subject: Origami Rule - Thinking first, creasing second [print this page] Origami Rule - Thinking first, creasing second
Whenever and wherever you fold, you're always making creases. You need to put the crease in the right place at the first attempt because a crease that's been made in a sheet of paper can't be erased like a pencil line. The fibres of wood along the crease have been broken and can't be mended. Here's how to make a perfect crease:
Put the paper into position slowly, and take another few seconds to check the exact position of the layers or edges, checking the instructions as you do so.
When you're certain that everything's in order, hold the paper in place with one hand, freeing the other hand to make the crease. As with all matters dextrous, you can fold right- or left-handed, as you prefer.
Start the crease at the centre of the folded edge, using the pad of your finger to sweep out to first one side, then out to the other.
Once the crease is in place, put both fingers to the centre and run them outwards at the same time, to reinforce the crease. Think of your fingertips as an iron, putting a sharp crease into a shirt.
Don't start at one side and crease inwards, because you might ruffle' the paper, rucking it slightly like a badly fitted carpet. If you rush the process, you may have to make adjustments later on. Adjusted creases are far harder to work with and can make the finished model look sloppy.
As you progress in origami, you discover that creases don't all have to be made firmly. Sometimes a gentle or soft crease is more effective on a natural subject. Don't worry about this for now, I'll tell you when you might like to try making softer creases.
Patience is particular virtue worth having in the world of origami. You're bound to find a design that slightly (or greatly) exceeds your folding ability. Like any other skill, no real short-cuts exist; you simply have to persevere and give it time. Trying the most interesting and challenging projects first is always tempting, but not the best way to develop confidence.
