2D diagram

How to make an origami trick boat

Origami Trick Boat: try all 11 steps in the 3D player. Turn and replay every move. Print the complete diagram sheet or save it as PDF.

Easy11 steps6 × 6 in · One square

The traditional single-sail trick boat, pictured in 1832. Its sail and hull come from the same opened windmill base.

You need: One square of origami paper. No glue or scissors.
Make a square from printer paper ↗
Start: Start white side up, with an edge at the top. The colored reverse will show on the hull and sail.
Tips: Make both edges meet exactly at the middle seam.
Press the two end guides before opening them again.

Symbols, bases & terms ↗

Finish

Your model is ready

Your boat with a sail is ready. Keep its broad hull flat and the single sail above it. The finished traditional boat, with its single sail above the flat hull.

3D paper

Whole sequence Finish

This stepSpeed

11 steps · press any step to watch it in 3D

Step-by-step diagrams

Valley fold Mountain fold Color side White side

Steps 1–6

1
Mark the middle
Fold the right edge to the left edge, press, and open.
2
Fold the left gate
Bring the left edge to the middle crease.
3
Fold the right gate
Bring the right edge in to meet it. Keep both gates closed.
4
Prepare the upper end
Fold the top edge down to the middle of the strip, press, and open that end again.
5
Prepare the lower end
Fold the bottom edge up to the middle of the strip, press, and open it again.
6
Spread the lower end
Draw the two corners inside the lower end sideways. Lower their shared rear panel along the end guide and press both pockets into one broad trapezoid. Keep the middle of the strip flat.

Steps 7–11

7
Spread the upper end
Draw the two corners inside the upper end sideways. Lower their shared rear panel along the end guide and press both pockets into one broad trapezoid. Keep the middle of the strip flat.
8
Raise the right sail flap
Fold the upper right arm upward along its diagonal to start the sail.
9
Raise the left sail flap
Fold the upper left arm up beside it. Leave the lower trapezoid flat for the hull.
10
Turn the boat over
Turn the model over, keeping the sail above the hull.
11
Close the front hull packet
Fold the front right packet across its diagonal toward the lower left. Keep the other sail layer standing above the hull.
✓
Finish
Your boat with a sail is ready. Keep its broad hull flat and the single sail above it. The finished traditional boat, with its single sail above the flat hull.