What age is this origami Turtle for?

About Age 7+. It is rated “Medium” (level 3 of 5), with 8 steps, and takes about 8 minutes.

What paper do I need?

One sheet of square origami paper (15 cm / 6 in). No scissors or glue are needed.

What is it called in Japanese?

In Japanese it is “かめ” (亀). The word origami (折り紙) itself means “folding paper”: ori = fold, kami = paper.

Can I print the instructions?

Yes. “Print the diagram” puts every step on one page (or a PDF), and the practice sheet has the crease lines printed on the paper. Free for home and classroom use.

★★★Medium Sea LifeOriginal

How to make an origami TurtleかめTurtle

A turtle with four legs and a little head. You make the head and tail with pleat folds.

8 steps
about 8 min
1 sheet of origami paper
Age 7+

How to fold

2本のななめの線で、折りすじをつける
Fold in half on both diagonals and unfold.
4つのかどを、まん中に合わせて折る
Fold all four corners to the center.
4つの先を、外へはみ出すように折りかえす（足）
Fold the four points back out so they stick out. These are the legs.
まん中から少しはなれた所で折ると、足が外に出ます。
うらがえす
Turn it over.
上のかどを、下へ折る
Fold the top corner down.
先を上へ折りかえして、頭にする（段折り）
Fold the tip back up to make the head. This is a pleat fold.
下のかどを上へ折り、先を下へ折りかえす（しっぽ）
Fold the bottom corner up, then fold the tip back down to make the tail.
左と右のかどを、少しうしろへ折る
Fold the left and right corners behind a little.
できあがり！目をかいて、こうらにもようをかいたら、かめのできあがり。
Finished! Draw the eyes and a pattern on the shell, and your turtle is done!

Fun fact

うみがめは、海でくらしていても、たまごはすなはまに上がってきてうみます。

Sea turtles live in the ocean, but they come up onto sandy beaches to lay their eggs.

Origami English in this model

❓ FAQ

What age is this origami Turtle for?: About Age 7+. It is rated “Medium” (level 3 of 5), with 8 steps, and takes about 8 minutes.
What paper do I need?: One sheet of square origami paper (15 cm / 6 in). No scissors or glue are needed.
What is it called in Japanese?: In Japanese it is “かめ” (亀). The word origami (折り紙) itself means “folding paper”: ori = fold, kami = paper.
Can I print the instructions?: Yes. “Print the diagram” puts every step on one page (or a PDF), and the practice sheet has the crease lines printed on the paper. Free for home and classroom use.