3D Origami Penguin

This adorable 3D origami penguin is the perfect winter craft project!

Simple to make with just one sheet of paper, it can stand on its own or even be turned into a fun finger puppet for kids.

Perfect as a decoration or a gift for the penguin lover in your life.

Whether you're new to origami or looking for a fun craft to do with kids, this 3D origami penguin project is simple, quick, and so charming.

Not only does this little penguin stand proudly on its own, but it can also double as a cute finger puppet for playtime.

Its versatility makes it a perfect decoration for winter-themed events or a unique gift for children and origami enthusiasts alike.

Whether you're celebrating winter holidays, birthdays, or simply want to add some fun to your craft collection, this easy origami penguin is sure to be a hit.

With just one square sheet of paper, you can create a 3D penguin that's perfect for kids' crafts, party decorations, or as a gift topper.

You can even create multiple penguins for a whole family of paper critters!

The possibilities are endless with this adorable and customizable design.

Why You'll Love This Pattern

• Fun and Interactive - The ability to turn this penguin into a finger puppet makes it extra special. Children (and adults!) will love interacting with it. It's perfect for storytelling, role-playing, or just as a fun desk companion.
• Perfect for All Skill Levels - The penguin is easy enough for beginners, yet still interesting for more experienced folders. Whether you're making it alone or with kids, the process is straightforward and relaxing. No fancy tools or adhesives are required, just a simple sheet of paper and your hands.
• Cute and Charming Decoration - Once finished, this penguin is a great little decoration for your home, especially during the winter season. It can sit on a shelf, a windowsill, or even be used as a holiday ornament on your Christmas tree.
• Customizable for Any Occasion - With endless color possibilities, you can adapt the penguin to fit any occasion. It can be a holiday decoration, birthday gift, or even a cute favor for events like baby showers, parties, or school gatherings.
• Great for Gifts - If you're looking for a personalized gift idea, why not add a little penguin to your next gift package? This would be especially adorable as part of a holiday gift basket or as a Christmas tree topper.
• You can personalize each penguin with different colors and make them as unique as you like - add googly eyes, or draw faces!
• A Fun Craft to Share - If you have kids, this penguin is a wonderful activity to share. It's a great way to introduce young crafters to the world of origami, helping them develop hand-eye coordination, patience, and a sense of accomplishment as they watch their penguins come to life.

Skill Level

★★☆☆☆ (Easy)

Materials Needed

• 1 square sheet of paper (6-inch x 6-inch / 15 cm x 15 cm recommended)
• Optional: googly eyes,  markers for details (e.g., beak, eyes, feet)

Paper GSM

• For optimal results, use lightweight paper around 60-80 gsm for easy folding and to make the penguin light enough to stand up.
• Thicker paper (100-120 gsm) can make it harder to fold neatly but is still workable. Best suited for larger penguins.

Instructions

Step 1: Start with the color you want your penguin to be facing down. Arrange the paper to sit like a diamond.

Step 2: Fold the top point down to meet the bottom point.

Step 3: Fold the left corner to the right corner.

Step 4: Unfold previous step.

Step 5: Fold both the left and right corners down to meet the bottom corner.

Step 6: Fold the left side of the paper (top layer only) up on a diagonal. Once folded, the left edge of that flap should sit vertically and its inner point should sit around the centre of the paper.

Step 7: Repeat previous step for the right side, keeping it as symmetrical as possible.

Step 8: Fold the bottom point (top layer only) up, it's folded edge should match the bottom points of the flaps you folded up in steps 6 and 7.

Step 9: Fold both the left and right corners of the upper flaps inward to meet the centre.

Step 10: Fold the top corner down on a diagonal towards the right to form a right angle triangle. Crease well.

Step 11: Unfold previous step.

Step 12: Fold the top corner down on a diagonal like you did in step 10, but this time towards the left.

Step 13: Unfold previous step.

Step 14: Pinch the top point together. Then, press it down along the existing creases on both sides.

Step 15: Flip your paper over from left to right.

Step 16: Fold both the upper left and right edges of the paper to meet the centre crease.

Common Mistakes & How To Avoid Them

Not folding sharply enough: Be sure to make each fold crisp and clean for a stable penguin.

Color, Paper Ideas, and Variations

While the classic black-and-white penguin is always charming, you can get creative and add some color to make it stand out for special occasions or as a unique gift. Here are some ideas:

• Classic Black and White - The timeless color scheme for penguins, perfect for making a traditional, cute design.
• Holiday Twist - For Christmas, try using red or green paper for the penguin's accessories, such as a scarf or a tiny Santa hat. Add some glitter to the edges of the hat for extra sparkle!
• Winter Blues - If you're going for a winter theme, use light blue or icy silver for the body, to give the penguin a frosty, cool look, like it's just emerged from a snowy landscape.
• Festive Valentine's Penguin - For a Valentine's Day twist, use red and pink paper to create a heart-shaped pattern on the penguin's belly or add a tiny origami heart to give it an extra touch of love.
• Easter Penguin - Create a cheerful penguin for Easter with pastel colors like soft yellow, lavender, or mint green. You can even make a little Easter basket out of paper and have your penguin hold it.
• Bright Colors for Playful Penguins - If you're making multiple penguins for a party or event, use bright colors like yellow, orange, or even purple to make each one a little more playful and fun.

FAQ

Other Paper Crafts You Might Like To Try:

• Cube DIY Desk Organizer
• Origami Star Bowl
• Paper Card Holder
• Origami Boat (With Square Paper)
• Pomander Flower Ball
• Adult Valentines Crafts

Helpful Origami Tips

If you're curious to learn more about origami, you might like to look at our basic guides on how to make some common origami folds.

Start with the valley fold and mountain fold-these are the foundation of most origami models.

Once you're comfortable, you might like to try the petal fold for 3D shapes, and explore the bird base and square base for more complex designs.

The water bomb base is also great for creating inflatable or geometric models, like this inflatable origami rabbit.