paper folding yacht

Making an Easy Origami Boat

The Spruce Crafts / Chrissy Pk

• Total Time: 10 mins

In Japanese, the word origami means "the art of folding paper," with ori meaning "folding" and kami meaning "paper." In modern usage, origami is an inclusive term for all paper folding practices. The goal when practicing origami is to transform a flat square sheet of paper into a finished sculpture through folding and sculpting techniques.

Learn how to make the most well-known origami boat using this quick and easy step-by-step tutorial. The origami boat you'll make with these instructions can also float in water .

Watch Now: How to Make an Origami Boat

This origami boat is a great model to teach to kids. It's similar to the origami hat you make with newspaper or the origami crane many of us made as children. Also, origami can be a great math-related activity for kids, allowing them to create using geometry.

What You'll Need

• 1 Rectangular sheet of paper

Instructions

Make the first folds.

Start with your rectangular paper , orienting it vertically, with the long edges going up and down. Fold the bottom half up to the top. Fold the bottom right corner to the left corner and make a small pinch, just enough to crease the paper. Open it back up.

Create a Triangle Shape

Fold the left and right bottom corners up and to the middle using the crease as a guide. Flatten the folded pieces down. Rotate the paper. Fold one layer from the bottom up along the bottom of the front flaps.

A Boat Begins to Take Shape

Flip the paper over to the other side. Fold the bottom edge up in the same way. Unfold, and then fold the bottom right corner along the crease you made. Repeat on the bottom left flap.

Form the Bottom of the Boat

Re-fold the bottom edge back up. Open the bottom of the model. Look at the corners. Flatten and then insert the overlapping flap on the left underneath the right section.

Continue Folding

Fold one layer up to the top. Repeat on the back. Open the bottom of the model.

Finalize the Folds

Pull apart the left and right flaps. Flatten your paper sculpture in the shape of a boat. Open it slightly. The triangle in the middle resembles a sail .

More from The Spruce Crafts

How to Fold a Traditional Origami Boat

These instructions will show you how to fold an easy traditional origami boat. Most models begin with a square sheet of paper but this one uses a rectangle. A sheet of regular printer paper works fine and you don’t need to worry too much about the exact shape of the rectangle you use.

If you’re just starting out we recommend that you check out our  Beginner’s Guide  to learn all the basics first.

Step 1)  Fold the paper in half and then unfold it.

Step 2)  Fold the paper in half the other way.

Step 3)  Fold the top corners down and to the centre.

Step 4)  Fold the top layer of paper up along the dotted line.

Step 5)  Fold the bottom layer of paper up and behind the model.

Step 6)  Open up the paper the middle. Push in the sides while pulling the middle forward and back. Flatten everything.

Step 7)  Fold the top flap of paper up along the dotted line then repeat behind.

Step 8)  Pull the paper back out like you did in step 6.

Step 9)  Pull both ends out.

The completed traditional origami boat

What did you think about this traditional origami boat? Let us know in the comments!

I've been into origami for quite some time now, and I've been teaching it here on Origami.me for over 14 years. My other hobbies include martial arts, travel, video games and Go. I'm also the author of Everyone Can Learn Origami. You should definitely check it out!

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How do you do step 7?

How to make a paper boat (step-by-step instructions)

I think everyone has made a paper boat at least once in their lifetime. Making paper boat is easy as we don’t need many materials to make it.

This is an origami craft, so all you need is a sheet of paper.

And this is a craft that every parent passes onto their kids, right?

Here is the step-by-step way to make a boat out of paper.

Materials required

A4 sheet / Letter size paper/Any rectangular paper

Step-by-step tutorial to make an easy paper boat for kids

a. Take an A4 sheet paper. Hold it horizontally as shown in the picture.

b. Fold it from left to right.

c. Make a crease.

d. Now, fold the paper from bottom to top.

e. Fold it well and make a crease.

f. Unfold the fold we just made in step d.

g&h. Now, fold the right corner towards the centre and make a crease.

i. Similarly, fold the left corner towards the centre.

j. Flatten the folded pieces down and now you have the figure as shown in pic j.

k&l. Now, from the bottom, fold one layer upwards along the bottom of the folds we made in j.

m. Make a crease and flatten it well.

n. Turn the figure over.

o. Now, like we did in the previous step, fold the bottom layer upwards.

p. Flatten the fold and make a crease again.

q&r. Open the bottom of the figure.

s. After opening as shown in pic r, flatten the top corner to the bottom as you can see in pic s.

You can see that the edges of the paper boat are overlapping on each other.

t. Insert one edge into the other (see pic t).

u. You get the figure in u.

v. Now, fold the layer from bottom to the top as shown in pic v.

w. Flatten the fold.

x. Flip the paper over and fold the other layer too. You will get the triangle shape in x.

y. Open the bottom of the figure again by pulling the flaps apart.

z. Flatten it out and you will get a diamond shape now.

aa. Open the figure by pulling the sides apart from the top to get the shape of the boat.

ab. Flatten it out an open again and your paper boat is ready.

In case you have any doubt regarding any step, feel free to watch the step-by-step video tutorial below. Please make sure you also  subscribe to our Youtube channel  to get more craft ideas for kids every week. 

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Video tutorial to make a paper boat

More paper crafts for kids

• How to make a paper airplane step-by-step
• How to make an easy and beautiful paper flower
• How to make an Origami jumping frog step-by-step

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Origami Guide

Origami Instructions – Learn How To Make Origami

How To Fold A Traditional Origami Boat

Page 1 of 3.

Traditional Origami Boat

Level: Easy

Copyright: Traditional ?

Time Needed: Approx. 5 Minutes

Tools: None

Supplies: 1 Sheet of Square Paper

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Learn how to fold probably the most famous and well known origami boat. This traditional origami sail boat actually floats so makes a great origami model to teach kids .

You can make these origami boats out of newspaper and other rectangular sized paper. You will probably notice it looks like a hat near the end. This traditional origami boat is actually just a few steps more that the origami hat model ( tutorial here ).

You will need rectangular paper for this origami boat. Either A4, US letter paper or trim from a square.

Traditional Origami Boat Instructions

Scroll down to follow the photo tutorial for the Traditional Origami Boat .

Made this origami? Leave a comment & submit your photo on the last page here .

Step 1: This is the front of our paper, the inner triangle of the boat will be this colour.

Step 2: This is the back of the paper, the lower rim of the boat will end up this colour.

Step 3: Fold the top edge down to the bottom edge.

Step 4: Next bring the right corner over to the left and make a small crease.

Step 5: Unfold the previous step.

Step 6: Bring the top left and top right corners down using the crease as a starting point.

Step 7: Flatten the paper so that you have this, both flaps aligned nicely.

Origami topics: Origami | Origami Instructions | How To Origami | How To Do Origami | Origami Folding | Origami Craft | Origami Tutorial | Origami Step By Step | Origami Lessons | How To Make Origami | Paper Origami | Origami Gifts | Simple Origami | Easy Origami | Origami For Kids | Origami For Children

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How to make a Paper Boat – Easy Kids Origami

I LOVE paper craft, as you can do it whenever wherever with whatever piece of paper you have! Get the hang of it and you can entertain your kids on a bus, a plane or in the car. Making these easy origami paper boats is such a wonderful “childhood classic activity”. Let’s learn how to make a boat !

Make these paper boats out of any piece of paper any place at any time (I remember making these origami boats out of my bus ticket, whilst waiting to arrive at my destination)!

Make them HUGE or make them small. All you need is a sheet of paper of ANY size.

Not only only are the paper boats a fun craft, but they are also a great introduction to origami and following instructions! We love  Easy Origami for Kids  and this is a great one to get kids interested!

One Easy Boat Origami.. so many options!

No kits needed. Just one sheet of paper! Construction paper works too, but if you want to float these, “printer” paper or a magazine paper better, as they slightly less water absorbant, so will last longer!

Yes that is right.. learn how to make the one boat.. and you can decorate and use it in so many different ways. Here we simply too colourful paper and created an army of RAINBOW Paper Boats. They make great little canoes for playmobil mean and small toys too (squish down the middle to make space for sitting).

Next. We took plain white paper, and turned it into a pirate ship, with the quick addition of a Skull and Crossbones Toothpick Flag. Harr. Harr. Gotta love a Pirate Craft!

The great thing is, that these Paper Boats, also float. Kids can colour it in and take it in the bath or play with it on a small river (it will dissolve, should it float away). I have also used it to make a cute Father’s Day card!

My neighbours boys (5yrs & 7yrs) saw my draft video and after that they couldn’t stop – we made about 20 paper boats over the weekend – including to two MASSIVE ones. The 7yrs REALLY impressed me with his Pirate Ship and Island. This is what “How to..” is all about – getting stuck in and having fun with crafts! So chuffed!

Just check out their Giant Paper Boats How to:

Aren’t they simply fun?! (My Paper Boat Craft Models are in disguise)

Teaching Friends How To Make Paper Boats

Then it got better, they then went to a party… and ended up TEACHING their friends how to make boats. Here they are teaching each other to make their paper boats. **Bless**.

This is a little trickier than the paper cup craft from a couple of weeks ago, but once you know how to make one, you can make it anywhere out of any scarp paper (even a bus ticket!!). Keep your kids entertained on the go! Make one!!!

Origami Paper Boat – supplies

• a sheet of paper – it needs to be a rectangle!

Any size goes. It really doesn’t matter!

Easy Origami Paper Boat How To Video:

Though paper boats are super easy to learn how to make, it is great to watch this How to make a Paper Boat video. Seeing really is the quickest and easiest way to learn this wonderful Origami for Kids!

Step by step origami boat – written folding instructions

An A4 sheet of paper is ideal – you do need a rectangular sheet of paper… and most sheets of paper work. But we like the dimensions of an A4 or A5 sheet of paper. They are the perfect rectangle for a paper boat.

Start off making what is the classic origami hat (don’t worry the boat bit is coming)

The first fold follows the basic pattern for an origami hat.

Fold your sheet of paper in half. Make a neat crease. (So if using an A4 sheet of paper, you now have an A5 sized paper infront of you – like a card that opens and shuts).

Turn the paper round, so the closed edge is along the top. And the open edges along the bottom.

Fold the paper in half again and make a middle crease. Open back up. You just wanted to create a perpendicular guide line.

Now you need to work on both top corners: Fold the top right corner down, to meet this middle crease and create a triangle flap.

Repeat with the top left corner. Now you have two triangle shape flaps that meet in the middle.

You should now have two triangles with a banner along the bottom made of two sheets of paper.

Take the bottom of the paper and fold up. Two small triangles will overlap. Fold these down to make another eat edge.

Flip the origami over and repeat for the other side.

You should now have what looks like a “classic paper hat”.

Turning the classic paper hat into a boat that floats

Take the two points one either side and bring to the centre and flatten.

You should have a diamond with equal sides in front of you (or a square shape on it’s side).

Take the bottom corner and fold up. Flip over.

Repeat for the other side. You should now have a traingle again.

Take the point on the left and right and again, bring them together to meet in the middle.

And flattern. You should have another diamond.

This time, you can pull it appart and make our final boat shape.

And finished! Now decorate it in any way you wish! And as we have shown you above you can have lots of fun with this basic paper boat.

The paper boat does float – it is perfect for the sink or puddles, but will eventually get soggy. If you want to play with it for longer, you may want to make it from waxed paper. Or maybe add some clear tape to the bottom of the boat to water proof it a little.

More Easy Origami for Kids here:

See all our fun DIY Boat Crafts here, incluing other fun boat crafts that float:

This video tutorial is also available on my YouTube channel

Origami Way

Make a paper boat origami boat instructions and diagram.

If you've always wanted to play with boats in the tub, but your parents wouldn't get one for you, don't worry. I will show you how to make an origami boat out of paper, and yes it floats...for a little bit, but it's still fun nonetheless. However, I heard that if you color the bottom of the boat with crayon, then it will float longer. Just be careful not to splash too much water on it!

Before we get into how to make an origami boat, let us first discuss where this paper folding originated and where it first appeared. If you're interested in the history of paper folding, continue reading to learn the fundamentals of origami.

Research studies say that origami was first invented about a thousand years ago by the Japanese, but its roots may well be in China. The term refers to the craft of paper folding. The word "origami" is an inclusive term for the folding process of paper. "Ori" means "folding," and "gami" means "paper." The objective of origami is to transform a flat square sheet of paper into a fully completed piece of art through folding techniques and cutting methods.

How to Make a Paper Boat Float Longer?

If you're ready to make your paper boat origami, keep these tips in mind to ensure it will last a long time on the water. The most common is that if you color the bottom of the origami boat with crayons, it will float longer but not long enough to reach the finish line. Some people also say that to make the boat last longer when it is on water, try using foil paper or grease-proof paper.

How to Make a Paper Boat?

The origami boat is actually very simple to make. All you need is a rectangular piece of paper, so any 8.5x11 copy or lined paper will do. Then follow the instructions and pictures carefully and you'll be able to make your own origami boat that floats.

With the help of this simple step-by-step lesson, you can quickly and easily create the most well-known origami paper boat.

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How to Make a Paper Ship

Last Updated: May 19, 2024

This article was co-authored by Amy Guerrero . Amy Guerrero is an Arts and Crafts Specialist and the Owner of Sunshine Craft Co., a crafting studio based in Phoenix, Arizona. Amy specializes in macrame, DIY crafting, and teaching fiber arts. She offers monthly in-person and online workshops along with having developed a range of DIY craft kits for at-home projects. Amy holds a BS in Industrial Design from Philadelphia University. She worked as a graphic designer before starting her own business. Sunshine Craft Co. is a creative hub that offers a wide range of workshops, tools, and resources for any craft project to inspire creativity and community engagement. This article has been viewed 548,782 times.

Paper ships are a toy that many a child has made since the creation of paper. They are easy to make and they can be "sailed" on any small body of water, such as a bath, a puddle, a pond or even a little stream. While not particularly durable, once you know how to make them they are easily replaceable!

Making the Ship

Building Your Ship to Last

• Make two ships and put one inside the other. This will increase the water resistance as well as the overall sturdiness.
• Color the ship with crayons. The wax will help the paper resist water.
• Instead of tape, coating the bottom with plastic film wrap will provide a good barrier to the water.
• If you plan to re-use it, let the ship dry out after use. Then wrap it in plastic to protect it.

• Remember, this is essentially an origami technique. Origami traditionally uses light but durable paper. [10] X Research source Printer, or copy, paper is a happy medium for a relatively simple fold such as a paper ship.
• You can also buy origami paper, or kami which is a product developed in Japan in the early twentieth century. It is often decorated and can be found in art supply stores. It is a bit lighter, but is fairly similar in weight to copy paper. [11] X Research source
• You can also use newspaper, but it will be slightly less durable, and easier to tear.

Community Q&A

• Familiarity with the art of origami is helpful with this project. Thanks Helpful 13 Not Helpful 3
• Don't try to add masts and sails to make it look like a proper ship. It will only make the ship unbalanced because of the weight Thanks Helpful 13 Not Helpful 4
• It is recommended that you use a rectangular sheet of paper rather than a square one for this application. Thanks Helpful 14 Not Helpful 6

Tips from our Readers

• If you want your boat to hold up really well over time, make it out of aluminum foil. It won't fall apart in the water and you can reuse it.

• Do not litter. If you play with paper ships in running outdoor water, collect your ships back after playing with them. Thanks Helpful 61 Not Helpful 18
• Be careful when playing near water. Do not play with your ships in deep water, fast-running water or dirty water. Thanks Helpful 54 Not Helpful 22
• Don't play near fast moving rivers. If you fall in you can be easily be swept away by the current. Thanks Helpful 52 Not Helpful 22

Things You'll Need

• Copy paper, newspaper, or a different variety of paper. (Notebook size is excellent for a small boat).
• crayons or markers( to decorate your vessel)

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3N7EUi3-PG8
• ↑ http://www.langorigami.com/paper/traditional_papers.php

About This Article

If you want to make a paper ship, fold a piece of paper in half from top to bottom, then fold it again from side to side and unfold so you have a crease in the center. Fold the top right corner down towards the center, then flip the paper over and fold the other corner down on the other side. Fold each of the bottom edges of the paper up and outwards to make a paper hat shape, then open the hat and flatten it horizontally to create a diamond. Fold the bottom edge of the diamond upwards towards the top, then turn the paper over and repeat on the other side. Pull the paper apart again and smooth it out to create a boat shape. If you want to learn how to make your ship float in water better, keep reading the article! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to Make a Paper Boat – Origami for Kids

We love doing simple origami and this time we’re going to learn how to make a paper boat – a summer favorite!

We’ve done quite a few awesome origami tutorials for kids and each of them is a must make!

I loved to make these as a kid (the exact same ones) and I loved to play with them even more – we would sail them in the bathtub, puddles and lakes and when possible even have boat races with other neighbourhood kids.

This time though we took it a step further too see who can make the smallest origami boat – each time working with a smaller piece of paper (cutting the size of the paper to half each time) and I was genuinely surprised with the size of paper we have come down to – and too be honest we could probably do one even smaller if I’d have some tweezers at hand.

How to Make a Paper Boat

All you need is a sheet of paper letter sized or A4. Regular print paper is perfect for this project. Use as many colors as possible.

Start off with a sheet of paper and fold it in half downwards.

Fold in half again as shown on the second image (you don’t need to make the crease from top to bottom – you just need to mark the center).

Bring corners to the center so that you get a triangle shape with a rectangle under it.

Fold the rectangle part under the triangle upwards (as shown with the purple spots) – flip your origami and do the same on the other side.

Grab the center of the triangle shape as indicated on the first image above with the red spot and pull both sides (holding the red spot) out. Flatten.

You’ll get the shape as shown on the second image above (ignore that red spot in the left bottom corner – I have no idea how that one came there haha).

Fold the front layer up (as shown with the green spot) flip the origami boat to be and do the same with the back layer. You’ll get a triangle shape.

Slowly pull the top parts outwards and you have your paper boat!

More cool origami for kids you can try:

We’ve had a lot of fun creating this shark fortune teller – it’s fun to make and even more fun to play with. You should also give these origami frogs a try!

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How to Make a Paper Boat: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Making a paper boat is a classic and entertaining activity for kids and adults alike. It's a simple and creative way to spend time and learn basic origami techniques. What's more, making a paper boat is not only an enjoyable pastime, but it also teaches patience and focus, making it an excellent educational activity.

In this article, you'll learn how to make a paper boat using a step-by-step tutorial. This guide will cover everything from selecting the appropriate materials to folding and decorating your paper boat, ensuring that it's both aesthetically pleasing and capable of floating. By carefully following the instructions provided, you'll be able to create a variety of boat shapes and sizes to suit your preferences.

Key Takeaways

• Learn how to make a versatile and entertaining paper boat with a clear, step-by-step tutorial.
• Discover creative ways to decorate your boat and how to make boats with different shapes and sizes.
• Explore educational activities related to paper boat making to enhance the learning experience.

Materials Needed

Choosing Your Paper

When making a paper boat, the first decision to make is the type of paper to use. While traditional origami paper can be used, it's not a requirement. A simple square sheet of paper will work well. If you're starting with a rectangular sheet, simply trim it down to a square before proceeding. Construction paper, card stock, and even waxed paper can be utilized for this project. For a more durable boat, consider using aluminum foil as an alternative material.

Preparing Additional Supplies

Aside from the paper, you can gather a few additional items to enhance your paper boat crafting experience. If you're using plain white paper, consider adding some colors to your boat with crayons , markers, or colored pencils. Younger children might enjoy decorating their boats with stickers or other craft supplies.

When selecting your materials, keep in mind the end goal of your paper craft . If you plan to float your boat on water, avoid materials that are too heavy or prone to absorbing water. Additionally, for increased stability, consider using heavier papers like card stock or waxed paper.

With the right materials, making a paper boat can be an enjoyable and educational activity. Remember to experiment with different types of paper and decorations to create unique and personalized boats.

Basic Paper Folding Techniques

Making Creases

Before folding a paper boat, it is essential to learn how to make creases properly. Creases are the foundation for any paper folding project. To create a strong and precise crease, first, align the edges of the paper and hold them in place using the thumb and index finger of one hand. Gently press down the folded edge with the other hand's thumb, moving from one end to the other, making sure it is even and firmly pressed. The more accurate the creases, the better the end result will be.

Basic Folds

There are a few basic folds that one must master to make a paper boat. Here's a list of folds used in creating a paper boat:

• Valley fold : Fold the paper towards itself, creating a downward crease.
• Mountain fold : Fold the paper away from itself, resulting in an upward crease.
• Triangle fold : Create a triangle shape by folding one edge of the paper to meet the other edge.
• Diamond fold : Form a diamond by opening up the bottom of a previously made triangle, aligning the bottom corners of the triangle, and folding them over each other.

These basic folds play a crucial role in creating a well-executed paper boat that not only looks good but also floats stably on water.

Unfolding Tips

As important as folding techniques, unfolding tips should be considered to ensure a successful paper boat. When unfolding the paper , be cautious not to tear or wrinkle it, as this can impact the boat's balance and appearance. One should be gentle when opening flaps, using fingertips to apply_even pressure on both sides to maintain the paper's overall structural integrity.

Utilize the basic folding techniques, like making precise creases and understanding the essential folds, combined with careful unfolding to create a perfectly-shaped paper boat . Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be discouraged if the first few attempts are not perfect—keep folding, and soon creating a paper boat will become second nature.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Paper Boat

Creating the Base Shape

Begin by selecting a square sheet of paper, preferably origami paper . Place the paper in front of you with one corner facing upwards, forming a diamond shape. Fold the paper in half diagonally, so that the top corner meets the bottom corner, creating a triangle shape. Make sure the edges align perfectly and press firmly to create a sharp crease.

Forming the Boat

Now, grab the triangle and rotate it 45 degrees. Gently open up the bottom of the triangle and pull the paper apart until it pops into a square shape. Make sure the bottom corners of the triangle overlap each other, forming the bottom corner of the new diamond shape. Next, pick up the folded piece of paper and at the top point, pull apart the two sides. As you pull it apart, it should open into a boat shape. Adjust the paper as needed to make sure it's boat-shaped and pinch along the bottom edges to create a fold on each side.

Adding the Mast and Sail

To complete your paper boat, consider adding a mast and sail for added flair. With a separate piece of paper, cut a smaller square and fold it diagonally to create a triangle. This will serve as the sail. For the mast, use a thin wooden dowel or a straight piece of string and insert it through a small hole in the center of the sail. Attach the other end of the mast to the bottom center of the boat using glue or tape.

Your paper boat is now complete. Follow the above instructions to create more paper boats and enjoy your new fleet!

Decorating Your Paper Boat

Coloring and Customization

Before assembling your paper boat, it's a great idea to add some personal touches. Crayons , markers , and colored pencils can be used to create unique designs on your boat. You can also print coloring pages with different patterns or themes and use them as templates for your boat.

To further customize your paper boat, consider using stickers or other decorative items. Be creative and think of ways to make your boat stand out. For a more detailed guide on decoration techniques, refer to this video tutorial .

Waterproofing Considerations

When decorating, it's important to consider waterproofing as well. After all, a paper boat must withstand water. Common waterproof materials include clear tape, wax paper, or even a layer of wax from a candle.

Here's a brief list of materials that can be used to waterproof your paper boat:

• Waterproof spray

Remember to apply these waterproofing materials as an extra layer of protection after you've finished decorating your boat. This will help ensure your boat stays afloat and retains its colors and designs.

By following these decorating and waterproofing tips, your paper boat will not only look visually appealing, but also be ready for its maiden voyage.

Making Different Shapes and Sizes of Boats

Altering Dimensions for Variability

In order to create different shapes and sizes of paper boats, you can experiment with the size of the paper itself. A larger paper size will result in a larger boat, while smaller paper will create a smaller boat. Additionally, the paper shape can be altered for variability. For example, you can use a square or a rectangular sheet , which will result in slightly different boat shapes.

To begin, choose a paper size appropriate for your desired boat size. Here are some suggestions for paper size and corresponding boat shapes:

• Square paper (e.g. 20cm x 20cm, 30cm x 30cm): Traditional boat shape
• Rectangular paper (e.g. 20cm x 40cm, 30cm x 60cm): Longer, narrower boat shape

Experiment with folding techniques that involve triangles , diamonds , and other shapes. For instance, folding a rectangular sheet of paper in half, followed by folding the corners down into triangular shapes will eventually result in a boat shape. Such techniques can help create various boat styles and shapes.

Advanced Origami Boats

For those interested in trying more complex boat designs, advanced origami techniques can be used to create a variety of intricate boat shapes. Some examples include:

• Double-layered boats : These boats can be made by folding the paper in a way that creates two layers, adding stability and a unique appearance to the boat.
• Boats with sails : Create boats with sails by folding additional paper into triangular shapes and attaching them to the boat's top.
• Multi-hulled boats : Construct multi-hulled boats, such as catamarans or trimarans, by folding multiple boat shapes and connecting them together.

In summary, by varying the paper size, shape, and folding techniques, you can create an array of different boat shapes and sizes. Experiment with square and rectangular sheets of paper, and try advanced origami techniques to take your paper boat-making skills to the next level.

Ensuring Your Boat Floats

The Science of Floating

To ensure that your paper boat floats, it's essential to understand the basic science behind the floating phenomenon. When an object is placed in water, it displaces an amount of liquid equal to its own weight, in accordance with Archimedes' principle . If the displaced water weighs more than the object, the object will float as it experiences an upward buoyant force.

In the case of a paper boat, it is important to create a design that will displace enough water to counteract its weight. Key factors that affect the boat's ability to float include:

• Surface area: A wider base increases the surface area in contact with the water, which helps increase water displacement and stability.
• Weight distribution: Distributing the weight evenly across the base will help the boat remain stable and balanced.
• V-shape: Origami paper boats usually have a V-shaped hull , which helps them cut through the water and maintain stability while moving.

Testing and Troubleshooting

Once you have crafted your paper boat, it's crucial to test and troubleshoot its ability to float. Some key steps include:

• Make sure the boat's surface area is wide enough and the shape is correct, as shown in this tutorial .
• Test your boat in calm water conditions, avoiding windy areas or strong currents that can tip the boat over.
• If the boat is sinking, you may need to adjust the shape and make sure all folds are properly made.
• If the boat is unstable, check the weight distribution and ensure that the sides are symmetrical.
• To enhance your boat's stability and buoyancy, you can add waterproof material like tape or a layer of wax on the paper.

Testing and troubleshooting are essential steps in achieving a boat that floats and is stable in water. Once you are confident in your paper boat's ability to float, you can enjoy watching it sail across the water surface or even set up races with your friends.

Educational Resources and Activities

Incorporating Paper Boats into Lessons

Teaching the art of paper folding , also known as origami, is a wonderful way for teachers and parents to engage children in creative and educational activities. Paper boats are a perfect example of an easy-to-learn origami craft that can be incorporated into various subjects such as history, geography, and physics. One of the main advantages of this activity is that it only requires a single piece of paper - making it a cost-effective and easily accessible craft.

To incorporate paper boats into lessons, teachers can use Japanese origami as a starting point for discussing the history and cultural significance behind this art form. In geography, they can explore the role of boats and water travel in different countries. For physics, young learners can experiment with the buoyancy of their paper boats, demonstrating principles like Archimedes' principle.

Some useful resources for teaching origami paper folding include:

• Online tutorials: Websites like wikiHow and YouTube channels offer step-by-step guides on how to fold a paper boat.
• Books: Origami-themed books are available at local libraries or bookstores, which can provide inspiration for both children and adults.
• Workshops: Some museums, cultural centers, and schools may offer workshops on origami paper folding, where children can learn from a knowledgeable instructor.

Craft Ideas for Parents and Teachers

When it comes to incorporating paper boats into kids' craft activities, the options are endless. Here are a few Summer-themed ideas to consider:

• Nautical-themed parties: Use paper boats as decorations or centerpieces at a kids' summer party, encouraging the children to race their boats in a kiddie pool or a shallow water area.
• Storytelling sessions: Incorporate paper boats into your storytelling sessions, using them as props to act out scenes from classic tales like "The Owl and the Pussycat" or "Paddle-to-the-Sea."
• Art projects: Encourage your kids to decorate their paper boats with paint, glitter, or colored pencils, making each boat unique and personal.
• Races and competitions: Organize paper boat races, offering small prizes or certificates of achievement to the fastest boats.

Remember, involving the children in the creative process helps to foster a sense of accomplishment and reinforces the educational benefits of these activities. So, whether you're a teacher, a parent, or simply a fan of Japanese origami craft, there are countless ways to enjoy and share the fun of making paper boats with the younger generation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the steps to create a floating paper boat?

To create a floating paper boat, first, fold a square piece of paper diagonally in half to form a triangle. Then, fold the bottom corners of the triangle towards the center, forming a diamond shape. Open up the bottom of the diamond and shape it into a square. Gently pull the top flaps apart to form the boat shape. For detailed steps, visit this tutorial .

Can you show how to make a paper boat with a sail?

Yes, to make a paper boat with a sail, start by following the steps for a basic paper boat. Then, create a small sail out of a rectangle of paper. Finally, attach the sail to the boat using a small piece of tape or glue. You can watch this video for a visual guide.

What is the ideal paper type for constructing origami boats?

The ideal paper type for constructing origami boats would be a lightweight yet sturdy paper, such as origami paper or regular printer paper. Keep in mind that heavy paper may not fold as easily, and thin paper may not hold its shape well. Visit this guide for tips on choosing the right paper.

How can I make a simple paper boat for children?

For children, start with a square piece of paper and follow the same steps mentioned above for creating a floating paper boat. Make sure an adult is present to supervise and help children with folding. Visit this tutorial for an easy-to-follow guide specifically designed for children.

Are there any specific designs that help paper boats float better?

Yes, specific designs can help paper boats float better, such as wider and more stable bases. Experimenting with different folding techniques and boat shapes can lead to more efficient designs. Refer to this step-by-step guide for more ideas on paper boat designs.

Could you provide a guide on making a paper boat using square paper?

Certainly. To make a paper boat using square paper, begin by folding the paper diagonally in half to form a triangle. Then, fold the bottom corners towards the center to create a diamond shape. Open the bottom of the diamond and re-shape it into a square. Gently pull the top flaps apart to form the boat shape. For a detailed guide, check out this tutorial .

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How to Make PAPER BOAT

Introduction: How to Make PAPER BOAT

How to MAKE A PAPER BOAT as a professional with clear ORIGAMI instructions. ENJOY!

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR MORE DETAILS

Step 1: Use Rectangle Paper

Any size as you need

Step 2: Fold the Rectangle Sheet of Paper in Half Along Its Short Side

Step 3: Fold It in Half From Bottom to Top Along Its Long Side

Fold it in half from bottom to top along its long side

Flip the paper so that the fold opens toward you

Step 4: Fold Down the Top Corners

fold down the top corners while leaving of space at the bottom. Grab the two top corners, and fold down so that they line up with the centre crease.

Step 5: Fold the Bottom of the Paper Up Against Both Sides

Step 6: Fold the Bottom Corners In

Step 7: Make the Triangle Into a Square

Pick up the triangle, then use your fingers to open up the bottom of the triangle. It should naturally start to pop into a square shape

Step 8: Fold Up the Bottom Flaps

Arrange your paper so that the bottom points of the diamond can fold upward.

Step 9: Fold Up the Bottom Flaps Other Side

Flip the paper over, and do the same thing to the other side

Step 10: Make the Triangle Into a Square Again

Just like last time, open up the bottom of your new triangle with your fingers. The bottom corners will line up to become the bottom point of a square

Step 11: Pull Out the Triangles on the Side of the Square

Start at the top of the diamond

Step 12: Final

Now you have your paper boat

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How To Fold a Paper Boat

For the craft, I thought it would be awesome to create a paper boat like the boat on the cover of THE BOY, THE BOAT, AND THE BEAST. See it stuck in the sand on the right of the Boy?

(By the way, the fabulous Justin Hernandez is the artist behind this wonderful picture on the cover of my book. You should check out his work. You’ll be in awe.)

I found the perfect paper boat in this fantastic video on the Colors Paper YouTube channel . It’s perfect except it’s missing seats. So I experimented and found a good way to make little seats like the boat on my cover.

Here’s the boat I made. What do you think?

I hope you like it! I can just imagine it skimming across the ocean to a mysterious beach.

I had to pause and rewind the video a few times to get the folds right, so while I HIGHLY recommend you watch the video (and all their other great videos), I also took fold by fold pictures of me making my boat. Plus I’ve added in the steps for the seats. Follow along…

The video used a sheet of paper that’s 21cm by 21cm, which is roughly 8.5 inches by 8.5 inches. I didn’t have any square paper handy, but I dug out of my bookshelf an old pack of 8.5 x 11 computer and craft paper in pastel colors. The width was already 8.5 inches, so I measured 8.5 inches on the two longest sides, drew a line connecting them using a ruler, then cut. Don’t throw away that extra rectangle. You’ll use that to make the seats!

Using your big square sheet of paper, fold it in half, then fold each half into half. You’ll end up with three equally spaced creases.

With the unfolded paper in front of you so the creases are horizontal, take the bottom edge and place it on the third crease (the one farthest away from you). Fold the paper down making a new crease.

Take the left corner and fold it to its nearest crease, making a 45-degree fold.

In that same corner, fold diagonally to the same crease again.

Take the bottom left corner and fold it up to its nearest crease, making a 45-degree fold. The top edge of the fold will meet the bottom edge of the folds from Steps 3 and 4.

Going to the top of the folds you made in Step 6, fold the rest of that length down to meet the nearest crease, i.e. so it meets the bottom of the diagonal part.

Take the bottom right corner and fold it upward to make a 45-degree angle. Its top edge will meet the bottom edge of the fold you made in Step 7.

Take the piece you folded in Step 8 and fold the whole thing along its bottom edge. Basically, the folds you have been making in all the steps so far will now be touching each other.

This is the part that was tricky for me to see in the video . Turn the paper over so the folds you have made are against your table and farthest from you. The diagonal corner will be on your left.

Fold the top of the paper (the part with the folds) toward you at the edge of the folds, so the folded parts are now on the top.

Turn the paper again so that all the folded parts are facing the table and toward you.

Fold the folded part back on itself to meet the nearest crease.

Turn the paper so the folded parts are facing the table and farthest from you.

Now we repeat the folds we did in steps 3 to 9 but upside down. To start, fold the bottom left corner diagonally to the nearest crease, making a 45-degree angle.

Fold the same corner diagonally again.

Fold the top left corner diagonally to meet the fold you just did, making a 45-degree angle.

Fold the bottom edge up to meet the nearest crease.

Fold the top right corner diagonally to meet the same crease, making a 45-degree angle.

Fold the bottom edge up to meet the top edge.

This is the top view of the fully folded paper. See the right-hand edge? That’s the next fold.

Here’s the top view of your folded paper. Notice the diagonal folds on the inside of the right edge.

Fold the right-hand edge to one side up to where the diagonal fold is inside the paper. Use the picture in Step 23 as a reference. Make it crease well.

Fold that same right-hand edge in the other direction and crease it well.

Open the two sides of the folded paper, and lay the paper in front of you so that the open side is facing up.

Carefully pull open the sides to make the walls of the boat. The folded back edge will automatically flatten out as you open the sides.

Crease the back corners well with your fingertips.

You’ve made the basic boat!

Now we’ll make the bench seats. Get the rectangular strip you cut off your sheet of paper at the beginning. Put it up against the back of your boat with one side of the paper even with one side of the boat. Make a mark at the other end of the boat, then do the same on the other side of the strip of paper.

With a ruler, draw a line between the two marks

Cut along the line you’ve drawn.

From one of the short edges, fold about a half-inch. Fold that again, then again and again. In all you’ll do 4 creases.

After you’ve got your 4 folds, cut the leftover. Then repeat: From the short edge, fold 4 times and cut off what’s left.

Unfold one of the pieces, then form it into a square with one edge overlapping. If you’d like, you can put some glue or double-sided tape between the overlapping pieces. Do this with both of the folded pieces. They make up the bench seats in the boat.

Place the bench seats inside your paper boat where you want them. You can use a dab of glue or strip of double-sided tape to keep them in place.

Congratulations! You’ve made a boat like the one on the cover of THE BOY, THE BOAT, AND THE BEAST. You can give your boat a name and write it on the side. What’s the name of your boat?

Post a picture of your boat on Instagram and tag me @samanthamclarkbooks. You can also find contact info for me here if you can’t post it on Instagram. I’d love to see your boat.

And make sure you follow Simon Kids on Facebook to watch more fun crafts from authors and illustrators.

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SailingEurope Blog - Sailing, Yacht Charter and Beyond

How to Make a Paper Boat

We get tons of queries about how to make a paper boat. So this blog post is dedicated to teaching you how to make a boat out of paper. Following our simple step-by-step guide, you will have a floating paper boat in a flash.

In folding a paper boat you will make a step in Origami technique ; a creative and innovative world of paper formatting. Origami is the Japanese name for the art of paper folding, and it has now become a beloved art form for people around the world. Origami has a history; the first use of the word “Origami” in Japan was not for our familiar recreational paper folding, but certificates. In Japan, there is an expression, Origami Tsuki , meaning “certified” or “guaranteed”.

The phrase stems from an ancient custom of folding certain special documents – such as diplomas for Tea Ceremony masters , or masters of swordsmanship – in such a way as to prevent unauthorized copies from being made. However, nowadays origami represents a creative way of spending time and a hobby for both adults and children.

How to Make a Paper Boat Step by Step

• Start from a rectangle. Fold in half.

• Fold in half again and unfold.

• Fold to the center.

• Fold the overlapping strip upwards.

• Fold corners backwards. Turn over.

• Fold strip upwards.

• Fold triangle upwards. Repeat behind.

• Open (like in the steps 7 and 8).

• Take upper corners and stretch out.

• Your boat is finished.

Now that we’ve taught how to make a paper boat, you’re ready to charter a yacht and enjoy some true sailing on a real boat. We hope you found these instructions useful. We would love to see your own made paper boats in the comments.

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• Experiments

How To Make An Easy Double-Hulled Paper Boat

• Paper Art Videos

Paper boats are a lot of fun. No rainy day should be without one. Which only means that double boats, with two hulls, are double the fun. Here’s how to make an easy version.

Origami Double Boat Instructions

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