If there's one fold every origami beginner should learn first, it's the square base — also known as the preliminary base. Hidden inside cranes, frogs, waterbombs and countless other models, this humble little shape is the quiet foundation of an enormous chunk of the origami world. The good news? It's actually very simple once you see the one clever move at the end.

The instructions below walk you through the whole fold in sixteen clear steps with a photo for each one. Spend a couple of minutes on it, and you'll have a skill you'll use in almost every origami project from now on — well worth the practice.

Learn to fold an origami preliminary base — the versatile starting shape also known as the square base.

STEP 1. This is the front of the paper.

STEP 2. This is the back of the paper (usually white).

STEP 3. Fold the bottom edge up to the top edge.

STEP 4. Unfold the previous step.

STEP 5. Fold the right edge over to the left edge.

STEP 6. Unfold the previous step.

STEP 7. Rotate the paper.

STEP 8. Flip the paper over to the other side.

STEP 9. Fold the bottom corner up to the top corner.

STEP 10. Unfold the previous step.

STEP 11. Fold the right corner over to the left corner.

STEP 12. Unfold the previous step.

STEP 13. Flip the paper back over to the other side.

STEP 14. Bring the left and right corners together and down.

STEP 15. Push the top point down, squashing the corners in underneath.

STEP 16. Your square base is complete.