How to Make an Origami Bat (With Visuals)

Easy-to-follow instructions for making this cool nocturnal creature

Co-authored by Coco Sato and Jennifer Vasquez, BA, MA

Last Updated: August 10, 2026 Fact Checked

Are you looking for your next origami project? There are a ton of cool figures you can do, and we’re about to show you how to make an origami bat. You don’t have to be a pro to try your hands at this. Our clear, step-by-step instructions and pictures walk you through the process. Plus, we offer some tips to get your folds just right. Have fun!

Folding an Origami Bat

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A step-by-step illustration of how to make an origami bat.

You can use origami paper or printer paper for this project. To get crisp folds, simply use your fingers or a ruler. Getting the folds aligned in the right place ensures your bat is formed correctly, so take your time making the creases.

Difficulty level: Easy
Folding time: Up to 10 minutes

1

Begin with a square piece of paper.

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Grab a square piece of paper with the colored side down. If you can, use 6x6 inches origami paper. If you’re using double-sided colored origami paper, start with the desired color faced down.
- Origami expert Robert Homayoon says you can also use printer paper since that’s usually more accessible.^{[1]
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- Origamist and contemporary artist Coco Sato suggests practicing with thinner paper first to get intricate folds accurate.^{[2]
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  Coco Sato
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2

Fold the paper in half to form a triangle.

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Place the paper in front of you so that it’s positioned like a diamond. Take the bottom corner, bringing it up to the top opposite corner and folding it. You’re basically folding the paper in half so it looks like a triangle.

3

Fold the triangle in half.

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Bring one corner over to the other side, and fold. Create a crease by pressing down on the paper, then unfold it.

4

Fold the tip of the triangle to create a second crease.

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Take the tip, and fold it up toward the opposite edge. Then, unfold it. You now have a new crease that runs horizontally.

5

Fold the triangle tip up to the new crease.

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Fold the tip of the triangle again, but this time, bring it up to the horizontal crease. Unfold it.There should be another crease where you folded.

6

Bring the smallest crease to the top edge of the triangle.

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Line the crease up evenly with the edge. The paper should resemble a pointed hat.

7

Bend the pointed tip toward you.

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Fold the point of the triangle hat toward you. Make sure the tip reaches the first crease that’s right below it. Keep the flap folded down.

8

Fold the whole model in half, unfold, then flip it.

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Unfold the paper, then turn it over.

9

Bring the bottom edges of the wings to the center crease.

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Press down, then unfold the paper. Repeat these steps for the left side. This is how you begin to form the wings.

10

Fold both wing tips in where the “head” meets the “body.”

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First start by taking the tip of the right wing. Fold it over until it hits the point where the “head” meets the “body.” This should go slightly past the middle crease. Unfold the model. Repeat these steps for the left wing. When you’re done, turn the shape over.

11

Fold the diagonal creases on the wings toward the center crease.

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With the model flipped over, fold along the diagonal lines. These diagonal lines look like a “V” surrounding the central crease. Take the diagonal crease on the right side, and fold it in to meet the middle crease. Keep it in this folded position.
- Repeat this step when you move to the left side.
- The creasing of the wings is done by doing a series of mountain folds.

12

Do a mountain fold on the second crease on both sides.

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Bring the second crease on the right side toward the middle. Take the second crease in this area, and do another mountain fold so it meets the center crease. Press it down, and keep it in this position.
- Repeat this step when you move to the left side.

13

Create a zigzag pattern on the wings through a series of folds.

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Fold the remaining flap over. Align it with the diagonal line to create a valley fold. Keep the paper folded in this position. Now, fold this flap backward so it lines up with the diagonal edge. The creases should align with the middle, and the point should be facing to the right. When you unfold the wing, there will be a zigzag pattern created by all of the creases.
- Repeat this step when you move to the left side.
- Turn the model over once the right and left wings are done.

14

Pinch the top to create the head and ears.

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Slightly curve in the sides of the “head” by gently pushing the paper in on both sides. Then, pinch both corners of the top part using your thumb and index fingers to form pointed ears. Hold the flap down that’s at the back of the head so it doesn’t lift up.
- You can reinforce any folds so the creases are more visible. Then, your bat is ready to display!

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Tips

When it comes to folds, Homayoon recommends to first push down gently. He explains that this makes it easier if you need to go back to fix any creases. You can create a sharper fold once the creases are aligned correctly, he says.^{[3]
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For crisp folds, Sato suggests practicing by using your fingertips or fingernail. She adds that other tools you could use include a bone folder, a ruler, or the non-sharp edge of a butter knife.^{[4]
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Be patient with yourself. Homayoon says that, if you’re a beginner, you should take your time and focus on being precise. Following instructions in books and watching videos are great ways to learn how to do origami, he adds.^{[5]
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