How to make an origami owl

Learn how to fold your own adorable origami owl with our step by step tutorial!

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Published: July 19, 2023 at 7:00 am

Fold the wisest creature in the animal kingdom with our step-by-step tutorial! Learn how to make your very own origami owl, complete with a little beak and wings.

We have a choice of either a video tutorial, where we'll walk you through each step, or if you prefer you can skip to the step-by-step instructions below.

Once you've mastered the technique you can make a whole hoot of owls or try our other origami birds. Grab a piece of your favourite 15 x 15cm paper, and follow the origami owl tutorial below.

How to make an origami owl video tutorial

How to make an origami owl step-by-step with pictures

Halloween origami, How to make an Origami Owl

You will need:

  • Origami paper

Step 1

Fold a piece of square paper diagonally in half, with the patterned/coloured side on the outside.

Halloween origami, How to make an Origami Owl

Step 2

Folding the origami owl’s wings

Fold one of the corners down, with the tip of the corner meeting a point approximately two thirds along the opposite side. The bottom part of the corner you just folded over should be perpendicular to the top of the model.

Halloween origami, How to make an Origami Owl

Step 3

Repeat with the other side to create an elongated pentagram (five-sided shape).

Halloween origami, How to make an Origami Owl

Step 4

Fold one of the wings back, so that the closed edge lines up with the edge of the shape.

Halloween origami, How to make an Origami Owl

Step 5

Repeat on the other side and fold the other wing backwards, lining up the closed edge of the wing with the exact side of the shape.

Halloween origami, How to make an Origami Owl

Get help with your origami

If you’re new to the world of origami never fear! We have lots of guides to help you. Check out our best origami papers and best origami books to buy articles. 

Step 6

Give the wings some shape by adding a small pleat in one of the wings. You’re aiming to raise the wings up.

Halloween origami, How to make an Origami Owl

Step 7

Repeat with the other wing.

Halloween origami, How to make an Origami Owl

Step 8

So far we’ve been working on the reverse of the origami owl, so turn your model over and it should look like this.

Halloween origami, How to make an Origami Owl

Step 9

Time to make your origami owl’s head

Next – let’s make the head! Fold the top section down, approximately 1cm worth.

Halloween origami, How to make an Origami Owl

Step 10

Time to give your origami owl some ears

Find the centre point of the head you’ve just folded down, then fold over a triangle from one side, opening up the paper as you do – these are the ears!

Halloween origami, How to make an Origami Owl

Step 11

Now let's make the beak

Repeat on the other side to create the other ear and the beak.

Halloween origami, How to make an Origami Owl

Step 12

To finish the beak, add a small pleat at the bottom of the triangle. If you're struggling to get your fingers in to manipulate the small beak, I find a cocktail stick works well as an aide.

Halloween origami, How to make an Origami Owl

Step 13

Let's make your origami owl stand up!

Fold both sides of the bottom of your origami owl inwards - this enables your owl to stand up!

Halloween origami, How to make an Origami Owl

Step 14

Shape your origami owl by folding the sides inwards.

Halloween origami, How to make an Origami Owl

Step 15

Repeat on the other side to finish your origami owl!

Halloween origami, How to make an Origami Owl

Ta-dah! Your origami owl is finished

Halloween origami, How to make an Origami Owl – patterned paper

Start folding a Parliament of origami owls!

Have a hoot and fold your own origami owls with our tutorial. Turn your little origami owls into card toppers, gift tags or Halloween decor.

Now you’ve learned how to fold an origami owl you can fold a whole flock.

Make more origami animals with Gathered

Now you’ve mastered folding an origami owl it’s time for more. Why not learn how to fold an origami swan next?

How to make an origami swan_