Animals · Step-by-step guide
Long-Legged Paper Crane
Give a folded crane a playful pair of long legs and angled feet.
What you’ll need
- One 7.5 × 7.5 cm paper square
- Scissors
- Tweezers, optional
Paper craft · Folding and assembly

Make it, step by step.
12 steps · Original diagrams with English instructions
Read each picture from left to right, then top to bottom.
Finished model
Open image at full size ↗Use this finished example to compare the shape and proportions of your model.
Fold a square base
Open image at full size ↗Crease both diagonals and both midlines. Bring the two sides inward and flatten into a layered square.
Prepare the bird base
Open image at full size ↗Fold the two lower front edges to the center, then fold the top triangle down.
Open those folds and lift the bottom front point upward.
Narrow the bird base
Open image at full size ↗Bring the sides inward along the creases and flatten the lifted flap. Repeat on the back.
Fold the lower edges toward the center on both faces to make narrow points.
Arrange the layers
Open image at full size ↗Fold the upper section downward and then return it upward to mark the crease.
Turn the layers sideways like pages and raise the indicated front flap.
Separate the legs and form the head
Open image at full size ↗Cut along the dotted line through the lower point, stopping where the guide ends to leave the body joined.
Turn the layers, fold one narrow upper point outward to the right, and reverse its tip to form the crane’s head.
Bend the legs
Open image at full size ↗Fold one lower strip upward along the guide, then fold it down to make an angled leg.
Turn the end upward a little to form the foot. Repeat on the other side, adjusting the angles to give the crane its walking pose.
Spread the wings
Open image at full size ↗Pull the wings gently outward on both sides and adjust the neck and legs.
Finished model
Open image at full size ↗Use this finished example to compare the shape and proportions of your model.
Finished model
Open image at full size ↗Use this finished example to compare the shape and proportions of your model.
Follow the diagrams alongside the step-by-step English instructions.
Choose your next project →