papercraft yacht

• PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Happiness Hub Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
• Browse Articles
• Learn Something New
• Quizzes Hot
• Happiness Hub
• This Or That Game
• Train Your Brain
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow
• Log in / Sign up
• Hobbies and Crafts
• Paper Craft

How to Make a Paper Boat

Last Updated: July 2, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Robert Homayoon . Robert Homayoon is an Origami Expert known for his engaging YouTube videos and accessible instructions. He has been teaching origami on YouTube since 2009. His channel has a following of over 676,000 subscribers, and his videos have garnered over 211 million views. Robert uses his channel to highlight his passion for teaching people origami, crafts, and how to solve puzzles. He graduated from SUNY Albany in 2007 and earned his D.M.D degree from Temple University Dental School in 2013. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 4,682,571 times.

Making an origami paper boat is a great activity that’s easy to finish and doesn’t require a lot of materials. The beauty of making a paper boat is that you only need one piece of printer paper to complete the task! By folding the paper with sharp creases and shaping it carefully, you can make a great-looking origami boat in minutes. We'll walk you through folding your own paper boat with our complete step-by-step instructions.

Creating the Initial Folds

• To strengthen the crease, run your finger down the fold 3-4 more times.
• You should now have 2 creases along both centers (x-axis and y-axis) of the page.
• Use the crease you made before to help line up the folds coming in from the corners.
• The 2 folds should line up with each other.

Tip : When you go to fold the second side, use the first fold as a reference point.

• The flaps closest to you should be folded in front of the back flaps, not over them. If you fold over the back flaps, you won’t be able to fold the back flaps themselves.

Making the Final Folds

• Crease the paper along its edges so that it stays in the square shape.
• The bottom of the diamond should be the part of the paper with extra folds.
• The bottom corners will line up to become the bottom point of a square diamond.
• You may need to pull up the triangle inside the diamond while pulling apart the two sides. Try to keep the triangle inside the diamond sticking straight up as this will be your boat's "mast."
• You can reinforce the corners with clear tape and tape around the bottom to keep your boat dry.

Tip : Waterproof your boat! Use a waxed paper from an art store to make your boat last longer, or color one side of the paper completely with a crayon. You can also try to make your boat out of aluminum foil.

Expert Q&A

• If you are floating your boat on a large body of water, like a pond, you can tape string onto one end of the boat. Hold on to the other end of the string so that it doesn't float away! Thanks Helpful 314 Not Helpful 149
• Try to get the edges of the paper to line up. An evenly made boat means less chances of tipping over. Thanks Helpful 61 Not Helpful 33
• If you are making a tiny boat, don’t float it on a big body of water. You may lose it! Thanks Helpful 20 Not Helpful 14

Tips from our Readers

• If you don't have specialty supplies like wax paper or crayons, no need to fret. You likely already have the tools to waterproof your delicate paper boat right at home. Simply construct two separate boats out of ordinary printer or construction paper. Then, gently place one inside the other, nesting them together into a double-walled vessel. This should reinforce them to better withstand water without getting too soggy. Though, test float gently, as the extra weight could cause sinking if the little boat gets overburdened.
• Missing wax paper for true waterproofing? Simply equip your artist's toolkit by raiding the crayon bin! Thoroughly color one whole side of the boat with thick crayon before setting it afloat in a pool, pond or puddle. The waxy buildup should act as a shield against light water exposure. Though if embarking on choppier seas, extra reinforcements may still be needed, matey!
• Forego the plain printer paper and opt for fun vibrant colors and patterns! Tissue paper can make for a festively hued sail, but be extra delicate as it shreds easily, especially once wet. For best durability, stick to construction paper or card stock to give your boat more sturdiness as you launch it into the open water.

• Make sure you don't have any holes, as one little hole can turn into a huge rip. This could be good in a procedural text. Thanks Helpful 23 Not Helpful 3

You Might Also Like

Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about origami, check out our in-depth interview with Robert Homayoon .

• ↑ https://ussconstitutionmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Make-a-Paper-Boat-Hard.pdf
• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3QZpBL8-Tg#t=1m20s
• ↑ https://www.origamiway.com/origami-boat.shtml
• ↑ https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/nature/article/make-a-paper-boat
• ↑ https://www.origamiway.com/origami-boat-2.shtml
• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3QZpBL8-Tg#t=2m54s
• ↑ https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/nature/make-a-paper-boat/

About This Article

If you want to make a paper boat, fold a piece of paper in half from top to bottom. Then, fold it again from side to side and unfold so you have a crease in the center. Fold the top right corner down towards the center. Next, flip the paper over and fold the other corner down on the other side. Fold each of the bottom edges of the paper up and outwards to make a paper hat shape. Then, open the hat and flatten it horizontally to create a diamond. Fold the bottom edge of the diamond upwards towards the top. Then, turn the paper over and repeat on the other side. Pull the paper apart again and smooth it out to create a boat shape. Did this summary help you? Yes No

• Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Emily Rehak

Jul 9, 2016

Did this article help you?

Ken Cunningham

Apr 4, 2016

Desmond Hodges

Jul 1, 2019

Georgiana Lings

Nov 9, 2016

Matthew Griffin

Mar 29, 2022

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

ann wood handmade

sewing patterns, crafts and diy projects

make a paper boat : a free tutorial

Some projects are most satisfying to work on in batches. These paper boats are like that. They are quick and easy and you can make a bunch at once without much extra effort. Plus the finished group is very satisfying.  You probably already have most of the materials you need and you could easily be hanging a respectable fleet by the end of the day, who doesn’t want that?

download the boat template

You will also need:.

• heavy paper (I’m using water color paper) or light cardboard (like poster board)
• a bamboo skewer
• paper for the sail
• elmer’s glue
• embroidery thread or light string (like baker’s twine)
• paints, brushes  and/or collage materials
• exacto knife
• clothespins or paperclips for clamping

*Please read through all the steps before beginning.

*Also note I included some simple directions on the sail template for your convenience  but the directions below include more details and options.

1.  Cut out the boat and mast support templates and trace them onto light cardboard or a heavy weight paper. I’m Using water color paper (140 pound hot press is my favorite). Optional – paint both sides. I almost always paint a wash of water color on both sides of the boat and mast support.

2. Place the template back on the boat and poke your pencil through where the score lines intersect. Mark with a dot. Remove the template and draw on the score lines. Draw the score lines on the mast support too and mark an X on the center of the top section.

3. Use the back of an x-acto knife to score the lines on the boat and  mast support.

4. Gently fold the boat and mast support at the score lines.

5. Add glue to the last section of the mast support, fold it into a triangle and glue the top section over it.

6. Clamp with paper clip or clothespins while it dries.

7. While your mast support dries paint or collage or draw on your boat. I did all three. I used a wash of watercolor, some pencil lines and a little collage. If you’re doing lots of collage I recommend using nori paste instead of blue stick . It is awesome. You can find it here . * FYI – this is an affiliate link – meaning I get a small commission if you purchase through the link.

8. Apply glue to the bow as indicated on the template.

9. Fold the boat together at the front and clamp with clothespins or paper clips while the glue dries.  Alternatively – you can skip the glue, bring the front sides together and stitch on the sewing machine close to the edge.

10. Fold the center back ( A on the template) and apply glue to the top.

11. Bend up tab B – covering the top of tab A and matching the top edges. Apply glue and bend up tab C covering the top of tab B and matching the top edges. Clamp and let dry. Alternatively – skip the glue and attach the three layers with a stitch and a button (step 16 below).

12. Use and xacto knife to poke an X at through the center of the mast support.

13. Snip iff the tip of your skewer and insert it into the hole – push it all the way to the bottom of the mast support. Make sure it is straight and add glue (lots) to the insertion point. Let it dry, mast support end up.

14. Cut out a sail and flag from paper. Poke a hole at the center of the top and bottom and insert the mast through the holes.

15. Cut a 36 inch length of embroidery thread or fine string (like baker’s twine) and tie a loop in the center.  Apply glue to the top 1/2 inch of the mast and wind the tails on to attach. This leaves most of the strings hanging down below.

16. Add a button at the back. Use a large needle to poke a hole through all the layers and ties on a button. Poke a hole through the tip of the bow as well and tie on one or two buttons.

17. Fold the flag in half, unfold it and apply glue stick. Fold it over the mast. Press the sides together and if you like trim and curl the ends.

18. Place the mast support into the boat. You can glue it in place or use the strings to attach hold it in place (see below).

19. Hold (or glue) the mast support in the boat and wind the strings around the buttons.  To add flags fold a 1 inch strip of paper in half the long way and cut into flags, open the flag, apply glue stick and fold over the strings.

I hope you make lots of paper boats! And for variety you can mess around with the sail configurations, scale and the edges of the boat template. If you make boats I’d love to see – please use #annwoodpattern on instagram or email a photo to me at info at ann wood handmade dot com.

Get my  free weekly-ish newsletter, there are tips and tricks, ideas, stuff to try, all the latest news and blogposts and extra stuff, just for subscribers, delivered mostly on Friday. Pretty much.

17 comments.

Thanks so much, Ann. I was recently wondering what new thing I could make with my paper, stamps and watercolors.

So exciting to share with my grandchildren, thank you!

This is lovely – thank you for sharing.

I can’t wait to make these! I made a big fleet of the paper boat ornaments last Christmas as gifts. I’ve been wanting to make boats to keep. This is it! Thank you so much!

This is a wonderful project! Thank you so much for sharing. Love your blog, I always take time to read through, “and smell the roses”.

Love them! What is the little connector you have used to connect them to the string that is holding them up to the ceiling? Thank you as always……

Thanks Gail! I put a little button on the end of each string so I could move the boats around easily when I was arranging them. Just slip the loop at the top of the boat over the button to hang.

You let our imaginations set sail upon a sea of dreams. A perfect ship for my little spool and button dolls to sail away. Thank you!

I am quite sure that I will be making some little boats in the near future!

What a lovely place to create, that library and cabin and the scenery look so peaceful and inspiring.

For some reason I have never commented before, not sure what that is as I have enjoyed your blog a lot, and I think I have made about twenty of your little tiny rag dolls now! The first three made just after you first published the pattern, the rest I’ve made this year. Just made the jacket last night and my newest one ‘Clipper’ loves it.

Thank you for your generosity in sharing these marvellous patterns.

I so ♥ this, and the fact that you are still blogging & making fun tutorials Ann! So many bloggers have stopped and I miss them all!

I recently printed the pattern for the needle case and will make myself one soon, with fabric inherited from my grandmother.

This post got me started on a most enjoyable series of paper mache boats using your “Dear Little Boats” pattern – thank you for being so generous with your creativity.

Dear Ann, How generous of you to share such detailed instructions for free! I haven’t had the courage yet to make a ship, but I am much inspired. Thank you for the lovely world, mood, spirit, and community you have created with this faithful, long-running blog. It is balm and a well of inspiration for creative, like-minded souls. Blessings, Hollyann

So so elegant simple and beutifull

I am finishing up my little wire bed for mouse. I am having so much fun! You’d think I was a little girl or teenager, and not a 73 year young women. Great to be able to do whatever you want to do.

[…] Quote from the source: … […]

I have made these mini boats and people love them. The instructions are clear and easy to follow and the result is precious.

Comments are closed.

Privacy Overview

Get all the latest news, sales and discounts, blogposts and extra stuff, just for subscribers, delivered mostly on Friday. Pretty much.

Paper Yacht Craft for KIDS! (Easy 15-Minute Fun)

Today we’re setting sail on a paper crafting adventure, and guess what? You’re in charge of building your very own paper yacht .

All you need is a trusty pair of scissors, some colorful paper (or markers to decorate), and a downloadable template that’s easy as pie to follow.

So, grab your crew (or maybe a grown-up to help) and let’s get ready to conquer the high seas.

Key Takeaways

• Either draw/create your own outline or download the ready made template .
• Place it over colorful construction paper and cut the shapes according to the template.
• Assemble the parts of yachts and stick it with glue.
• Estimated time to get this craft project completed is between 7 to 10 minutes if you have the template in hand.

Step 1: The Making of Paper Yacht Template

Before we start with our paper yacht craft , let’s take a quick look at how I prepared the template in the first place.

First, I sketched out the individual pieces of the yacht, thinking about how they would fit together.

I began with a pencil for its flexibility in making adjustments until I was satisfied with the shapes.

Then, I switched to a black marker pen to trace over the final outlines, resulting in a sharp template ready for your use.

Step 2: The Paper Yacht Template Source

For your reference, I have made the paper Yacht template available on my blog and it’s free.

Simply download the paper yacht template and print it on A4 size paper or adjust to your liking. This template will assist you in cutting precise shapes for the yacht’s parts.

Once you have the yacht template prepared, you can proceed to the following steps.

Step 3: Cutting the Shapes

With our template ready, it was time to cut the shapes of the paper yacht on colorful paper sheets.

I opted for red, yellow, and blue shades for this craft project, but you could choose your own color schemes based on availability or for customization.

In this case, once the cutouts were ready, I proceeded to the assembling process.

Step 4: Assembling the Hull

I started off by assembling the Hull of the Yacht which is the base.

I used the yellow, red, and dark red cutouts together to form the base as seen in image 4.2 above.

I kept the larger panel of the base (which is in light red) into the middle.

Next up, I stuck the yellow shape (the long strip) over the top and let it dry.

And then, I stuck the smallest panel (which is the dark red strip) to the bottom of the base.

This completes step 4, which also means I have the Hull of the yacht ready! yay!!

Step 5: Assembling the Mainsail

The mainsail, a significant panel, plays a crucial role in guiding the yacht in the desired direction.

I’ve cut shapes in various shades of blue and affixed the lighter shade onto the large shape.

With that, the mainsail of my paper yacht is now complete.

Step 6: Fixing Mainsail with Mast

A mast in a yacht is a pole attached to the base, responsible for holding the mainsail in place.

These components facilitate the yacht’s navigation on water and its ability to change direction with its movements.

Therefore, I cut the mast shape out of gray paper and affixed the mainsail to its edges.

Now, it’s prepared to be assembled with the base of the paper yacht.

Step 7: Assemble All The Components

With a flourish (and a dab of glue), I’ve reached the final step.

The mast has been carefully glued to the hull, completing our magnificent paper yacht.

Now, this seaworthy vessel is ready to set sail on epic adventures, will it explore uncharted bathtub waters or navigate the mighty kitchen sink? The choice, captain, is yours!!

Video Walkthrough of paper Yacht craft for KIDS

Final Thoughts

While the template provides a solid base, experiment with your own mast and sail designs for a truly unique vessel.

In other words go beyond the templates, I would say use it as a starting point.

If possible, craft a paper dock for your yacht to “park” or create a paper island for it to “discover.”

Let your creativity guide playtime and encourage kids to come up with innovative ideas.

Note: For your reference I have also uploaded the complete video walkthrough of paper Yacht craft on our official YouTube channel .

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take to make the yacht paper craft.

It took 15 minutes for me to make this paper Yacht craft using the ready template from my blog.

What type of paper is best for a paper yacht?

While construction paper works well for this paper yacht project, consider using thicker cardstock for increased durability..

How can I make a double-masted paper yacht?

You’ll need to modify the paper yacht template to include an additional mast piece. Ensure both masts are spaced evenly and securely attached to the hull for balanced sailing. You can even design sails of different sizes for each mast.

You May Also Like

Handprint Cow Craft for Kids (With Template)

Handprint Lily Flower Craft for Kids (Template Included)

Handprint Turkey Craft – A Fun Thanksgiving Craft for Kids

Black Cat Handprint Craft for Kids (Free Template)

Paper Peacock Handprint Craft for Kids (Looks Great)

Easy Handprint Indian Flag Craft for Independence Day

Popular Paperized

Azimut 70 Yacht Papercraft

Categories :

Boats / Ships . Toys

Leave a Reply

• Board Games
• Boats / Ships
• Masks and Helmets
• Optical Illusions
• Paper Dolls
• Video Games

Boat Paper Toys

Model tugboat kit, naval boat paper model, riverboat model, santa maria model ship.

Paper Boat Craft (Free Template)

Download the free boat craft template and make this transportation activity for preschoolers. find step-by-step instructions and easy paper crafts on craftingjeannie.com.

Check out this Easy Paper Boat craft! Kids will love making it.

Get the  Free Boat Craft Template  below and you will be able to  make enough supplies for a group of 20 kids (or more!) with about 10 minutes of cutting .

Watch the Preschool Boat Craft Video to do this Transportation Craft.

Did you know that there are three ways a boat can move: manpower, wind and motor? Read all about them on Wikipedia.com .

Here’s What You Need

Here’s your ship craft supply list (This post contains affiliate links to the products mentioned. Read my  disclosure policy  for more information):

• Free Boat Craft Printable <— Get it Here!
• construction paper , colored copy paper , or colored cardstock
• glue sticks

Make this Paper Boat craft for Preschool while reading these Fun Books:

Step 1: Download and Print the Free Boat Printable

Download the Free Boat Craft Template . You will be stapling the template to sheets of colored paper to cut out the shapes.

Step 2: Staple and Cut Out the Paper Ship Craft Shapes

Once you have the print outs, staple them to construction paper and cut out the shapes you need.

Note: If you want to make this craft with a group of kids, you can staple the template to up to 10 sheets of copy paper, 5 sheets of cardstock or 5-8 sheets of construction paper.

So, did you know that you can staple together 10 pieces of copy paper and cut out 10 shapes at a time?! That’s my  SECRET  to fast & easy crafting. Stapling the paper is very important because it makes sure it doesn’t move as you cut. The more staples the better. Cardstock is the thickest so you may only be able to cut 5 sheets at a time.

Tip: While you’re cutting, if you cut off all parts of the pages that have staples, make sure to re-staple the sheets that are left.  Whenever you’re cutting multiple sheets at a time, make sure they are always stapled together!

Step 3: How to Assemble

I recommend having a finished boat so the children can see what the final version will look like.

• Glue the wheel house behind the top of the boat.
• Glue the white window onto the wheel house.
• Glue the life preserver ring onto the boat wherever you like.
• Next, glue the colored circle into the center of the li.
• Optional: Glue the white pinstripe rectangle onto the body of the boat.
• Optional: Glue the anywhere you like on your boat.
• Don’t forget to write your name on the back!

Step 1: Glue the wheel house behind the top of the boat.

Step 2: Glue the white window onto the wheel house.

Step 3: Glue the life preserver ring onto the boat wherever you like.

Step 4: Next, glue the colored circle into the center of the life preserver ring

Step 5: Optional: Glue the white pinstripe rectangle onto the body of the boat

Step 6: Optional: Glue the flag anywhere you like on your boat. Don’t forget to write your name on the back.

And you’re finished!

This is a great Transportation activity for preschoolers. It’s also the perfect boat craft just for fun. Make it with your Preschoolers, Kindergarteners, Toddlers, Daycare, or as a craft at home.

More transportation activities for early years.

If you liked this craft, check out some of my other Transportation Crafts for Kids .

• Easy Rocket ship Craft – Make this simple outer space craft with your little ones.
• Easy Race Car Craft – This car craft is super easy and super fun.
• Train Craft – The train lover in your family is going to love this fun train craft
• Preschool School Bus Craft – Get ready for back to school with this simple school bus craft
• Airplane Craft with Free Template – This airplane let’s your little one’s imagination soar.
• Preschool Fire Truck Craft – Talk about community helpers with this fire truck craft.

As always, I try to make my crafts fast, easy & inexpensive. Enjoy! 

Download the Free Boat Craft Template

Your Name (required) Your Email (required)

Want to remember this Paper Ship Craft? Post it to your favorite Pinterest board!

Paper Boat Craft with Free Template – Transportation Activity for Preschoolers – Easy Paper Crafts for Kids

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Structured data

Items portrayed in this file, 31 march 2011, source of file, original creation by uploader, image/svg+xml, 25b875635f669acfbcedacab3cd9747c143fea9a, 135,661 byte.

• SVG coats of arms of cities and villages of Leningrad Oblast
• SVG coats of arms of Russia
• Razmetelevo
• PD-RU-exempt (coats of arms)

Navigation menu