Almost everyone can fold a paper boat - which is exactly why this version is so much fun to make. It starts out looking familiar, then quietly grows a hull, a cabin and a proper motor boat shape, all from one square of paper.

Do not be surprised if the paper starts to feel thick under your fingers halfway through; that is the extra layering doing its job. Take your time with the creases, turn the model over gently when the steps ask you to, and you will end up with a boat that actually floats - and races beautifully when you blow on it through a straw.

How to fold

STEP 1

Turn the paper over so the white side faces up, then make creases along the vertical and horizontal diagonals to find the center. Fold the four corners in toward the center.

STEP 2

Once the creases are in place, unfold the paper.

STEP 3

Fold the corners in toward the center again, lining the edges up with the creases you just made.

STEP 4

Fold once more, this time from the crease toward the center.

STEP 5

Turn the model over and rotate it.

STEP 6

Fold the top and bottom edges in to the center.

STEP 7

Fold the four corners toward the center.

STEP 8

Fold the four corners toward the center once more. It is fine if the layers overlap in the middle.

STEP 9

Fold the top and bottom sections toward the center.

STEP 10

Open the model out from the center toward the outside.

STEP 11

Hold both edges and turn the model over.

STEP 12

The paper is thick here, so turning it over in one go may tear it. Turn one side at a time and it will come out much cleaner.

STEP 13

Once it is turned over, tidy up the shape of the bottom.

STEP 14

Pull up the front and rear roof sections.

STEP 15

The motor boat is complete.

STEP 16

Folded from ordinary origami paper, this is how it compares with a simple paper boat.

Tips for folding

There is more overlap than in a normal paper boat, so press each crease firmly.

If you stack two sheets with different colors or patterns and fold them together, lovely colors and patterns will show on the inside.

Float it on water and blow through a straw from behind, and it will speed away - racing them with friends is half the fun.

At home you can perch a small toy figure on it for display - just do not put the toy into the water.