Fabric Origami: Instructions for Making Silk Swans

As someone who learned quilting very young, I have - literally - a lifetime's worth of remnants that are just too pretty to part with. Sturdy broadcloth is sandwiched in with fine scraps of satin, a rainbow of colors smooshed into a large tub that I always find myself thinking, "They'll find their way into something" and can't throw them away.

How far from the world of origami and the pretty folded swans, bookmarks, and boxes these scraps of fabric always seemed to be. The truth is, though, that fabric creates some of the most breathtaking boxes, ornaments, and items when folded origami fashion. It's more forgiving than paper - you can just iron out your mistakes and go at it again - and it's durable, which makes it perfectly giftable.

Getting excited yet? I was, when I stumbled across this idea. Here's what you need to know.

Fabric Origami Basics

Beyond these basic steps, all that you need is an origami pattern. Thousands are available for free online, and you can find intricate patterns in books. Regardless of the pattern you do, though, these are the steps you will need to take before you get started.

1. Select Your Fabric: Some of the neatest origami patterns require nothing more than 3" of material to work with. The more intricate the pattern, the larger the piece of material you'll need - but obviously, size is your first concern. Read the pattern carefully and find several fabric candidates that are roughly the size you need.

As for actual fabric material, you can get truly wild. Sturdy cotton broadcloth will likely always be the most popular fabric, because it is so durable and produces such a crisp crease when starched and folded. Another consideration is display. Pieces that will be "fingered" often - bookmark corners, for example - should ideally be made from a material that won't fade easily like silk and taffeta will. In the end, though, simply experiment and try to match the fabric that you choose with the "mood" of what you're creating.