How to Make a Paper Boat

Let your imagination float away with this classic paper boat.

Step 1: Lay out the paper and fold
Lay the paper on a flat surface. Fold the paper in half lengthwise.

Tip
Use paper larger than the standard 8.5- by 11-inch size for a larger boat.

Step 2: Fold the corners
Fold the two corners of the folded edge in toward the middle to form a point.

Step 3: Fold the brim
Fold the loose rectangular edge on the top side of the paper up over the flaps and fold down the overlapping triangles at the ends. Then turn the boat over and repeat on the other side.

Tip
The paper should now resemble a hat.

Step 4: Open the boat
Turn the hat 90 degrees and open it. Lay the upper and the lower parts on each other.

Step 5: Fold two more triangles
Fold the lower triangle flap upward and onto the upper triangle. Then turn the boat over and repeat with the other side.

Step 6: Open the boat again
Open the resulting square, putting the upper part on the lower.

Step 7: Finish to reveal the sail
Open the flaps, revealing a triangle sail in the middle of your new paper boat. Now you are ready to sail away. Bon voyage.

Did You Know?
The Chicago Yacht Club’s Race to Mackinac is the longest annual freshwater sailing race in the world totaling 333 miles. The first one took place in 1898.