Folding dumplings is an enjoyable part of the dumpling making process, which allows you to add a bit of personal touch into each piece. Here are several methods for folding dumplings, including the basic half-moon, pleated folds, and other easy designs.

Two Pleats on Each Side: Place the filling, then make two pleats on each end of one side. Fold the wrapper into a half-moon and seal it. This style is a simpler version of the fully pleated folds, giving the dumpling small "ears" on each side.

Simple Half Moon: Place a spoonful of filling in the centre of the wrapper. Wet the edges with water, fold in half to form a semi-circle, and press the edges firmly to seal.

Pleated Folds: Start with the half-moon shape. Make small folds along the edge, pinching as you go to create a series of pleats on one side, while keeping the other side smooth. This helps the dumpling stand up for pan-frying.

Wavy Folding: Begin like the half-moon. When sealing, pinch and push one side of the wrapper to create a wavy-like effect, which looks beautiful and increases the edge area for extra crispiness.

Fold That Looks Like a Butt: Start with a half-moon, then pleat only the middle part of the dumpling by pinching together two small sections of the dough in the centre, leaving the ends untouched. This creates a "butt-like" appearance with two rounded lobes.

Envelope fold: Fold the wrapper in half over the filling to form a half-circle. Starting at one end of the half-circle, pinch the edge to create a small pleat, and make a total of two pleats towards the centre. Repeat this on the other side, ensuring both ends mirror each other with two pleats each. Take the two ends where the pleats converge and fold them towards the middle. The pleats should slightly overlap at the centre, enhancing the envelope appearance.

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General Tips:

Keep the Wrappers Covered: Use a damp cloth to cover the wrappers while working to prevent them from drying out.
Don’t Overfill: Too much filling can make the dumplings difficult to seal and more likely to burst during cooking.
Seal Tightly: Ensure the edges are sealed tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking. Use water to moisten the edges if necessary.