Not every origami animal needs twenty steps and a biology degree. This little monkey is just a face—a handful of clever creases turn a single square into a round, friendly monkey visage, and then the real personality comes from your own marker. That is also what makes it perfect for kids: the folding is over in a few minutes, and the fun part is drawing the eyes, the muzzle, and that mischievous grin. Hang a row of them on the wall, tape them to birthday cards, or let a toddler decide exactly how goofy each monkey should look. Just do not be surprised if your masterpiece lives or dies by the quality of the doodle.

This time it’s how to fold a cute origami monkey. My son loves the TV program “Tensai Shimura Zoo” (he likes all animals) and we always watch it together.

The monkey Sakura is cute too, but Pan-kun the chimpanzee is the one he’s watched since he was a baby—and I love Pan-kun as well.

Japanese macaques might have a rough-and-tumble image, like the ones that snatch sweets from tourists in the sun, but basically they’re adorable.

So this time I chose a cute origami model—and since it’s just a face, it’s really easy. Do try folding it together with your little ones!

Now then, let me introduce how to fold an origami monkey.

How to fold an origami monkey

This origami is cute, but because the face is drawn with a marker, it really shows off Mum and Dad’s artistic sense. It’s super easy to fold, so let’s make one and show off your drawing skills! (lol)

This time I referred to this video.

STEP 1. Fold it into a triangle and make two creases along the diagonal.

STEP 2. Unfold it and turn it so the paper becomes a square.

STEP 3. Fold the left and right sides inward about 1.5 cm.

STEP 4. Fold the top and bottom inward until the diagonal crease meets the part you just folded.

STEP 5. Fold the bottom corner upward about 2.5 cm.

STEP 6. Fold the left and right corners inward about 2 cm.

STEP 7. Turn it over and flip it upside down.

STEP 8. Fold the bottom corner upward to the line.

STEP 9. Turn it over and you have a monkey face.

STEP 10. Draw a cute monkey face on it and you’re done!

Well, how was it?! Did you draw a cute face?!

This origami is really easy to fold, but if the face comes out looking really ugly, that’s a problem! It’s cute as can be, yet if the face is a mess the kids will cry.

If drawing isn’t your thing, just hand the marker to Mum (laughs).