects

“Better drowned than duffers if not duffers won’t drown.”

-Arthur Ransome, Author of Swallows and Amazons

An Easy Origami Sailboat

The Traditional Origami Sailboat is an elegant model that is simple to make.  This design is not 3D, so unlike the Sampan , I posted instructions for recently, it won’t float.  Some of you might recognise this model as the logo for OrigamiUSA.

Note: This post contains affiliate links.  Please see disclosure for more information.

Folding the Traditional Origami Sailboat

This is a simple origami model so it’s perfect for beginners.  Like most traditional origami, it can be folded out of just about any paper, although it looks best made from paper that is coloured differently on each side.  I have used Kami coloured on one side for the model pictured because I like the white sails against the coloured hull of the boat.

The traditional origami sailboat can be folded in less than five minutes.

Origami Sailboat Instructions

The origami sailboat is one of the models included in my new book, Origami Made Simple .  The book is designed for people that are new to origami so it includes written instructions along with the diagrams.  The 40 models in the book progress in difficulty with each chapter, starting at 10 steps or less, up to a maximum of 25 steps.

Get Origami Made Simple in the US here .

Get Origami Made Simple in the UK here .

More Origami Sailboats

Once you have mastered the traditional origami sailboat, you might like to try your hand at other similar models, like these:

• A Money Origami Sailboat that is folded out of a dollar bill.  Get the instructions here .
• A Business Card Origami Sailboat.  Get the instructions here .

Get Involved

I’d love to hear your views on this easy origami sailboat.  Feel free to let me know what you think in the comments below, or you find can me on Instagram  or  Twitter . Check out my  Pinterest  boards too!

Sign up for my origami newsletter here and get our free Origami eBook.

Disclosure:

This page contains affiliate links and I may receive some small commission for purchases made through the links on this page. This hasn’t affected my decision to recommend a product – I value my personal and professional reputation and would not endorse a product or supplier I did not believe in. There is no additional cost to you for purchasing through this page.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  Origami Expressions is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

If you enjoyed this post, here are some more to check out:

Fold an Origami Union Jack

Siesta by neal elias, folding fantasy book review and giveaway.

About the Author

Russell has been folding origami since he was 8 years old and has recently written the book, Origami Made Simple. He is on the Council for the British Origami Society and a member of OrigamiUSA. When he is not folding, he enjoys photography and traveling.

 Available now 

Free E-book:

5 easy origami models anyone can fold, origami models anyone can fold.

Session expired

Please log in again. The login page will open in a new tab. After logging in you can close it and return to this page.

Grab our free eBook!

Sign up below to get the free e-book sent directly to your inbox. We will also send you our newsletter with ideas on what to fold, reviews, origami resources and instructions.

Origami Guide

Origami Instructions – Learn How To Make Origami

How To Make An Origami Sail Boat

Page 1 of 4.

Origami Sail Boat

Level: Easy

Copyright: Traditional ?

Time Needed: Approx. 5 Minutes

Tools: None

Supplies: 1 Sheet of Square Paper

• Odnoklassniki icon Odnoklassniki
• Facebook Messenger
• LiveJournal

Learn how to make a little origami sail boat made from 1 sheet of square paper.  This easy origami boat has 2 sails & can stand up, can be used as a place card at parties!

Origami Sail Boat Instructions

Scroll down to follow the photo tutorial for the Origami Sail Boat .

Made this origami? Leave a comment & submit your photo on the last page here .

1. This is the front of the paper, our origami boat will be this colour on the lower section.

2. This is the back of the origami paper, the sails will be this colour.

3. Fold the bottom point up to the top point.

4. Unfold the previous step.

5. Fold the right point over to the left point.

6. Unfold the previous step.

7. Fold the right point over to the central point.

8. Fold the left point over to the central point.

Origami topics: Origami | Origami Instructions | How To Origami | How To Do Origami | Origami Folding | Origami Craft | Origami Tutorial | Origami Step By Step | Origami Lessons | How To Make Origami | Paper Origami | Simple Origami | Easy Origami | Origami For Kids | Origami For Children

What Origami Boats To Fold Next?

Leave A Comment

Did you fold this Origami Sail Boat? Let us know what you thought. You can also upload a photo of your result!

Origami Categories:

Sign Up For Our Free Origami Newsletter

Join our free mailing list to get an email when brand new origami tutorials have just been added. You can also expect some freebies such as printable origami paper and news updates too!

You will never get any spam from us.

Success! Check your inbox or spam folder now to confirm your subscription.

Making an Easy Origami Boat

The Spruce Crafts / Chrissy Pk

• Total Time: 10 mins

In Japanese, the word origami means "the art of folding paper," with ori meaning "folding" and kami meaning "paper." In modern usage, origami is an inclusive term for all paper folding practices. The goal when practicing origami is to transform a flat square sheet of paper into a finished sculpture through folding and sculpting techniques.

Learn how to make the most well-known origami boat using this quick and easy step-by-step tutorial. The origami boat you'll make with these instructions can also float in water .

Watch Now: How to Make an Origami Boat

This origami boat is a great model to teach to kids. It's similar to the origami hat you make with newspaper or the origami crane many of us made as children. Also, origami can be a great math-related activity for kids, allowing them to create using geometry.

What You'll Need

• 1 Rectangular sheet of paper

Instructions

Make the first folds.

Start with your rectangular paper , orienting it vertically, with the long edges going up and down. Fold the bottom half up to the top. Fold the bottom right corner to the left corner and make a small pinch, just enough to crease the paper. Open it back up.

Create a Triangle Shape

Fold the left and right bottom corners up and to the middle using the crease as a guide. Flatten the folded pieces down. Rotate the paper. Fold one layer from the bottom up along the bottom of the front flaps.

A Boat Begins to Take Shape

Flip the paper over to the other side. Fold the bottom edge up in the same way. Unfold, and then fold the bottom right corner along the crease you made. Repeat on the bottom left flap.

Form the Bottom of the Boat

Re-fold the bottom edge back up. Open the bottom of the model. Look at the corners. Flatten and then insert the overlapping flap on the left underneath the right section.

Continue Folding

Fold one layer up to the top. Repeat on the back. Open the bottom of the model.

Finalize the Folds

Pull apart the left and right flaps. Flatten your paper sculpture in the shape of a boat. Open it slightly. The triangle in the middle resembles a sail .

More from The Spruce Crafts