How to Fold a Traditional Origami Spider
Are you ready to tackle one of the most challenging traditional origami models? This origami spider will put your folding skills to the test.
You’ll need two sheets of origami paper to create the spider’s body and head. While it’s more advanced, it’s a rewarding way to improve your craft, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.
In just under 30 minutes, you’ll create a paper spider that’s perfect for adding a spooky touch to your decor. Let’s get folding!
Traditional Origami Spider Step-by-Step Instructions
- Difficulty: Low-Intermediate
- Folding time: 20-30 minutes
- Model designer: Traditional
- Paper: 2x Kami 15×15 cm (6×6 in)
Step 1
Start with the white side up. Fold in half and unfold.
Step 2
Fold in half the other way and unfold. Flip the paper around.
Step 3
Fold and unfold along the diagonals.
Step 4
Rotate the paper and flip it around.
Step 5
Collapse along the dotted lines to create a Square Base.
Step 6
Squash fold one of the flaps.
Step 7
Flip the paper over and repeat Step 6.
Step 8
Fold the top two flaps to the left to reveal another square. Repeat Step 6. Turn over the paper and repeat this again.
Step 9
Fold and unfold to the center line.
Step 10
Petal Fold the flap, using the folds from step 9.
Step 11
Flip around and repeat Steps 9 to 10.
Step 12
Fold the top two flaps to the left and repeat Steps 9 to 10. Turn over the paper and repeat this again.
Step 13
Rotate the model 180°.
Step 14
Fold the top flap up. Then, grab the top corners of the top layer and gently pull them apart.
Step 15
Push down the center and mountain fold along the horizontal line to open sink.
Step 16
Flip around and repeat Steps 14 to 15.
Step 17
Fold the top flap to the left and repeat steps 14-15.Turn over the paper and repeat.
Step 18
Fold the sides to the center. Turn over and repeat behind.
Step 19
Fold the top flap to the left and repeat step 18. Turn over and repeat behind.
Step 20
Inside reverse fold the top layers along the dotted lines. Repeat behind.
Step 21
Pull a pair of legs downwards.
Step 22
Mountain fold the legs down.
🕷️ Folding tip: You can also outside reverse fold the legs. However, a doubled sided paper is recommended to avoid having white gaps.
Step 23
Blow into the hole to puff the body.
Step 24
Create another frog base by repeating steps 1-12 on a new sheet of paper.
Step 25
Fold the flap up. Repeat behind.
Step 26
Fold the top flap to the left and repeat Step 25. Turn over the paper and repeat.
Step 27
Pleat the left and right flaps behind the top layer. Repeat behind at a slightly higher angle.
Step 28
Fold the edges of the body and leg top layers to the center line. Start from the top towards the bottom, creating a swivel fold at the junction. Repeat on all sides.
Step 29
Mountain fold the legs up.
Step 30
Insert the finished model into the model made in step 23.
The Completed Origami Spider
🕷️ Shaping Tip: Bring Your Origami Spider to Life
The video tutorial below goes beyond the basics, showing you how to shape and refine the traditional spider for a more lifelike look. With a few extra tweaks, your spider will take on a new level of detail.
Congratulations on finishing one of the most challenging traditional origami models!
Your origami spider is a true achievement, with each fold adding to its intricate, lifelike design. Display it proudly or add it to a spooky-themed setup for extra flair.
Don’t hesitate to share your creations with us in the comments or on socials. We’d love to see them!
Download the Full Origami Spider Printable PDF Instructions
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Had a blast making the spider. Think I messed up on a few steps (and definitely had to finagle the second paper since I accidentally ripprd one of the corners off whoops) but it came out so cool!
Hi Fig, Your spider looks awesome! 🕷️ I love the starry paper you chose. It gives it a cool, magical vibe. You folded the legs really well too! If you feel like tweaking it a bit more, you could try gently puffing up the body to give it a rounder shape, and lowering the pair of legs that stick up. It’ll make it look even more lifelike. But seriously, you did a fantastic job, and I’m so happy you shared it with us!
I could’t get it it is so hard I don’t understand it make it easier to understand!!!!😭
Hi Jesse! If you’re just starting with origami, I recommend simpler designs, such as the heart, ninja star, cube, whale, dog, elephant, or cat face. Once you’ve mastered these, try the box, crane, butterfly, tulip, and lily. Then, I would attempt the spider, which is one of the most challenging models in our easy origami category.
for the first step does it have to be a square
Hi there, Yes it does. Let’s make sure we keep the same proportions. You can easily turn a rectangular piece of paper into a square by folding one corner in half (edge to edge) and then just cutting off the extra strip. Enjoy!
I had a fun time making that spider!
Hi Owen! I’m glad to hear you enjoyed our tutorial! We just added a shaping tip at the end of the article to help make your spider even more realistic. Hope you check it out!