How to Make a Mountain Fold (Origami)

Last Updated: September 16, 2021

A mountain fold is one of the two folding methods used for creating origami, the other fold being the valley fold, with all other folds being basically variations of these two folds. The mountain fold is easy to do but as it forms the basis of origami and the beginner may not know what it is referring to, this article aims to help.

Steps

1
Place the origami paper on a flat surface. A table makes the ideal surface.^{[1]
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2
Place your thumbs and fingers at the ends of the crease you intend to make.^{[2]
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- Fold the paper behind, pinching the fold in. This raises the fold, like a mountain.
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3
Smooth the crease that has been made. The mountain (or backward) fold is now made.^{[3]
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4
Finished.

Community Q&A

Question

Is there a different way to do the mountain fold?

Community Answer

Nope. A mountain fold just refers to any fold where you fold the paper backwards.
Question

What is a valley fold?

Community Answer

It is basically the opposite of the mountain fold. In the mountain fold, you fold the paper down. In the valley fold, you fold it up.
Question

So, a valley fold is the opposite?

Community Answer

Yes. The valley fold is the exact opposite of a mountain fold. For the mountain fold, the middle goes up, and for the valley fold, the middle goes down.

Warnings

Don't hurry folding; better folds come from being patient and ensuring accuracy and tidiness.

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When making origami, the first attempt is often no good. Keep trying and you'll soon master each origami object you want to make.

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