: Detailed technical walkthroughs covering the crease pattern (CP) and difficult sections like the neck twist can be found on Preparation Checklist
Needed for shaping the scales and head details.
: Use miniature wooden clothespins or plastic sewing clips to keep finished body sections from unfolding while you work on others. origami ryujin 35 tutorial upd
Folding this model is a monumental task. This updated tutorial breaks down the preparation, grid scoring, and collapse phases required to successfully craft this legendary dragon. 1. Material and Paper Selection
Start from the center of the paper, working outwards toward the edges for the main body before addressing the scales. 3. The Tutorial: Step-by-Step Breakdown Part 1: The Grid and Initial Collapse (Legs and Scales) This updated tutorial breaks down the preparation, grid
: Pre-creasing is typically tackled in parts: the scales, the legs/feet, and the "belly pleats". Transition Units
: Use dotting tools , toothpicks, or mechanical pencils with metal points to help shape the tiny scales. Elmer’s glue is often used for final shaping and to keep the structure rigid. The 4 Phases of Folding strong papers (e.g.
: Strong, fibrous, and holds creases perfectly.
Materiality: Paper and Technique Choosing paper for Ryujin 35 is a study in tradeoffs. Thin, strong papers (e.g., unryu, tissue-foil, or high-quality kami variants) allow complex crease networks without excessive bulk; prepared papers (tissue-foil laminated to non-woven tissue) enable bold shaping and durable hold. Wet-folding can soften edges and lend a sculptural, muscular look but risks losing fine points. Many folders use larger squares (e.g., 50–70 cm) to allocate more paper per limb, yielding cleaner details. The Ryujin’s demands thus push practitioners to explore materials and finishing techniques, advancing the craft as a whole.
The most popular "upd" (updated or comprehensive) guides are found on YouTube:
