How to Fold a Traditional Origami Jumping Frog
These easy-to-follow instructions will show you how to fold a traditional origami jumping frog. This origami frog can actually jump pretty far if you press down on its back!
When you fold this model, the paper will get pretty thick near the end. Don’t worry if your folds aren’t completely perfect. The frog will still look good in the end, and it’ll still jump.
Traditional Origami Jumping Frog Step-by-Step Instructions
- Difficulty: Easy – Beginner Level 3
- Folding time: 5-10 minutes
- Model designer: Traditional
- Paper: Kami 15×15 cm
Step 1
Start with a square sheet of paper with the white side up. Fold it in half horizontally and then unfold.
Step 2
Fold the paper in half vertically.
Step 3
Fold the paper in half vertically again and then unfold it. You’ll use this crease as a guide in later steps.
Step 4
Fold the paper in half vertically. Crease this fold well and then unfold it.
Step 5
Do the same on the other side: Fold the paper down along the dotted line. Crease this fold well and then unfold it.
Step 6
Turn the paper over.
Step 7
Fold the paper down along the horizontal dotted line. Crease this fold well and then unfold it.
Step 8
Turn the paper back over to the way it was before.
Step 9
Fold the paper down along the existing creases just like you’re making a Water Bomb Base. Push everything down flat.
Step 10
Fold the bottom part of the paper up along the dotted line.
Step 11
Fold the left side of the paper towards the center along the dotted line. Don’t fold that top triangle. The paper will tuck in behind it.
Step 12
Fold the right side of the paper towards the center along the dotted line. Again, don’t fold the top triangle, but tuck the paper in behind it.
Step 13
Fold the bottom part of the paper up along the dotted line.
Step 14
Fold the paper down along the dotted line. Crease this fold well and then unfold it.
Step 15
Do the same on the other side: Fold the paper down along the dotted line, crease this fold well, and then unfold it.
Step 16
Pull the two flaps of paper on the inside of either side out just like you’re making a Boat Base.
Step 17
Fold the two flaps of paper on each side down along the dotted lines.
Step 18
Fold the top right part of the paper up along the dotted line. This will make one of the frog’s front legs. Don’t worry about the angle of the crease. As long as you get a shape like what you see in the next step, it’s fine.
Step 19
Fold the left part of the paper up along the dotted line to make the other front leg.
Tip: Use the same angle as in the previous step, matching the other leg.
Step 20
Fold the bottom right part of the paper up along the dotted line. This will form one of the back legs. This crease also doesn’t have to match the diagrams perfectly as long as it is close to the shape in the next step.
Step 21
Fold the bottom left part of the paper up along the dotted line to form the other back leg.
Step 22
Fold the entire model up along the dotted line.
Step 23
Fold the top part of the model down along the dotted line.
Step 24
Turn the whole model over.
The Completed Traditional Origami Jumping Frog
If you push down on the folds on its back, you can make it jump!
How did you do? Post a picture of your frog in the comments and see how far you can make it jump!
Download the Full Origami Frog Printable PDF Instructions
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Watch the Origami Jumping Frog Video Tutorial
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Hi everyone! I just wanted to let you know that we’ve added images, gifs, and videos to make this traditional origami jumping frog a lot easier for you. Enjoy 🐸
i make cool shark
A jumping shark? 🙂 Very cool!
Haha I made a tiny one <3
cool beans
that was great
I got some people asking me for one… it’s pretty nice 👍
I would ask you if I know you could make it
I made one at school and everyone wanted one and wanted me to teach them .-. There’s 14 of them ToT
I made a different one and it was the same! 😂
I would ask you to teach me then! 🤣
This is harder than you think the instructions are easy but when you try it by yourself it isn’t easy for real maybe for you but it isn’t for me I literally crashed out really bad.
Hey there! The jumping frog can be pretty tricky, especially if you’re just starting out. So don’t feel bad at all! Origami is all about enjoying the journey and practicing over time. If you’re totally new, I’d suggest checking out our beginner’s guide first. You can start with simpler models we’ve labeled “Beginner Level 1,” like the cat face, the fox, or the swan.
And remember, even experienced folders mess up all the time. I actually love when I can’t get a model right away, because it feels awesome to come back after folding a few other things and realize I’ve improved. Keep folding, and you’ll definitely get there!