How to Make an Origami Reindeer

Last Updated: March 29, 2022

This origami reindeer is a simple design, and can be attempted by a paper folder of any level. It's great for using up unwanted murky brown origami paper, and it can make for a creative Christmas decoration!

Steps

1
Start with a square sheet of paper.
2
Fold it across one diagonal, and unfold it again.

Advertisement
3
Fold one side of the square to meet the line made by the diagonal fold. Repeat this for the adjacent side of the square.
4
Repeat the previous two steps for the remaining sides of the square without unfolding anything.
5
Fold it in half, from point to point, as shown, and then unfold it.
6
Put your finger in one of the flaps and pull out the point, using the previous fold as a template, and press it down.
7
Repeat the previous two steps for the other flap.
8
Fold it in half along its length as shown.
9
Pull the point that the flaps point towards back into the middle in a reverse fold. Flatten it down to construct the neck.
10
Fold both of the flaps back as shown. These are your reindeer's front legs.
11
Make a reverse fold at the top of the neck, beginning the formation of the head.
12
Unfold the head as shown.
13
Fold the point underneath to make the nose more flat.
14
Fold the top of the head in half over to the opposite side as shown.
15
Make a reverse fold and flatten as shown to create the beginnings of the hind legs.
16
Make another reverse fold about halfway down the hind legs and flatten it to see the fully formed hind legs.
17
Cut up the back of the neck as shown, without actually completely cutting off any part of the reindeer.
18
Split the middle of this flap right up the back of the reindeer's neck. You'll end up with four little prongs.
19
Fold the prongs upwards to form antlers and complete the reindeer.
20
Done.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I get the prongs?

Community Answer

You have to gently cut off just a sliver of the neck area, right about where the nape would be, while also making sure that you don’t cut it off completely. This is optional; if you’re making a doe, there will be no antlers.
Question

Can this be made with printer paper?

Artemi

Top Answerer

Yes, but you will have to cut it into a square. Also, printer paper is usually more rigid and harder to fold, but if you have experience and patience, you can do it easily.
Question

My deer is too big. What size square should I use?

Community Answer

It depends on how big you want it. The sides of your paper should be equal and the same length.