Below are two different variations of the PaperSharks.org origami shark design. Pattern A creates a shark with a nice big dorsal fin centered in the middle of the back, however this pattern works best when using paper that is the same color on both sides. When using single-sided origami papers (or any paper that is a different color on each side), Pattern B is recommended. Pattern B is very similar to Pattern A, except that the dorsal fin ends up slightly smaller and placed closer towards the head. [Pattern A Example] [Pattern B Example]
Clicking on the preview images below will open a PDF file that can be printed or downloaded and saved to your computer. To view step-by-step videos on how to fold your paper shark, as well as tips and information on printing your own paper designs, check out the Paper Shark Tips page.
Paper Shark Pattern A – recommended for double sided paper (video tutorial)
Paper Shark Pattern B – recommended for single sided paper (video tutorial)
Origami designs, diagrams & patterns © 2012 Larah Tamiko Uyeda, www.PaperSharks.org
Designs/patterns are provided free of charge for personal and educational purposes related to shark conservation. Educators and organizations who are promoting shark conservation are encouraged to use and distribute these materials freely. However, these materials may not be redistributed, altered or used for any purpose that is not related to shark conservation without express permission.
Pages with Folding Instructions and Assorted Paper Patterns
The following PDFs include folding instructions for Paper Shark Pattern B along with two paper design squares (measuring 7.5cm/3″ square) that can be cut out and folded. These pages may be useful for teachers and educators organizing events and group activities.
Pattern B diagram with traditional paper patterns (red and teal)
Pattern B diagram with traditional paper patterns (orange and violet)
Pattern B diagram with traditional paper patterns (blue and green)
Pattern B diagram with typographic paper patterns (blue)
Pattern B diagram with typographic paper patterns (red)
I love your sharks and paper. I am planning to make some as ‘thank yous’ for people who are sponsoring me in a finathon to raise money for shark conservation.
Thanks Sally, what a great idea! 🙂
I love tiger sharks do you?
indeed 🙂
I tried making them but couldn’t. The pattern A is confusing after 6th step. However I was able to understand pattern B. Do you have any other video for pattern A? Please reply urgently.
I am sorry you are having problems. Pattern A and Pattern B are essentially the same, except that Pattern B has an extra step (step #8 – folding in the sides before folding up what will become the dorsal fin). If you can make Pattern B, then you should be able to make Pattern A as well … Pattern A is only trickier in that the paper is the same color on both sides, so it may be a little bit harder to see what’s going on.
If you are having a problem with the videos, you might be viewing them on the lowest quality settings. The videos are available in high quality/HD, so please try viewing them with a nicer quality setting (click on the gear in the lower right corner). Also, the videos are meant to clarify anything that might be unclear in the printable folding diagrams, so please be sure to take at those. The printable instructions use common origami diagramming/notations, so at least a general understanding of origami basics is recommended.
If the low resolution setting was not the issue with the video and the printable diagrams don’t help, please let me know and I will see if there is anything I can do to help clarify further. Unfortunately I don’t have additional videos. I tried my best to make good videos, but I am only one person and I only have two hands. I did the best I could with the limited means I have available.
I love what you’re doing here. Sharks are beautiful animals that deserve to be saved. 🙂
This tutorial helped me with my science project which is due tomorrow it was easy and fun to make thank you!