Penguin

Start with a square sheet of paper, white side up. Place it as a diamond with one corner pointing toward you.

Fold the paper in half diagonally from bottom to top to make a triangle. Crease firmly.

Unfold back to the full square. You should see one diagonal crease.

Fold the right edge to the center diagonal crease.

Fold the left edge to the center diagonal crease, matching the right side. This forms a kite shape.

Press the kite shape flat and sharpen all creases.

Flip the entire model over to the colored side.

Fold the narrow top point downward. This will become the penguin's head — stop about one-quarter down from the top.

Crease the fold sharply across the full width of the top section.

Fold the new top point back upward slightly to create the beak. The fold should be small and sharp.

Crease the beak fold firmly and adjust until it looks natural.

Flip the model back over. You should see the white side with the kite edges.

Fold the right edge inward toward the center, leaving a white border on the outside.

Fold the left edge inward in the same way, creating a white belly stripe down the center.

The belly stripe is the defining feature of the tuxedo look. Adjust the width until it looks proportional.

Fold the model in half vertically, bringing the right half behind the left.

You now have a standing profile shape. The head should be at the top.

Hold the model by the body and gently pull the head upward and forward.

Crease the neck fold so the head sits at a slight forward angle, not straight up.

Turn the model so the bottom faces you. Fold the front bottom point outward to form the right foot.

Fold the back bottom point outward in the opposite direction to form the left foot.

Both feet should point outward evenly so the penguin balances and stands flat.

Stand the penguin upright on the feet and check it balances. Adjust the foot angles if needed.

Look at the body from the front. The white belly stripe should be centered and visible.

Gently pinch the sides of the body to give it a slightly rounded, plump silhouette.

Fold each side flap outward very slightly to suggest wings.

Crease the wing folds softly — you want a subtle angle, not a sharp fold.

Check the head angle from the side — it should lean slightly forward, like a penguin walking.

Adjust the beak by pinching it to a neat point.

Your origami penguin is complete! Set it on a flat surface — it stands upright on its own.