If your paper is the same color or pattern on both sides, it doesn’t matter which side you start on. However, if one side is white, or the “backside,” begin with that side facing up.

Your 4 folds should intersect in the exact center of the paper.

Press down on the triangle to crease the paper once it’s collapsed. If the paper isn’t folding properly, go back over your original creases again. If they aren’t defined enough, the paper will have trouble falling into the shape.

Try to align the corners with the crease perfectly so they aren’t overlapping or so there isn’t a large gap between the edges in the center.

Don’t crease the fold.

Crease the fold that you make with the tip. This will help secure the body of the butterfly in place and prevent it from unraveling.

It may help to hold the folded tip with your thumb while you pull the other pieces down so that the butterfly doesn’t come apart. Re-crease the folded tip after you arrange the bottom pieces if necessary. Trim the edges of the wings if you want a smaller butterfly.

Use any type of paper you’d like, whether it’s origami paper, colorful cardstock, or even pretty gift wrap. The size of your paper doesn’t matter, as long as it’s square. If you have a rectangular piece, simply trim it down so all of the edges are the same length.

Make sure your scissors are sharp so they don’t tear or crinkle the paper. If you have trouble cutting in a line, hold your scissors against a straight edge, like a ruler, while you cut.

You can make the folds as thick or as thin as you’d like. Keep the folds all the same thickness, no matter what size you choose.

Try to make the crease as straight and even as possible so it splits the paper directly in half.

Leave the corners folded. If they won’t stay in place, use a piece of double-sided tape or a little bit of glue under the flap.

Make the folds as large or as small as you’d like, depending on the size of your paper.

The paper won’t stay folded, but that’s okay. You just want to make a crease, so the paper is in a V-shape.

To secure the 2 pieces together better, you can add a dab of craft glue or hot glue in the middle. Having a friend hold the pieces together while you tie the string makes it easier to get a tight knot. You can also use ribbon or a pipe cleaner instead of string.

Be careful not to rip the paper when you’re arranging the pleats.