Folding Diagrams for the
Prayer Fold (Last 5 Steps) and
Waterbomb Base (All 14 Steps)

Nearly finished base

The waterbomb base is a simple fold that takes 1-3 minutes to make.
This base is used in the waterbomb, iris, frog, and many other models.
A six inch (15 cm) square makes a 6 " x 3 " (15 cm x 7 1/2 cm) base.

An Outline of the Diagrams:

Steps 1- 5:If you want the colored side out,
start with a square, colored side up.
Valley-fold and unfold horizontally and vertically.
Step 6: Turn over.
Steps 7- 9: Valley fold and unfold both diagonals.
Steps 10-13:Inside reverse fold two sides in to the centerline.
(Steps 9-14 are sometimes called a "Prayer Fold".)
Step 14: The finished waterbomb base has 4 triangular flaps.

The Diagrams:

Diagrams for steps 1-3.

If you want the colored side out
start with a square, colored side up.
Valley fold horizontally,
so that the top edge lines up with the bottom edge...
...valley fold in progress...
...valley fold in progress.

Diagrams for steps 4-6.

Unfold, so that the colored side is up.
Valley fold, and unfold, vertically.
Turn the model over,
so that the white side is up.

Diagrams for steps 7-10.

Valley fold diagonally.
The two opposite corners will line up;
the crease runs from a corner,
through the center, to the other corner.
Unfold, so that the white side is up.
Valley fold, and unfold,
the other main diagonal.
The white side should still be up.
Begin the "prayer fold":
Holding the bottom edge flat,
lift up the left and right sides...

Diagrams for steps 11-14.

...as you lift the edges, they will pinch together.
The top edge will lift up...
...bring the side angles in to the centerline...
...and flatten the model.
The finished waterbomb base.

Steps 10-14 are called a "prayer fold",
possibly because the simultaneous inside reverse folds
bring the folders' hands together in a motion similar
to a gesture used in many prayers.