Dragon Folding Origami Instructions

From LoveToKnow Origami

If you're looking for dragon folding origami instructions, start with the Internet. With just a few clicks, you'll find a number of models, step-by-step diagrams, and video tutorials to help you create your very own paper dragon.

Starting Out

There are hundreds of origami models to choose from, ranging from the simple to the complex. For beginners, a dragon may be a bit ambitious. Most dragon models are intended for intermediate to expert folders. However, with clear instructions, you can certainly make an attempt. Start with a simple model, such as the "cartoon dragon" (PDF) from Origami.com, which only has 14 steps.

Origami.com's database has a total of 11 dragons to try. Their names alone suggest how varied the origami dragon can be:

  • Candy wrapper dragon
  • Cartoon dragon
  • Compact dragon
  • Dragon (traditional)
  • Dragon (flying)
  • Dragon (in the water)
  • Dragon (with three heads)
  • Eastern dragon
  • Fantail dragon
  • Flapping dragon
  • Snake dragon

To look at these models, it's a wonder that they are constructed merely out of folded paper -- without aid of scissors or adhesive. Yet such is the art of origami.

Dragon Folding Origami Instructions and Diagrams

Another important aspect of origami art is that models be reproducible. Each step should be capable of being repeated, diagramed, and tested. In the case of origami dragons, you're looking at models that make use of various folds, including rabbit ears, crimps, and sinks. Typical models will have 50 steps or more and each step must be clear to follow.

Bases

In addition to basic folds, you'll also want to be confident in creating bases. In origami, most models work from a standard base. From this one base, several models can be folded. For the dragon, most begin with the flower base, which converts into the bird base -- the same that's used for the crane, bluebird, starbox, and several flowers.

Typical instructions may read:

  1. Start with the origami bird base.
  2. Fold the opposite sides to the center (line). Crease.

And so on...

Attempting a Dragon

Once you've practiced and mastered basic origami folds and bases, you may just be ready to try a simple dragon. Folding origami instructions will help guide you, but it's always helpful to have a diagram or video to assist as well. Seeing someone else do a step first is oftentimes all that it takes for you too, to do the same.

Did You Know

Simple origami dragons actually resemble traditional cranes. The differences lie with the head, tail, wings, and feet, but the overall structure is similar. If you can fold a crane, you can attempt a dragon. With practice, you may be ready for a complex model in no time.

Where to Go: Instructions

What's essential for any origami is a set of quality instructions. Unless you're a master, you will need assistance in folding your models. Certainly, a time may come when you're able to fold a model by heart, but at the beginning, you will always rely on step-by-steps.

These days, with online videos available with a click of the mouse, you have the benefit of working from written instructions, diagrams, and video tutorials – one, two, or all three. For dragon origami, consider the following resources:

Written:

  • Kong dragon: A 30-step dragon with instructions provided first, followed by the diagram.
  • Origami-Instructions.com: Very similar to the crane. This dragon takes only 11 steps to make after the initial bird base is folded.
  • Instructables.com: Tutorial that takes you through each part of the dragon: base, body, head and tail, wings and legs, and final folds.
  • OrigamiDragon: This dragon provides instructions and photos explaining how to fold a relatively “simple” dragon.

Diagrams:

  • Simple dragon: Big-winged dragon made in 15 steps.
  • Origami.com: Hundreds of origami diagrams are at Origami.com, including 11 dragon models. Browse the gallery or search for "dragon" in the database.

Videos:

  • One-horned dragon: A nice video tutorial in five parts. Revised with fuchsia paper to make each step/fold easier to follow. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
  • Eastern dragon: Joseph Wu's complex dragon design is in four parts, featuring a long, elegant tail. (1, 2, 3, 4)
  • eHow: Get a tutorial for the bird base (for a dragon) at eHow. Includes links for subsequent dragon folding origami instructions.

Extreme Dragons

Seeing your origami dragon in finished form is well worth the practice and repetition. When you move from intermediate to upper-intermediate, you'll likely want to keep going until you can tackle complex models. For inspiration, take a look at some extreme dragons. These dragons, like master Satoshi Kamiya's Divine Dragon, are true marvels. To think, that these are made entirely from folded paper. No scissors or adhesive required.

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