Yoshizawa-Randlett System

SECTION OF BASIC FOLDS

So, you want to make an origami model. And you want the instructions, step-by-step, explaining each and every fold. How to go about it? Well, you need to use a diagramming system. The Yoshizawa-Randlett System is one such system that describes the folds of origami models. Most origami books begin with an illustration of basic origami techniques used to create models. There are several typical origami bases on which we fold our models.

Akira Yoshizawa, the Grandmaster of Origami, and Samuel Randlett, along with contribution of Robert Harbin, developed this diagramming system in the 1950s and 60s. It was then recognized as the default, the standard system by the international origami community, and is still in general use today.

Lines and arrows are the two main types of origami symbols. Arrows show how the paper is moved, or bent, and the lines show various types of edges:

-------> A thick line shows the edge of the paper.

-------> A dashed line shows a valley fold, which means the paper is folded in front of itself. And yeah, it looks like a valley.

-------> A dashed and dotted line shows a mountain fold, which means the paper is folded behind itself.

-------> A thin line shows where a previous fold has creased the paper.

-------> A dotted line shows a fold that's hidden behind other paper or sometimes shows a fold that has not been made.