Steps Download Article

  1. 1

    Obtain a piece of 8 1/2 x 11 inch computer paper.

  2. 2

    Fold it in half.

  3. 3

  4. 4

    Fold the bottom flaps over the edge of the triangle on both sides to form an origami hat.

  5. 5

    Flatten by opening the figure and folding the right and left corners together.

  6. 6

    Fold the bottom up about 2 inches (5.1 cm), front and back.

  7. 7

    Flatten again by opening the figure and folding the right and left corners together.

  8. 8

    Fold the bottom about an inch up.

  9. 9

  10. 10

    Pull the corners out. There you have it – a Sailboat!

Add New Question

  • Question

    Can I make little cannons to go on it?

    Community Answer

    Sure. Take a small piece of paper (the size of half of a sticky note); cut a toothpick in half; roll the paper into a tube; poke the toothpick through; add two round circles of paper (about 1 cm in diameter); poke them through the two ends of the toothpick; then trim anything to your preference. Add the cannons to the boat.

  • Question

    Does it look like the hat but the corners are bent?

    Community Answer

    Somewhat, yes.

  • Question

    Can I put tape on it?

    Community Answer

    You shouldn't need to, but if you find it necessary, then yes, a little bit of tape to help hold it together should be fine.

  • Question

    Can it float without wax paper?

    Fredwina

    Fredwina

    Community Answer

    No, it cannot. Without the wax paper, the water will soak into the paper and sink/ruin your boat.

  • Question

    Can my paper boat float in water?

    CB1000

    If you used sturdy paper, then it likely could float on water. You also may have to adjust the sailboat so it floats.

  • Question

    I don't really understand. The demonstration is perfect and simple but when I make the boat it doesn't exactly look like a sailboat and it doesn't float because the sides are too deep. How can it float?

    Community Answer

    The result might not necessarily look like a real sailboat so try a different pattern although it may be more complex. If the sides are too deep, you are going to want to fold less of the paper up in steps 6 and 8 and that should make them smaller. Or, you could possibly use a different sized paper. The issue with the floating might be a result of the kind of paper you used, you may want to use something thinner, like printer paper if you used construction paper. Just keep practicing and over time the result will get better.

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  • You can also use wax paper so it can float on water, or other liquids. Normal paper will get soggy.

  • Use colored paper to make it look creative.

  • Don't get discouraged if you mess up the first time. Nobody is perfect!

  • Design the paper afterward!

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

  • Handle everything with care-or have an elder help you.

  • Be careful while using scissors.

Things You'll Need

  • 8 1/2 by 11 sheet copy paper
  • Wax paper (optional)
  • Scissors (for wax paper if needed)

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