Basics of Origami #2: Bases

 

Origami Bases

There are several bases in origami that are used to start many different models. For example the bird base is the start of many paper birds. Often times you’ll see instructions telling you to start with a particular base just to save some time or space in the instructions. There aren’t too many bases and you’ll see the same ones repeated a lot of times in different models. Major types of bases are mentioned below.

Types of Bases

• Kite Base

This is the most simple base in origami and it kind of looks like a kite which is where the name comes from.

• Square or Preliminary Base

  This is probably the most common base in origami and is used in many different models. Sometimes this base is called a Square Base and sometimes it's referred to as a Preliminary Base.

  
  
  
  
  

• Water Bomb Base

  This base is used to fold the traditional origami Water Bomb and that's where it gets its name. The base is used to fold lots of other things as well.

  

  
  

• Bird Base

  This base is used to fold a lot of different origami birds including the paper crane and that's where it gets its name from. It's a very common base though and can also be used to fold all kinds of other things.

  

  
  

• Fish Base

  This base is used to fold a traditional origami fish which is where its name comes from.

  

  
  

• Frog Base

  This is the start of a traditional origami frog which is where this base gets its name. This is probably the most complicated one of the traditional origami bases.