How to Cut an Origami Hexagon
A square sheet of paper is most commonly used in the ancient Japanese art of origami. Although the square is quite necessary for the majority of designs, when it comes to more intricate and complex models, six sides are definitely better than four. From flowers to snowdrops, hexagon-shaped paper is essential for successful project completion. Not only does the hexagon have six sides, it must be symmetrically precise in every way; if you want to produce your own, you need to know how to cut it correctly.
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Things You'll Need
- Origami paper
- 45-degree set square
- 30/60-degree set square
- Utility knife
- 12-inch steel ruler
Instructions
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1
Fold a square in half by pulling the top-side to the bottom-side and crease; tilt the paper by 30 degrees in preparation for cutting.
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2
Lie the slanted edge of the 45-degree set square against the now-slanted edge of the folded paper, with its right tip approximately 1-inch short of the paper's top right corner.
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3
Place the 30-degree/60-degree set square onto the paper with its slanted edge against the positioned 45-degree set square. Ensure the 60-degree angle is vertical, with its tip slightly beyond the 45-degree tip.
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4
Carefully lay the steel ruler along the 60-degree angle of the set square, then cut away the paper on the ruler's right-hand side. This action creates a 60-degree corner.
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5
Turn the paper over to repeat the process outlined in steps 2, 3 and 4, then cut another 60-degree angle on the opposite side.
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6
Open up the paper and position it so the initial crease slopes down from the top right-hand corner to the bottom-left corner. The adjacent right-hand side edge to this top corner is the 60-degree edge previously cut. Turn the paper in a counter-clockwise direction until the diagonal crease runs from the top left-hand corner to the bottom-right. The adjacent right-hand side edge of this top corner is the 60-degree edge previously cut. These two edges are parallel to each other.
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7
Bring up the lower edge and align with the parallel top edge. Take care when doing this, as the success of this action dictates the overall accuracy of the completed hexagon. Crease firmly.
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8
Adjust the paper so its protruding lower layer, which you see on the right-hand side, is vertical.
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9
Firmly place the slanted edge of the 45--degree set square against the edge of the upper layer with your right hand, then set the ruler against the slanted edge of the set square. When you are ready, remove the set square and cut away the lower level paper.
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10
Turn the paper over from the left and repeat the process.
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11
Open up the paper to observe a true hexagon.
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Tips & Warnings
To test if the hexagon is true, fold along the axes of symmetry. If the upper layer and lower layer overlap each other completely on all sides, it proves itself a true regular hexagon.
References
- Photo Credit Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images
