Jasper's Origami Primer

Valley Folding a Diagonal


The valley fold is the simplest of origami folds. Often folders just slap it together very roughly, and sharpen up the crease. This easy method usually works well. But if (like me) you are a perfectionist, here is a way to make an almost perfect diagonal crease:

To see a larger picture of each substep, just select the corresponding image.

Similar methods can be used to valley fold rectangles or make mountain folds.


The valley fold is indicated by a dashed line without any dots. Reference creases are sometimes indicated by straight lines, and sometimes they are not indicated at all. Begin by rolling one corner of the paper on top of the opposite corner.

Like so.

Line up part of an edge.

Line up parts of two edges. This makes the touching corners line up.

Line up more of one edge, while keeping the previously alignments. This makes the third corner exact.

Flatten out the edge; resolve the corner.

Line up more of the third edge.

Resolve the crease. That is, finish it by making it go from corner to corner.

The finished diagonal valley fold.


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Copyright 1995-96, 98-99 by John Paulsen, who thanks Michael Khusid for his help with these pictures. You can send Jasper your comments.

Last updated July 23, 1999.