How to Make a Reverse Fold

In many origami folding projects, you're asked to make a reverse fold. It's a basic skill that, when mastered, will make your origami look sharp and symmetrical.

1. Begin with a folded tip.
   
   
2. Make a guiding crease. Fold the point so that the tip lines up with the existing folded edge, as shown, then unfold. For more advanced reverse folds, see the "Variations" section below.
   
   
3. Open the the sheet and make the reverse fold along the crease lines. If your crease was made with the tip along the edge, a reverse fold will be simple. Just fold the sheet so that the tip lines up with the center line. No matter what, a fold should only be made along the creases made in the previous step.
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      For an inside reverse fold, bring the tip towards the inside.
     For an inside reverse fold, bring the tip towards the inside.
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      For an outside reverse fold, bring the tip towards the outside.
     For an outside reverse fold, bring the tip towards the outside.
4. Fold the sheet again as it was in the beginning, but keep the reverse fold intact.
   
   
5. Press down on the reverse fold to make sure it stays put and you're done!
   
   

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  Make a reverse fold that "sticks out" by creasing so that the tip extends beyond the existing folded edge. This is a very common use of the reverse fold.
  
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    An inside reverse fold that sticks out is often used to create beaks or tails.
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       Reverse fold adjusted so that point is more tucked in.
      The part that sticks out can be adjusted. Just gently pull it further out or push it further in, then press down so that the interior folds are set.
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    An outside reverse fold done this way can create the appearance of a "hood".
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   Click to enlarge - Note the difference between the subtle reverse fold and the crease left over from a standard reverse fold
  A more subtle reverse fold can be made by creasing so that the tip doesn't reach the existing folded edge.