You can create a paper boat in minutes using just one sheet. Follow these instructions to find out how.
Steps
Step 1. Fold a sheet of A4 size paper (21.5x28cm) in half from top to bottom
Standard white printer paper or white origami paper is perfect for this boat. Make a fold across the sheet.
Step 2. Open the paper and fold it in half vertically
After making the first one, overlap the other side to create a new fold in the center of the sheet (see the image to help). When you're done, unfold the paper and return it to the first horizontal fold. This leaves a vertical mark in the middle of the page.
Step 3. Fold the top corners to leave 2.5-5cm of space at the bottom
Take the two top corners and bring them towards the center crease, aligning them. Use the fold you made earlier as a reference.
Step 4. Fold the bottom of the paper to both sides
Grab the top flap on the bottom of the paper and fold it towards the bottom of the triangle. Turn the paper over and do the same for the bottom flap on that side. You should end up with a shape of a hat.
Step 5. Fold the bottom corners up
Grab the corners on the sides of the rectangle that protrudes over the triangle. Fold them around the edge of the triangle. Turn the paper over and repeat the same process on the opposite side.
Step 6. Turn the triangle into a square
Use your fingers to open the bottom of the triangle. A square should naturally open, so that what used to be the lower corners of the triangle are now folded into the lower corners of a rhombus.
Step 7. Fold the bottom flaps
Arrange the paper so that the bottom points of the diamond are folded up. Fold one corner, aligning it with the top one. Turn the paper over to the other side and repeat the operation.
Step 8. Turn the triangle back into a square
As you did earlier, open the bottom of the new triangle with your fingers. The bottom corners should now be aligned so that they become the bottom tip of a diamond.
Step 9. Extract the triangles from the side of the square
Start at the top of the diamond and gently pull the two sides outward to open it. You can fold the sides of the boat a little more so that it can stay in the water without sinking.
You may need to pull the triangle out from inside the "diamond" as you divide the two sides. Make the triangle stand straight out, as it will become the mast of your boat
Step 10. Float your boat
Fill a small tub with water and put the boat in it. If you notice it starting to sag a little, make a few small adjustments to keep your hips raised and prevent the boat from sinking.
Advice
- Make your boat water resistant! Use wax paper that you can get at an art supply store to make it last longer; alternatively you can color the hull with crayons. You can also try making one out of aluminum foil.
- Make sure you make neat and neat creases. Use a ruler or letter opener for this purpose.
- If you float the boat on a large body of water, such as a pond, you can tie a rope to one end of it. Hold the rope at the other end so the boat doesn't stray too far!
- Keep in mind that the heavier the paper you use, the harder it will be to make the boat.
- Try to line up the folds and flaps as much as possible.
Warnings
- Make sure you don't make holes, as they could turn into real leaks.
- Try not to tear the paper.
