If you've never tried paper folding before, you might find yourself wondering what is the best way to learn origami. The answer to this question depends upon your personal learning style. Visual learners might find an in person class or You Tube videos to be most helpful. But, if you process information slowly and like to be able to go over each step several times, a book or online tutorials might be more useful.

One trend with the newer origami books is titles that incorporate both DVD instruction and written tutorials with pictures. You watch the video and follow along with the book at the same time. Trash Origami is my favorite example of this type of approach to teaching origami for beginners.

For me, working backwards is the easiest way to learn a new model. I need to see what something is supposed to look like before the steps will "click" in my mind. I normally prefer books or online instructions, but have been known to watch origami videos on occasion. When I look at a video, I always watch it once all the way through to see how the steps of the project come together to make the finished model. This makes it easier for me to visualize how the finished model is supposed to look and thus keep myself from making careless mistakes.