show me how to make a paper boat

Making an Easy Origami Boat

The Spruce Crafts / Chrissy Pk

• Total Time: 10 mins

Origami comes from the Japanese. The word means the art of folding paper. " Ori " means "folding," and  kami  means "paper." In modern usage, the word "origami" is used as an inclusive term for all folding practices. The goal is to transform a flat square sheet of paper into a finished sculpture through folding and sculpting techniques.

Learn how to make the most well-known origami boat with this quick and easy step-by-step tutorial. This origami boat can also float in water .

Watch Now: How to Make an Origami Boat

This origami boat is a great model to teach kids. It is similar to the origami hat that you make with newspaper. Also, origami can be a great math-related activity for kids as your child creates using geometry.

What You'll Need

• 1 Rectangular sheet of paper

Instructions

Make the first folds.

Start with your rectangular paper, orient it vertically, with the long edges going up and down. Fold the bottom half up to the top.Fold the bottom right corner over to the left corner and make a small pinch, just enough to crease the paper. Open it back up.

Create a Triangle Shape

Using the crease as a guide, fold the left and right bottom corners up and to the middle. Flatten the folded pieces down. Rotate the paper. Fold one layer from the bottom up along the bottom of the front flaps.

A Boat Begins to Take Shape

Flip the paper over to the other side. Fold the bottom edge up in the same way. Unfold, and then fold the bottom right corner in along the crease you made. Repeat on the bottom left flap.

Form the Bottom of the Boat

Re-fold the bottom edge back up. Open the bottom of the model. Look at the corners. Flatten and then insert the overlapping flap on the left underneath the right section.

Continue Folding

Fold one layer up to the top. Repeat on the back. Open the bottom of the model.

Finalize the Folds

Pull apart the left and right flaps. Flatten it out, in the shape of a boat. Open it slightly. The triangle in the middle resembles a sail.

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Make a paper boat

Explore a creek or stream by setting sail! With nothing more than some paper and a few folding tricks you can make your own vessel to investigate the water's currents. Text adapted from the Nat Geo Kids book Get Outside Guide by Nancy Honovich  and Julie Beer.

Take a piece of paper and place it in front of you with the shorter side at the top. Fold the paper in half from top to bottom.

Fold left to right to find the center and reopen. Bring the top two corners together to the middle, forming a point, and crease.

Fold the top flap at the bottom of the paper up; turn over and fold the other flap up. Fold the triangle tabs in over each other so you have a triangle.

Pop open the center like a hat, push the pointed sides to meet, and crease down so that you now have a square.

With the opening facing you, fold the top layer up to meet the other point. Turn the paper over and repeat.

Gently pull apart the top two points while pushing out with your fingers to form the bottom of the boat. Reinforce corners with clear tape, and also tape around the bottom to keep your boat dry. Now you're ready to launch your craft!

Read this next!

Craft corner, (ad) make this, (ad) get outside guide, (ad) nat geo kids cookbook: a year-round fun food adventure.

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How to make a paper boat (step-by-step instructions)

I think everyone has made a paper boat at least once in their lifetime. Making paper boat is easy as we don’t need many materials to make it.

This is an origami craft, so all you need is a sheet of paper.

And this is a craft that every parent passes onto their kids, right?

Here is the step-by-step way to make a boat out of paper.

Materials required

A4 sheet / Letter size paper/Any rectangular paper

Step-by-step tutorial to make an easy paper boat for kids

a. Take an A4 sheet paper. Hold it horizontally as shown in the picture.

b. Fold it from left to right.

c. Make a crease.

d. Now, fold the paper from bottom to top.

e. Fold it well and make a crease.

f. Unfold the fold we just made in step d.

g&h. Now, fold the right corner towards the centre and make a crease.

i. Similarly, fold the left corner towards the centre.

j. Flatten the folded pieces down and now you have the figure as shown in pic j.

k&l. Now, from the bottom, fold one layer upwards along the bottom of the folds we made in j.

m. Make a crease and flatten it well.

n. Turn the figure over.

o. Now, like we did in the previous step, fold the bottom layer upwards.

p. Flatten the fold and make a crease again.

q&r. Open the bottom of the figure.

s. After opening as shown in pic r, flatten the top corner to the bottom as you can see in pic s.

You can see that the edges of the paper boat are overlapping on each other.

t. Insert one edge into the other (see pic t).

u. You get the figure in u.

v. Now, fold the layer from bottom to the top as shown in pic v.

w. Flatten the fold.

x. Flip the paper over and fold the other layer too. You will get the triangle shape in x.

y. Open the bottom of the figure again by pulling the flaps apart.

z. Flatten it out and you will get a diamond shape now.

aa. Open the figure by pulling the sides apart from the top to get the shape of the boat.

ab. Flatten it out an open again and your paper boat is ready.

In case you have any doubt regarding any step, feel free to watch the step-by-step video tutorial below. Please make sure you also  subscribe to our Youtube channel  to get more craft ideas for kids every week. 

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Video tutorial to make a paper boat

More paper crafts for kids

• How to make a paper airplane step-by-step
• How to make an easy and beautiful paper flower
• How to make an Origami jumping frog step-by-step

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How to Make a Paper Boat with a Big Sail

Last Updated: November 3, 2022

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 13 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 57,589 times. Learn more...

You've heard of how to make a paper boat, right? Well, to make one with a bigger sail would be better, so read below to see how!

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Video . By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube.

• If you are using scrap paper, when doing the first step in How to Make a Paper Boat (fold in half) then when doing so, the written/printed side must be face up and it will turn out better. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1

Things You'll Need

• 2 A4 sheets of paper (Any color)
• A Glue Stick (Pritt or Bostik Recommended)

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How to Make a Paper Boat – Origami for Kids

We love doing simple origami and this time we’re going to learn how to make a paper boat – a summer favorite!

We’ve done quite a few awesome origami tutorials for kids and each of them is a must make!

I loved to make these as a kid (the exact same ones) and I loved to play with them even more – we would sail them in the bathtub, puddles and lakes and when possible even have boat races with other neighbourhood kids.

This time though we took it a step further too see who can make the smallest origami boat – each time working with a smaller piece of paper (cutting the size of the paper to half each time) and I was genuinely surprised with the size of paper we have come down to – and too be honest we could probably do one even smaller if I’d have some tweezers at hand.

How to Make a Paper Boat

All you need is a sheet of paper letter sized or A4. Regular print paper is perfect for this project. Use as many colors as possible.

Start off with a sheet of paper and fold it in half downwards.

Fold in half again as shown on the second image (you don’t need to make the crease from top to bottom – you just need to mark the center).

Bring corners to the center so that you get a triangle shape with a rectangle under it.

Fold the rectangle part under the triangle upwards (as shown with the purple spots) – flip your origami and do the same on the other side.

Grab the center of the triangle shape as indicated on the first image above with the red spot and pull both sides (holding the red spot) out. Flatten.

You’ll get the shape as shown on the second image above (ignore that red spot in the left bottom corner – I have no idea how that one came there haha).

Fold the front layer up (as shown with the green spot) flip the origami boat to be and do the same with the back layer. You’ll get a triangle shape.

Slowly pull the top parts outwards and you have your paper boat!

More cool origami for kids you can try:

We’ve had a lot of fun creating this shark fortune teller – it’s fun to make and even more fun to play with. You should also give these origami frogs a try!

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How to Make a Paper Boat: An Easy & Fun Origami Craft for Kids

Are you looking for a fun and creative activity engaging children and adults? Making a paper boat through the art of origami is an excellent choice! Origami is the Japanese art of folding paper into various shapes, and creating a paper boat is one of the classic and simplest origami designs. Yes, that’s possible for a reader who needs to make a boat to get an idea from step by step guide in text form and a paper boat.

Learn how to make a paper boat with this easy step-by-step origami tutorial. Create a fun and simple craft using just a piece of paper. Float your imagination with this exciting activity for kids, and enjoy the joy of crafting a paper boat.

In this step-by-step guide, we will guide you quick on how to make a paper boat easily using a single piece of paper. Let’s dive in and embark on this exciting crafting journey!

Introduction to Paper Boat Origami

Table of Contents

Origami, the Japanese art of paper folding, has captivated people worldwide for centuries. Making a paper boat is a fantastic origami project that allows you to explore the beauty of this craft while creating a playful and functional item. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced origami enthusiast, crafting a paper boat is a fun and simple activity that brings joy to all ages.

Materials Required

Before we begin, gather the following materials:

• A rectangular piece of paper (printer paper or origami paper)
• A flat surface to work on

Ensure that your paper is square or close to a square shape, as this will make the folding process easier and result in a better-looking boat.

How to Make a Paper Boat: Step By Step Guide 

Step 1: Folding the Paper in Half

Start by taking your rectangular piece of paper and folding it in half from top to bottom. Ensure the top edge aligns precisely with the bottom edge, then crease the fold. This step will create a center line as a reference for the subsequent folds.

Step 2: Folding the Paper in Half Again

Now, fold the paper in half again, from left to right. Align the left edge with the right edge, ensuring the corners meet accurately. Crease the fold well to maintain the shape.

Step 3: Folding the Top Corners

Bring your attention to the top of the folded paper. The top corners are folded downwards, meeting at the center crease line. This action forms a triangle shape at the top of the paper, resembling a hat.

Step 4: Opening and Folding the Bottom Flaps

Flip the paper over and repeat the previous step on the other side. Start by folding the top corners downward, creating another triangle shape. This time, you’ll notice that there are flaps at the bottom.

Step 5: Folding the Bottom Flaps Again

To give your paper boat a sturdier base, fold the bottom flaps upwards, aligning them with the top edges of the boat. This fold strengthens the structure and prepares it for the boat’s final shape.

Step 6: Forming the Boat Shape

Hold the paper boat at the bottom edges and gently pull them apart. As you do this, the sides of the boat will open up, and you’ll notice it starting to resemble a boat shape. You can adjust and refine the boat’s shape by gently pressing and smoothing the folds.

Step 7: Folding the Sail

To add a sail to your paper boat, fold the top layer of the front tip downwards. This fold will create a triangular shape representing the sail catching the wind. Feel free to adjust the size and angle of the sail to your liking.

Step 8: Waterproofing the Boat

If you plan to sail your paper boat on the water, making it waterproof is essential. To achieve this, you can use aluminum foil to wrap the bottom of the boat, making it resistant to water absorption. This step ensures that your paper boat stays afloat for extended periods.

Additional Tips and Ideas

• Experiment with different sizes of one piece of paper to create boats of various dimensions.
• Add color and personality to your paper boat by decorating it with markers or colored pencils before folding it.
• Explore different paper types, such as origami paper with beautiful patterns, to make your origami boats visually appealing.

Variations of Paper Boat To Try

Here are some variations of the paper boat that you can try:

• Sailboat:  Add a small piece of paper to the back of the boat to make a sail.
• Motorboat:  Add a small piece of paper to the back of the boat and fold it into a propeller.
• Submarine:  Fold the bottom of the boat up to make a submarine hul l.
• Hot air balloon:  Fold the boat’s top into a balloon shape.

Are paper boats easy to make?

Absolutely! Paper boats are simple to make, and this step-by-step tutorial will guide you through the process.

Can I use regular printer paper to make a paper boat?

Regular printer paper works perfectly fine for making paper boats. However, using origami paper can add an extra touch of elegance and authenticity.

How long will my paper boat float?

A paper boat’s duration depends on various factors such as the paper’s thickness, waterproofing techniques, and the water’s conditions. Generally, properly waterproofed paper boats can float for a reasonable time.

Can I find video tutorials for making paper boats?

Absolutely! There are numerous video tutorials available on platforms like YouTube that provide visual instructions for making paper boats.

Is origami suitable for kids?

Yes, origami is an excellent activity for kids as it enhances creativity, improves fine motor skills, and promotes focus and patience.

Learn how to make a paper boat by reading this guide. Creating paper boats through origami is a fun and engaging activity for individuals of all ages. Indeed this boat made with origami for kids is fun, and they’re always loving to turn the paper in half from top using fingers and tape to make wonders.

You can transform a flat sheet into a charming boat ready for sailing adventures with a single piece of paper and a few simple folds. Enjoy folding, shaping, and personalizing your paper boats, and let your imagination set sail! I’m loving this as these boats are so fun for all-age people. 

Anna Kristensen is an avid sailor and experienced yacht captain. With her vast experience sailing across different seas and weather conditions, she offers expert advice on navigation, seamanship, and offshore sailing. Anna's in-depth knowledge of sailing techniques, safety protocols, and voyage planning makes her an excellent resource for sailors looking to enhance their skills and embark on memorable boating adventures.

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How to make a paper boat

It's time to set sail for a classic crafting adventure with this easy-to-do paper boat… all aboard!

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Put your leftover Sunday papers to good use and let your kids' imagination run wild with this stunning and simple guide on how to make a paper boat.

This paper boat is  so easy and cheap to make and is perfect for a bedroom centre piece, or smaller versions make for great party place settings. Make your room come alive with these stunning paper ships.

Personalise or decorate your paper boats with flags - you can even paint them in your favourite bright, striking colours.

Follow our step-by-step  how to picture guide to fold your newspaper into a paper boat. A couple of simple wallpaper and washi tape additions transform a simple origami technique into a paper boat you'd proudly display in your home. It'll keep the little ones entertained for a couple of hours too.

To make a paper boat:

• Broadsheet newspaper
• Wallpaper scraps
• Bamboo skewers
• Strong glue
• Spot and stripe washi tapes

Instructions to make a paper boat:

1. Cut a sheet of newspaper down to approximately 35x45cm.

2. Fold the newspaper sheet in half (top to bottom). Then fold from side to side, to create a crease, and unfold.

3. Next, fold the top left tip downwards, so it touches the middle crease. Do the same with the top right tip.

4. Fold the bottom flap upwards, flip it over and fold the other bottom flap upwards. Insert your thumbs into the middle and pull outward. Press flat to create a square.

5. With the point of the open side facing toward you, lift one bottom flap and make it touch the opposite tip. Turn over and repeat – you should have a triangle.

6. Hold the two top tips and pull outwards to create a boat.

7. Cut two small rectangular pieces of wallpaper. Push a skewer through each piece to create a sail, then poke it down through the top of the boat and glue to secure.

8. Cut another skewer in half. Glue one half to each end of the boat. Stick strips of craft tape along a 50cm piece of string at intervals. Snip the tape into triangle. Sail away!

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Home › Blog › Kids Crafts › Paper Crafts for Kids › How To Fold a Paper Boat [Columbus Day Activities]

How To Fold a Paper Boat [Columbus Day Activities]

Published Oct 09, 2023

I love this How to make a paper boat as part of your Columbus Day activities for kids fun. Telling the story of Columbus is much more fun with a paper boat to sail.   Kids Activities Blog loves finding easy activities for kids like this one that use things you already have at home to sneak in a little Columbus Day learning. And who doesn’t want to make a paper boat?

Columbus Day Craft for Kids

Anyone else grow up learning this little ditty to teach us about Columbus Day…

In fourteen hundred and ninety two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue… -Unknown

I will certainly not ever forget the year Christopher Columbus sailed to America.  I hope it’s a Final Jeopardy question the day I’m on it!

How to Make a Paper Boat

This Columbus Day, spend a few minutes in discussion with your kids on the importance of this holiday and make 3 mini paper boats to celebrate his crossing the Atlantic on his fleet of the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria.

This is a very easy, beginner origami craft that younger kids can do as well.

This article contains affiliate links.

Supplies Needed to Fold a Paper Boat

• 5×7 inch piece of paper – regular weight printer paper or scrapbook paper works best
• (Optional) Toothpick to make a boat flag
• (Optional) Scissors

How to Fold a Paper Boat (Easy Paper Boat Instructions with Photos)

Start with a 5×7 sheet of paper and fold it in half and press down on the middle crease.

Now fold it in half again to make another crease.  Unfold.

Fold the top 2 corners in to meet in the middle at the crease and form a triangle.

Fold the small front flap up on the front and the back flap up on the back.

Take the two bottoms of the triangle and push them in together, forming a diamond.

Fold the front bottom corner up to the top corner and again on the other side.  You have created another triangle with an open bottom.

Push the two sides of the triangle in towards one another, just as you did in Step 4, creating a diamond again.

Holding the diamond facing you, pull both the right and left top layers out to form the hulls of the boat.

There you go! Now you can make a paper boat .

I can’t think of a more fun way to celebrate Columbus Day!

Columbus Day in the USA

Here in America, we celebrate Columbus Day, the day the famed explorer, Christopher Columbus reached the Americas on October 12, 1492.  Though he was not the first explorer to have discovered the New World, his voyages led to the lasting connection of Europe to the Americas.  He has an enormous impact on the historical development of the modern Western World.  Therefore, we celebrate this day each year, ensuring our children remember his name, if not the silly rhyme.

What To Do With a Paper Boat

A paper boat folded with regular paper is great to use in LAND play. It can be floated on the water, but will not hold up well if it sinks or tips. It is fun to create a fleet of paper boats for play or decoration.

If you want to float your paper boat more aggressively, try using a Waterproof printer paper for folding. In our experience, this will give you some one time play fun in the water, but the paper isn’t strong enough to hold up after one sailing episode.

Paper Boat FAQ

Paper boats have been known to symbolize several ideas: 1. Because of their similarity to a small life boat and its fragility over time, a paper boat has been used to symbolize life. 2. Paper boats are a symbol of childhood freedom. A paper boat image may be included in a tattoo design as a reminder of the art of childhood with the simplicity of the folded shape. 3. The paper boat image became a symbol of Greece when it was used in the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games in Athens 2004. 4. Paper boats have been known to remind people of family togetherness, peace, harmony and kindness.

A paper boat will float on water…for a little bit. As long as it is upright and the paper is not too wet, it will float. Try it in a sink or bathtub. The floating can be interrupted by the boat tipping to one side and taking on water or allowing the bottom of the boat to become too waterlogged.

There are several ways you can water proof your paper boat: 1. Start with waterproof paper . 2. Drip hot candle wax on the areas of the finished folded paper boat that you want water-proofed. 3. Spray your finished paper boat with a waterproofer water repellent like a boot spray . 4. Before you fold your boat, slip your paper into a clear sheet protector cut to size and follow the folding instructions. You may need a little tape to reinforce a fold since the paper is now bulkier. 5. Before you fold your paper boat, laminate the paper you are using and then follow the folding instructions. 6. This isn’t a long term waterproofing solution, but coloring what will be the bottom portion of the boat before folding with wax crayons with a thick, colorful layer can hold off the water for a bit!

More Kids Activities from Kids Activities Blog

Celebrating holidays like Columbus Day with kids activities is what we do.   Here are some of our favorites similar to How to Make a Paper Boat … we even have paper airplanes!

• How to Make a Paper Airplane
• Paper Airplane Experiment for kids
• Autumn Activities
• Learn how to make a diy boat with these fun crafts.

Did your kids have fun folding a paper boat?

Activities For Kindergarteners Easy Crafts for Kids Elementary Age Activities for Kids History Activities Holiday Kids Columbus Day Activities Kids Crafts Paper Crafts for Kids STEM Activities

Welcome to Kids Activities!

My name is Holly Homer & I am the Dallas mom of three boys…

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The paper in the picture is 8.5 X 11. But the directions say 5 X 7…?

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Hi! This looks like so much fun! I would love to do this with my classroom at church. I do have a question though – does it have to be 5 x 7 paper or could 6 x 6 work? I’ve never done origami before. I looked online and I’m finding more options to purchase the size 6 x 6. Please let me know. Thank you! This is a great idea!

I would simply try it with a square piece of paper to see if the 6×6 would work. You could always have them tear off one edge.

this is one of those classic craft ideas that I had forgotten all about ¦my daughter will LOVE this! Thanks for such great step-by-step directions. I’ve linked to your post here: http://dollarstoremom.com/2012/10/make-a-paper-boat/

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Amber Robertson is the founder of Quill and Fox. A creative writing studio that helps people find their voice and share their stories. Amber is also a published author, with her first book slated for release in 2020. She loves spending time with her family and friends, reading, writing, and traveling. When Amber was younger, she loved to write short stories and plays. But somewhere along the way, she lost touch with her creativity. It wasn’t until she became a mom that she realized how important it was to share her stories—both the good and the bad—with the people she loves most. That’s when Quill and Fox was born. Amber is passionate about helping others find their voice and share their stories. She believes that every person has a story worth telling, and it’s her mission to help them tell it in a way that is authentic and true to themselves

How to Fold a Paper Boat: A Step-by-Step Guide

Table of Contents

If you’re looking for a fun and easy DIY project, then learning how to fold a paper boat is a great place to start. Not only is it a simple and enjoyable activity, but it’s also a great way to exercise your creativity. With just a few simple folding techniques, you can create a beautiful paper boat that you can use for decoration or even for play.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the step-by-step process of folding a paper boat, as well as some helpful tips and tricks to make the process even easier. So whether you’re a seasoned paper-folding expert or a complete beginner, let’s dive in and explore the wonderful world of paper boats!

Materials Needed

Before we get started, let’s take a quick look at the materials you’ll need to make your paper boat. Fortunately, this project doesn’t require anything fancy, and you likely have everything you need already on hand. Here are the materials you’ll need:

A square piece of paper: The size of the paper can vary depending on how big you want your boat to be. For beginners, we recommend using a standard 8.5 x 11-inch piece of paper.

A flat surface: You’ll need a flat surface to fold your paper on. A desk or table works great.

Your hands: This project requires no scissors or glue, so your hands are your most important tool!

Now that you have your materials ready, let’s move on to the fun part: folding the paper boat.

Steps to Fold a Paper Boat

Step 1: start with a square piece of paper.

The first step in folding a paper boat is to start with a square piece of paper. If you’re using a standard 8.5 x 11-inch piece of paper, you’ll need to fold it in half diagonally to create a square. Simply line up the top corner of the paper with the bottom corner, and then crease the paper in half diagonally.

Step 3: Fold the Top Corners Down to the Center Crease

Next, take the top layer of the right corner and fold it down to meet the center crease. Repeat this step with the left corner and make sure that the two corners overlap slightly in the center.

Step 4: Fold the Bottom Edge Up to the Center Crease

Now, take the bottom edge of the paper and fold it up to the center crease. This will create a triangle shape at the bottom of the paper.

Step 5: Fold the Corners Back and Out

Flip the paper over and fold the right and left corners back and out to create the sides of the boat. You can adjust the angle of the folds to create a wider or narrower boat.

Step 6: Fold the Top Point Down to the Bottom Point

Finally, fold the top point of the paper down to meet the bottom point. Crease the paper well and then unfold it slightly to create the base of the boat.

Congratulations, you’ve folded your very own paper boat! With a little bit of practice, you can experiment with different paper sizes and folding techniques to create a variety of unique boats.

Decorating the Paper Boat

Once you’ve folded your paper boat, you can take it to the next level by decorating it. You can use markers, crayons, or paint to add color and designs to your boat. You can also add stickers, cut out shapes, or even glue on glitter to make your boat stand out.

Another fun way to decorate your paper boat is by adding a sail. You can use toothpicks or skewers to make a mast, and then attach a small piece of paper or fabric to create a sail. You can even write your name or a message on the sail to personalize your boat.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips and tricks to keep in mind as you fold your paper boat:

Make sure to crease your paper well after each fold to create sharp, clean lines.

Experiment with different paper sizes and folding techniques to create unique boats.

If you’re having trouble with a particular step, try watching a video tutorial or asking a friend for help.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your decorations! The possibilities are endless.

Learning how to fold a paper boat is a fun and easy DIY project that anyone can enjoy. With just a few simple folds, you can create a beautiful paper boat that you can use for decoration or even for play. So grab some paper and get folding – your next paper boat adventure is waiting for you!

Next, you’ll want to fold the corners of the paper back and out to create the boat’s sides. To do this, take the top layer of each corner and fold it back and out towards the edges of the paper. This will create two triangular flaps on each side of the paper.

Finally, you’ll want to fold the top point of the paper down to the bottom point to create the boat’s hull. To do this, simply take the top point of the paper and fold it down to the bottom point, creasing the paper firmly along the way.

And there you have it! Your paper boat is complete and ready to sail. But before you set it out to sea, let’s take a closer look at some helpful tips and tricks to make your paper boat-folding experience even more enjoyable.

One of the best things about folding a paper boat is that you can get creative with the design and decoration. There are endless ways to personalize your paper boat and make it unique. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Use patterned paper: If you want to add some extra flair to your paper boat, try using patterned paper instead of plain white paper. You can find a wide variety of patterned paper at your local craft store, or you can print your own designs onto plain paper.

Add stickers or drawings: Another way to decorate your paper boat is to add stickers or draw your own designs onto the paper. You can use markers, crayons, colored pencils, or any other art supplies you have on hand.

Create a fleet: Once you’ve mastered the art of folding a paper boat, try making multiple boats in different sizes and colors to create a whole fleet of paper boats.

Use crisp, clean paper: To ensure that your paper boat turns out looking neat and tidy, use a crisp, clean piece of paper. Wrinkled or crumpled paper can make the folding process more difficult and result in a less polished final product.

Be patient: Folding a paper boat takes a bit of practice and patience. Don’t get discouraged if your first few attempts don’t turn out perfectly. Keep practicing, and you’ll soon become a paper-folding pro.

Experiment with different paper sizes: While we recommend starting with a standard 8.5 x 11-inch piece of paper, don’t be afraid to experiment with different paper sizes to create boats of varying shapes and sizes.

With these tips and tricks in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating beautiful paper boats in no time. So grab some paper, and let your creativity set sail!

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DIY With Todd – How To Make A Paper Boat

Hello There!

Did you know that The art of folding a sheet of paper into something creative is a part of  origami art ? I am Todd, the in-house DIY expert. I am excited to make some paper boats that I can float in the nearby pond with Jax and Jane. Would you like to make one too? Here’s how you can get started.

Things needed

Coloured or plain papers (square shaped)

Paints (optional)

Old toothbrush (optional)

• Take a square-shaped paper
• Fold it in half
• Fold it once more till you have a small square
• Take three parts of the folded paper square and fold diagonally
• Fold the last part on the other side diagonally
• Once all the folds are completed, open the square and flatten it out in the opposite direction
• Then, open the boat by separating the top ends of the folded triangle
• Press the folded lines for the boat to hold its shape and set sail

Pro-tip: You can use the toothbrush to spray paint on these boats to make them more colourful and fun! 

Drop a message in the comments section below to tell us what you think about these fun paper boats.

Also read, 

• Here’s how to talk to your child about money matters  
• Cook With Alessandro – Simple Butter Cookies  
• DIY Corner – Easy Paper Flowers

About the Author

Mariam Taqui

Mariam Taqui Ali (pro tip: the middle name is pronounced tuh-key) A Word slayer, pluviophile, baker, traveller; among other things, knows the correct usage of punctuation and the difference between your and you're. She spent some time (read a lot of time) writing, editing and keeping track of word counts. Her trysts with writing and editing has led her to interact with experts from diverse industries like healthcare, wellness, HR, business and technology. Having experienced all that, she continues her professional explorations, to learn, to grow and to be a value add. Drop in a line at [email protected] if you liked her stories, have something nice to say, or if you have compelling ideas to share!

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February 8, 2022

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• How to Make a Paper Boat in 2 Easy Ways (DIY for Kids)

Two Easiest Ways to Make Paper Boats with Newspapers and Origami

Making paper boats is super easy and fun.

Is the rainy season right around the corner? Then we suggest teaching your children how to make paper boats! Most kids are stuck at home on a gloomy rainy day. And they might end up getting bored too fast. To keep them engaged for a long time, we suggest you teach them how to make a paper boat from scratch!

Children can make paper boats with both newspaper and origami sheets. They can float the paper boat in a puddle or along any stream of water. And do you know what the best part is? They can make as many as they want!

So let's check out the two easiest ways of making paper boats with both old newspapers and origami paper boats. Let's get started!

How to Make a Paper Boat with Old Newspapers

Paper Boat With Newspaper

Materials Required 

Bamboo skewers

Wallpaper scraps

Strong glue 

Take the newspaper and cut it into the size of 35*45 cm. You can take the help of a ruler to measure the length of the newspaper.

Fold the newspaper in half from top to bottom. Then again, fold it from side to side and create a crease. Unfold the paper.

Please fold the paper from the upper left to touch the central crease. Repeat the process for the upper right tip. 

Wrap the bottom flap up, flip it over and wrap the other bottom flap up. Put your thumb in the middle, pull it outward, and press the paper flat to make a square. 

With the tip of the open side, lift any bottom flap and touch it to the other tip. Turn over the paper and repeat the process to get a triangle.

Next, hold onto both the upper tips and pull them apart gently to create your paper boat!

If you wish to decorate, you can cut out two small pieces of wallpaper and put a skewer through both the pieces to make a sail. Poke the skewer to the boat's top and secure it with glue.  

Step By Step Guide on How to Make Paper Boat with Origami  

Origami paper boats are super easy to make. All you need is an origami paper of your choice and colour, and that's it. Here are the steps to follow to make the boat -

How to Make Paper Boat with Origami

First, fold the paper in half. Keep it down vertically on your table or floor and fold it from left to right to ensure that the corners meet. Make sure there is a neat crease on the paper. You can run your finger over the crease 2-3 times to make it more pronounced.

Next, unfold the origami paper, and rotate it 90 degrees to fold it up in half again. By now, the paper should be in a horizontal position. Once you are done adjusting the paper, fold it from left to right. It will create yet another crease in the middle of the page.

How to Fold a Paper to make Paper Boat

Now flip the origami paper so that the fold opens facing you. Then fold the top corners of the paper towards the middle leaving about 2.5 to 5 cm of space at the bottom. Ensure these folds match with the central crease. To secure all the folds, crease along the edge of the papers. 

Next, pull up the bottom of the page and fold it up against both sides. Take the bottom flap and fold it against the lower end of the two triangles. Turn the paper around and repeat the process with the other flap. It will result in a paper hat. 

Next, take the lower corners and fold them over inside. On one side, take the rectangle's corners and put them over the triangle. Tuck those paper parts inside the triangle's edges and crease them with your fingers to stay in place. Then put the bottom flaps towards you over the triangle edges. 

Now it is time to make the triangle into squares. Rotate the triangle 45 degrees and open the bottom of the triangle with your fingers. Gently pull the paper so that it slowly turns into a square. 

Next, fold the bottom flaps and rearrange your paper to fold up the bottom parts of the diamond. Fold up any one corner to align with the top one. Repeat the process on the other side too. 

Now, turn the resultant triangle into a square too. Rotate the triangle 45 degrees and open the bottom of the triangle with your fingers. Gently pull the paper so that it slowly turns into a square. 

Next, pull the triangles to the sides of the square. Start with the top of the diamond, pilling both sides apart so that the middle seam blooms. Make sure to crease the bottom of the folded area to make your paper boat stronger.

And that's it! Your paper boat swing is ready!

So we just saw that making paper boats is a super fun activity for both you and your kids. This activity can keep both their restless minds and hands occupied, making the cutest paper boats that they can use to play in the rain. So get the materials mentioned above and start to make a paper boat with your kid!