How to Fold an Origami Peacock

Co-authored by Coco Sato and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: December 18, 2024 References

The peacock is a beautiful, feathery bird that looks elegant and regal—and its origami counterpart is much the same. Folding an origami peacock might take a bit of practice, but it’s a great project if you’re just starting out or if you’ve got some practice under your belt. If you want to add a delicate origami peacock to your collection, grab your origami paper and get started!

1

Start with a rectangular sheet of paper.

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Most origami paper is square, but you'll need a rectangle. You can either cut a sheet of square paper in half, or you can purchase rectangular origami paper. The dimensions don’t matter too much—just note that the smaller your sheet of paper is, the smaller your peacock will be in the end.^{[1]
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- Pick any color paper that you’d like! Blue is a popular choice for peacocks, but you could go for red, pink, green, yellow, or any color of the rainbow.

2

Fold the paper in half lengthwise.

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Set your paper out on a flat surface, then fold it in half. Use your fingers to press down on the crease, then unfold the paper again before moving on.^{[2]
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3

Fold the left and right edges inwards twice.

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It will kind of look like a paper airplane. Fold the left corner in toward the center, then fold the right corner in to match. Press the creases down with your fingers, then fold both corners in again.^{[3]
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- You’ll end up with a triangle-shaped paper that has a sharp point on one end.

4

Fold the paper in half widthwise.

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Flip the paper over so the folded parts touch the table. Then, bring the flat end of the triangle upward to meet the pointed end. Press down on the crease to make the fold stick.^{[4]
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- It might help to push down on the crease with your fingernail.

5

Fold the flat half of the paper backwards, then crease it.

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Grab the flat part of the triangle and fold it back, but leave about ¹⁄₄ in (0.64 cm) of paper on top of the pointed part. Press the crease down to really cement it into the paper and start the tail.^{[5]
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6

Fold the back half of the triangle in a fan shape.

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Alternate between folding forward and backward, making horizontal folds up the tail. When you reach the top, press all your folds down one more time to really cement them into the paper before letting go.^{[6]
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7

Crease the tip of the triangle downward.

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It’s time to create the peacock’s beak. Grab the very tip of the pointed part and fold it down just slightly, enough to make a small beak at the head of your animal. Press the crease down to keep it in place and make a bird-like mouth.^{[7]
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- It won’t look quite right at this step, so don’t worry—you still have more to do!

8

Flip the paper over and fold the tip backwards.

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Mark the head and neck of the peacock with this fold. Flip your paper so that the beak is facing you. Fold the pointed part of the triangle down about halfway so the head just touches the base of the tail. Press the crease down to differentiate between the body and the neck.^{[8]
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- This fold will also help your peacock stand up on its own.

9

Fold the entire paper in half lengthwise.

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Really make those feathers fan out. Pick up your piece of paper and press down in the center of the tail with your thumb. Fold the entire peacock (body, tail, and head) in half around your finger, then press the fold together.^{[9]
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- When the peacock springs back, you’ll be able to see the animal more clearly.

10

Spread the feathers out in the back of the peacock.

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Now you’re done! Spend a few minutes making sure the tail in the back stands up straight and tall. Set your peacock down on the table and watch it stand up on its own to admire your creation.^{[10]
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- If your peacock isn’t standing up, try folding the paper in half again to really crease that last fold.

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What type of paper should I use for folding origami?

Coco Sato
Origamist and Contemporary Artist
Coco Sato is an Origamist and Contemporary Artist based in Brighton, UK. She is an award-winning contemporary artist specializing in origami and geometric sculptures. With a multidisciplinary practice encompassing sculpture, performance, psychology, and geometry, she explores shifting perspectives through the intricate art of origami. Coco’s work bridges cultures by combining traditional Japanese aesthetics with contemporary concepts, inviting audiences to reconsider their relationship with the world.

Coco Sato

Origamist and Contemporary Artist

Expert Answer

Traditional origami paper, known as kami in Japan, is the best option. This paper is lightweight, around 70-90 gsm, and is designed with one side colored and the other side white. These two different colors are helpful for beginners because they make it much easier to see and follow each step as you fold. But if you don’t have this origami paper, a regular copy paper works just fine for practice. Look for paper that’s about 80-90 gsm and uncoated, as coated or glossy paper can be slippery and harder to fold.

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How can I get my peacock to stand up?

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If it is having trouble standing, crease the last fold again to increase its strength. If this doesn't work, cut one strip of paper of the same color and glue, tape, or hold it behind the peacock.

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Tips

Every time you make a fold, press down really hard to indent the crease in the paper.

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For each fold, make sure to run your fingernail or use a creasing tool, such as a bone folder, along the crease. This will help make the fold sharp and crisp, giving your work a clean, professional look.

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