Few origami animals feel as instantly recognizable as a crab — those wide pincers and splayed legs are unmistakable. This beginner-friendly tutorial builds one from a single square of paper, no scissors or glue required, using nothing but the basic folds you'll meet again and again.

Work through it slowly and you'll see how a few centre folds and gentle reverse folds transform a flat sheet into a little crustacean with character. It's a great project for a rainy afternoon with the kids, or the start of an ocean-themed mobile. Let's get folding.

These instructions will show you how to fold an easy origami crab. If any step feels tricky, take a moment to look over our beginner’s guide to learn the basic folds and techniques.

STEP 1. Begin with a square sheet of paper, white side facing up.

STEP 2. Fold and unfold the paper in half both vertically and horizontally.

STEP 3. Fold both sides of the paper to the centre along the vertical dotted lines.

STEP 4. Fold the top and bottom edges to the centre along the dotted lines, then unfold.

STEP 5. Fold the top layer of paper outward along the dotted lines, then fold the top down along the existing crease and flatten everything.

STEP 6. Fold the top layer outward again along the dotted lines, then fold the bottom up along the existing crease and flatten — just like the previous step.

STEP 7. Fold the top-right and top-left flaps upward along the dotted line.

STEP 8. Fold the right and left flaps at the bottom upward along the dotted lines.

STEP 9. Fold these flaps back down along the dotted lines.

STEP 10. Fold the bottom portion of the paper upward along the dotted line.

STEP 11. Turn the paper over.

Your origami crab is complete!