Origami bases are often the starting point of models and projects. The Origami Bird Base is probably the most famous and widely used of the traditional bases that are used in both traditional and more modern origami design. It is important for beginner folders to learn how to make an origami bird base.
Although the bird base gets its name from the flapping bird and the crane that you can make from this base, it has been used as the base for many different animals in traditional origami design. This is because it has four large flaps and a small one. These large flaps lend themselves well to creating legs as well as wings.
Bird Base Crease Pattern
The crease pattern for the Bird Base occurs frequently as a component in the design for much more complicated origami designs. It is worthwhile everyone becoming familiar with it even when they are just starting out, so that as their skill level improves, they will be able to recognise and fold this common element in complicated designs.
There are a large number of complicated models that have not been diagrammed but crease patterns for them have been made available on the internet. Learning some of the ‘building blocks’ that make up these crease patterns when someone is just starting out will help them develop the confidence needed for recreating and folding these more complex models later.
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How to Fold an Origami Bird Base
Here are the diagrams that show you how to make a bird base.
| Step | Diagram |
|---|---|
| 1. Start with a Preliminary Fold |  |
| 2. Fold and unfold the raw edges of the top flaps to the centre line |  |
| 3. Fold the top triangle down and unfold |  |
| 4. Petal fold the top layer |  |
| 5. Completed petal fold |  |
| 6. Turn the paper over |  |
| 7. Fold and unfold the raw edges of the top flaps to the centre line |  |
| 8. Fold the top triangle down and unfold |  |
| Petal fold the top layer |  |
| You have completed the Bird Base | |
Get Involved
I’d love to hear your views on the bird base. Have you folded any models that use it? Feel free to let me know what you think in the comments below, or you find can me on Instagram or Twitter. Check out my Pinterest boards too!
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