“TURKEY, n. A large bird whose flesh when eaten on certain religious anniversaries has the peculiar property of attesting piety and gratitude. Incidentally, it is pretty good eating.”
Some of the models I write about here are old favourites that I come back to and share. Some of them are designs I’ve just come across and think ‘I have to make this’. I’ve got a list of models I want to fold at some point, and another list of stuff that’s going to end up on this blog when I get round to it.
Sometimes though, I come across a design while idly flicking through my collection of origami books and think ‘oh yes, I’d forgotten about that’. That’s what happened last week. I stumbled across this origami Turkey by Gen Hagiwara and thought I’d give it a go.
I think Gen Hagiwara did a fine job with this design. The shape of the head makes it instantly recognizable as a turkey. While the tail is similar to the origami peacock it still works well with the model.
Yes, it’s probably the perfect origami model for Thanksgiving, but I didn’t feel like waiting. Keep this post handy come November, and then make a few origami turkeys to use as table decorations. There is also this “origami-inspired” turkey folded out of napkins, that could work well.
Making an origami turkey is a fun and easy Thanksgiving craft that both kids and adults will enjoy. With just a square piece of paper, you can create a beautiful paper turkey decoration for your holiday table. This origami project helps teach fine motor skills and is a great way to get creative for Thanksgiving. In this step-by-step tutorial, I’ll show you exactly how to fold an origami turkey that looks impressive but is actually very simple to make.
Supplies Needed
To make this origami turkey craft, you will need:
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Square origami paper or regular printer paper cut into a square. Standard origami paper is 6 x 6 inches, but you can use any size square sheet.
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Glue (optional)
That’s it! Just paper and glue, if you want the model to stay together permanently.
Step-by-Step Folding Instructions
Follow these easy instructions to fold your own origami turkey:
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Start with your square paper colored side up. Fold the paper in half diagonally and unfold. This creates a crease line.
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Fold the right corner to the center crease line. Repeat on the left corner.
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Fold the top point down to the center crease line.
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Fold the top layer down again aligning the edge with the center crease.
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Flip over the paper.
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Fold the paper in half toward you.
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Unfold the previous fold.
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Accordion fold the square base of the model. Stop at the crease line.
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Fold down a small triangle at the top to make the turkey’s beak.
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Fold the top triangle in half.
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Flip the model over.
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Fold the bottom triangle up.
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Apply glue along the back of the accordion folds if you want your model to stay together. Press them together.
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Gently pull out the accordion section to make the fan tail.
And you’re done! You just folded a simple origami turkey perfect for Thanksgiving.
Turkey Decorating Ideas
Once your origami turkey is complete, you can leave it as is or decorate it. Here are some fun ways to personalize your paper turkey:
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Use patterned scrapbooking paper or origami paper with colors and designs for a more dynamic, decorative turkey.
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Glue on googly eyes, pom poms, or feathers to give your turkey personality.
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Draw or color a wattle and feet with markers or crayons.
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Add glitter, sequins, or other embellishments with glue for some sparkle.
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For a 3D effect, glue the turkey onto a popsicle stick or cardstock backing.
Displaying Origami Turkeys
What are some ways to show off your completed origami turkeys?
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Sit your paper turkey on your Thanksgiving dinner table as part of the decorative centerpiece.
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Hang turkeys on the wall or from the ceiling as festive garland.
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Line them up on your mantel or shelves for a colorful turkey parade.
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Attach a magnet to the back and display turkey art on your fridge.
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Place turkeys on top of wrapped gifts as whimsical gift toppers.
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Give origami turkeys to your dinner guests as handmade favors or place cards.
So get creative with how and where you exhibit your origami masterpieces.
Troubleshooting Origami Turkey Issues
Having trouble getting your turkey’s tail to stand up properly? Here are some tips:
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Make sure the accordion folds are pressed tightly together where you applied the glue.
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Try using a counterweight, like a LEGO piece, underneath the tail feathers to hold them upright.
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Adjust the fold angles and play around with gently opening the tail section to find the right balance.
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If needed, use some extra glue or tape on the inside folds to help reinforce the delicate tail structure.
Don’t get discouraged if your first origami turkey isn’t perfect! Part of the fun is troubleshooting and figuring out how to get the tricky 3D shapes just right.
Other Easy Origami Models to Try
If you enjoyed making this beginner origami turkey, try your hand at these other simple paper folding projects:
- Origami fox
- Origami dog
- Origami cat
- Origami elephant
- Origami fish
- Origami penguin
- Origami butterfly
- Origami heart
- Origami flower
- Origami star
The great thing about origami is you can make almost any animal or shape with just folded paper. It provides an endless source of crafts and activities for kids and adults alike.
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Diagrams for Gen Hagiwara’s Turkey
The instructions for this origami Turkey are in Gen Hagiwara’s book Spirits of Origami, which is available from Origami-shop.com here. I’ve folded several models from this book now (including a snake and several kangaroos) and I have to say I’ve enjoyed it. The models are varied, the diagrams are clear and the folding sequences are logical and easy to understand. There are a few more in this book that I’ll get around eventually. Possibly next time I’m browsing through my origami books, looking for some inspiration.
I’d love to hear your views on this 3D origami turkey. 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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Russell has been folding origami since he was 8 years old and has recently written the book, Origami Made Simple. He is on the Council for the British Origami Society and a member of OrigamiUSA. When he is not folding, he enjoys photography and traveling.
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Folding the Origami Turkey
This is an intermediate level design. The is one open sink and one closed sink to navigate, but other than that it’s not a difficult model to fold. Hagiwara recommends a 20cm square sheet of yohishi, washi, or biotope paper.
I’ve made this one out of 24cm red and black Thai paper I picked up from Origami-shop.com here. Oddly, all the dimensions of this Turkey are the same. It is 9cm (3.5in) long, the width is similar, and the height is roughly the same as the length. There are 53 steps to this model and it took me about 20 minutes to fold.
If you want to fold an easy origami turkey, try this model designed by Margaret Van Sicklen.