How to make an origami rat?

How to make an origami rat? - briefly

Start with a square sheet, fold it diagonally both ways, crease a valley fold along the opposite diagonal, bring the top corners to the center line to form a kite, collapse into a preliminary base, pull the lower flaps outward to shape the tail and ears, and fold a small tip inward to sharpen the nose. The finished model is a compact paper rat with a defined head, ears, and tapered tail.

How to make an origami rat? - in detail

Begin with a square sheet of thin, white paper, 15 cm per side. The grain should run horizontally; this gives sharper creases for the tail and ears.

1. Base folds

   • Fold the sheet in half diagonally, crease, then unfold.
   • Fold the opposite diagonal, crease, unfold. The sheet now displays an “X” of intersecting creases.
   • Fold the paper in half horizontally, crease, and unfold.
   • Fold vertically, crease, and unfold. These four central creases form a preliminary grid.

2. Preliminary valley folds

   • Bring the top corner to the center point where the diagonal creases intersect; press a valley fold.
   • Repeat with the bottom corner, creating a kite shape.
   • Fold the left and right corners to the same central point, forming a smaller square within the original.

3. Forming the head and snout

   • Collapse the model along the existing creases into a preliminary base (a smaller square with a flap on each side).
   • Pull the upper flap outward, aligning its edge with the lower edge of the base; this creates the rat’s snout.
   • Fold the tip of the snout back on itself to form a short, rounded nose.

4. Ears

   • Locate the two top corners of the collapsed base.
   • Fold each corner outward at a 45‑degree angle, then reverse the fold so the tip points upward, producing triangular ears.
   • Sharpen the ear creases for a crisp appearance.

5. Body and tail

   • Flip the model over; the lower flap now represents the torso.
   • Fold the bottom edge upward, stopping a centimeter short of the snout, to define the hindquarters.
   • Create a long, thin tail by folding a narrow strip from the rear edge toward the back, then fold it back on itself twice for a double‑layered tail.

6. Legs

   • On each side of the torso, fold a small triangular flap outward to serve as front legs.
   • Reinforce the folds by running a fingertip along the crease.
   • If desired, make a tiny reverse fold at the tip of each leg to suggest paws.

7. Finishing touches

   • Adjust all creases for symmetry; ensure ears stand upright, tail lies straight, and legs are even.
   • Gently round the snout and body edges with a soft press to give the animal a more natural silhouette.

The completed paper rat should stand on its front legs, tail extending backward, and display distinct head, ears, and body proportions. Use a thin, high‑contrast paper for better visual detail; thicker stock yields a sturdier figure but may soften fine creases.