Introduction: How to Fold an Origami Batarang From the Dark Knight

By Kyle Harrington Origami
About: I love Star Wars and folding origami (hence the name). But I'm not afraid to make other things too. Most of my creativity comes from movies though. If you have any questions or comments, don't be afraid to ask.

In this Origami lesson I will be teaching you how to fold your very own Batarang, modeled after the one in The Dark Knight trilogy. This is a very simple origami design and should take you only 15-20 minutes. I soon hope to include a how-to video, so keep watching for updates! I recommend that you use either a solid black square or single sided black paper. There’s a really good deal at Hobby Lobby where you can get a 2ft. wide roll of single sided black paper for $5! It’s in a section where they call it “Bulletin Board paper” but it works great for origami. And if you use their weekly 40% off coupon it’s only $3! The brand is called Fadeless Papers. So, ready to get started?!

Step 1: How to Video Newly Uploaded!

The video should help you fold the design better than the instructable, but use whatever way you think best.

Step 2: The Preliminary Folds

I’m using blue paper in this tutorial because it shows the creases better, but like I said before I recommend you use black paper. Begin with the white side up. Fold and unfold the paper horizontally both ways. Then fold and unfold the paper diagonally both ways, but this time leave the top flap down. Now take the top corner up to the top and make a mark fold. Then unfold and bring the corner to that mark, making another mark fold. Now take the paper and match your latest mark fold flush with the top, creasing well. Repeat on the other side, and then completely unfold the paper.

Step 3: Forming the Bat’s Tail

Now take the paper and using the crease shown in the photo fold it flush with the middle crease line. Unfold. Then fold up the paper at the very same crease, and fold down the paper along the crease you made previously. After that, fold the top of the paper back to what it was at the end of step 2.

Step 4: Creating the Wings

Now make a fold from the tip of the right wing to a point in-between two creases. I highlighted the two creases because it’s hard to see them in the photo. Unfold and repeat on the left. This next part can be a little tricky, but just pay close attention. Using the two creases we just made, we are going to reverse fold them, pushing the paper inward. The last photo should be your end result.

Step 5: Folding the Head

Start by taking the point and valley folding and it down to the crease shown. Unfold. Then using the crease you just made, fold it down flush with the same crease as before. Unfold. Now valley fold the paper on each side from the marked X’s to a point on the latest crease you just made. Refer to the photo for the best description of how to do it. Then mountain fold the paper at the top inside the model, which the point will then rise up. Lastly, valley fold the corner downward and turn the model completely over.

Step 6: Finishing the Wings

Now you’re going to make a zig-zag fold on each wing. The last photo should be your end result. Turn the model over.

Step 7: Shaping the Batarang

In this step you’re going to make some small valley folds all along the model as shown. Just curl the paper over a little at each point shown so it gives the model a more curved look. Don’t press the folds down completely or it will rip. Turn the model over.

Step 8: Finished!

Now your Batarang is finished! If you liked this tutorial be sure to check out my Instructables page. There I have lots of other fun origami tutorials like my Batman v Superman: Origami Batarang. Also, I’m entered into the Paper-Crafting Contest, so don’t forget to vote!