How to make an origami turtle (cut model)
Origami Turtle (Cut Model): try all 16 steps in the 3D player. Turn and replay every move. Print the complete diagram sheet or save it as PDF.
The common cut turtle with four pointed feet, a small head and tail, and a colored shell. One slit divides the rear feet while leaving the shell underneath whole.
- You need
- One square of origami paper and scissors. A pen is optional for eyes and a shell pattern.
- Start
- Start white side up, with one corner pointing up. The colored side will cover the finished shell.
- Tips
- Keep the two feet at matching angles.
- The traditional sequence uses one cut through the front layer, not the whole packet.
Your model is ready
Your turtle has four spread feet and a short head and tail. You can draw two eyes and a shell pattern on the smooth front. The finished flat turtle, with its colored shell.
Step-by-step diagrams
Steps 1–6
- 1
Make a triangle
Fold the bottom corner up to the top corner.
- 2
Raise the right corner
Bring the right corner up to the top point, taking both layers with it.
- 3
Raise the left corner
Bring the left corner up to meet it, making a small diamond.
- 4
Lower the left point
Fold the front left point down to the bottom point of the small diamond.
- 5
Lower the right point
Fold the front right point down to meet it.
- 6
Spread the left foot
Fold the left front point back outward along the slanted line, so it sticks beyond the side of the body.
Steps 7–12
- 7
Spread the right foot
Fold the right front point outward to match the first foot.
- 8
Turn the feet upward
Rotate the paper half a turn, keeping the folded flaps facing you. The two feet are now above the uncut point.
- 9
Separate the rear feet
Cut from the lower point up to the middle fold through only the front triangular skin. Stop there and leave the paper underneath whole.
- 10
Spread the left rear foot
Fold the new left flap outward along the slanted line. The right flap and the shell stay in place.
- 11
Spread the right rear foot
Fold the other new flap outward to match the left rear foot.
- 12
Start the head pleat
Fold the upper point down along the short horizontal line, taking the head layers together.
Steps 13–16
- 13
Bring the head back out
Fold the end of that point upward again on the lower line. Leave a narrow band between the two folds.
- 14
Start the tail pleat
Fold the remaining lower shell point upward, leaving both rear feet spread.
- 15
Bring the tail back out
Fold the small end down again, leaving a short tail below the shell.
- 16
Show the shell
Turn the turtle over so the smooth colored shell faces you.
- ✓
Finish
Your turtle has four spread feet and a short head and tail. You can draw two eyes and a shell pattern on the smooth front. The finished flat turtle, with its colored shell.
Fold next
Dog face ↗
Fold floppy ears and a little muzzle, then give your paper dog a face.
Cat face ↗
A traditional triangle cat head with two pointed ears and a straight forehead.
Fox face ↗
The traditional pointed fox face, recorded in Japan in 1878, with two tall ears.
Goldfish ↗
An Origami Tutor goldfish with a small white face, a broad orange body and a large forked fan tail. Fold two squares, then glue the tail behind the narrow waist.