Text-Only Instructions
Credits and Resources:
Instructions with pictures can be found at
instructables.com
and on various Youtube channels, searching for the words "X Cube".
Paper to be used: 6 squares of similar size; use large paper to practice with at first.
Origami or colored construction paper is recommended.
Note squares will also make nice, small models, but only use these when you are comfortable with the folding and assembly of these units.
When you have become familiar with assembling the units, you might like to try and use more than one color when folding your cube.
Folding level: Beginner
Steps: 22
Description:
The finished model is a closed, three-dimensional shape with 6 faces, 12 edges and 8 vertices or corners, which makes it a cube or a regular hexahedron.
All 6 faces are congruent (similar) and shaped as squares.
If you are interested in finding out more about these and other kinds of 3D shapes, you can go to the page below.
https://byjus.com/maths/cube/
Very small cubes can be used as jewelry components.
These models also look beautiful displayed in a large, flat bowl or see-through jar or vase, or use them as party favors or hanging decorations.
To use as a box, small objects can be added before the last module is inserted.
PHASE 1: CREATING THE UNITS:
You will be folding 6 similar units to form your X Cube.
It is recommended that you fold all 6 pieces before attempting Phase 3, which will explain how to fit the pieces together to form the finished model.
Step 1
Place a square color side down with its edges to the left and right, top and bottom.
Step 2
Fold the top edge down to meet the bottom edge to form a horizontal center crease line.
Crease and unfold.
Step 3
Now fold the top and bottom edges in to meet the horizontal center crease line.
Crease and leave folded.
You will have a figure with an upper and a lower rectangular flap meeting each other along the horizontal center line.
Step 4
Turn the module over from left to right, like turning the page of a book.
Step 5
Now, fold the top left corner, all the layers, diagonally down to the right as far as it will go. It will line up with the bottom edge of the paper and form a triangle on the left side of the unit.
Make sure to also fold the single layer of paper that will tend to stay behind as you make this fold.
You would like a straight diagonal edge forming a triangle on the left.
Crease well and leave folded.
Step 6
Repeat this fold with the bottom right corner of the rectangle, folding it upwards to meet the top edge of the module.
There will now be 2 triangles that have formed next to each other, pointing in opposite directions.
The outline of the figure will be a more or less rectangular shape, but with points on each side, or to be more accurate, a parallelogram.
Step 7
Now, fold the bottom left corner, all the layers, diagonally upwards to meet the top edge.
What was the bottom edge will now lie straight along the vertical center of the module, forming a multi-layered triangle on the left side of the shape.
Step 8
Repeat this fold with the top right corner of the rectangle, folding it downwards to meet the bottom edge of the module.
What was the top edge will now lie straight along the vertical center of the module, forming a multi-layered triangle on the right side of the shape.
Crease well and leave folded.
Step 9
Your finished unit will have a square outline. Place it down on a flat surface with the two loose flaps facing the ceiling.
You will notice that, even though you have pressed the two loose flaps flat, they will tend to stand up by themselves a little.
This is actually a good thing, since, for the assembly that follows, you would like for the flaps to form a 90 degree angle with the flat part of your module.
So, you can gently pinch the sides of your square so the flaps stand up as straight as possible.
Keep the units in this position for the explanation that follows.
PHASE 2: FOLD MORE SIMILAR UNITS
Repeat steps 1 to 9 5 more times so you have 6 similarly shaped units to work with.
Make sure you follow the instructions for all the squares precisely since all units should be alike in order for the modular pieces to fit.
Important: Always start to fold your first corners in the same way; in this case, the top left and bottom right corners.
This is a good way to keep yourself orientated since in most cases, if you make a modular model and one or more of the units are created with the opposite corners folded in, the units will not fit together.
Explanation
Consider the following parts of your unit.
(A) The Square with the Slit or Pockets
If you consider the square surface of the module that is facing the table, you will notice it has a slit that runs from corner to corner across the square.
The slit actually provides access to two large, triangular pocketss.
(B) The Flaps
The flaps are the multi-layered triangles that have formed on the sides of your square unit.
These points or flaps will be inserted into the slits or pockets of other similar units.
This is the way in which most modular origami models are constructed.
PHASE 3: ASSEMBLING YOUR MODEL
Step 10
Start by placing one unit down with its flaps at the top and bottom. The square part of the model will lie flat while the flaps will point towards the ceiling.
Make sure the side with the diagonal slit is facing the table.
Step 11
Now take two more units, place them on the left and right of the first one. The two on either side should have their flaps out to the left and right, also with their slits facing the table.
Step 12
From hereon, you might have to pick up the model in order to assemble it. Don't be afraid to turn it during the assembly. You can lightly hold it in your hand.
The more units you add, the better the cube will hold itself together.
So, lift the first unit from the table and insert the right flap of the left unit into the slit you will find on the back of the first unit.
Slide it in all the way. The point will disappear into the pocket and the first two units will be loosely joined by their sides.
Step 13
Then, take the right unit and insert its left flap in a similar way at the back of the first unit.
It will slide into the same slit, next to the point of unit 2, but will disappear into the opposite pocket.
After you have connected the first 3 units you will have a loose structure with many points just hanging around. Don't panic at this stage.
If you feel it may be helpful, you can place a small, heavy object on top of unit 1 in order to anchor it in place for the next steps, or read the section "Extra Help" above.
Step 14
Place the next two units above and below the first unit with their flaps pointing left and right.
You will notice that there are still two points open at the top and bottom of unit 1.
Step 15
Insert the top flap from unit 1 into the slit at the back of unit 4.
Step 16
Similarly, insert the bottom flap of unit 1 into the slit at the back of unit 5.
You now have 5 units connected loosely, still with lots of loose flaps, which will be dealt with next when the sides of the cube are completed.
Step 17
Before tucking in the sides, gently pull all 4 loose flaps to the outside of the cube so you will be able to get hold of them.
There should be no loose points or flaps when the cube is completed.
Step 18
Start on the left side and tuck in the flaps into the slits that are nearest them.
There will be two flaps to tuck in on the left side.
Step 19
Now do the same folds on the right side of the cube.
Once done, you will have a five-sided shape with two flaps still standing up and unconnected.
This is the time to remove the Heavy Helper, if you have used one, and to add something if your cube will contain a gift.
Step 20
Complete the assembly by adding the last square by inserting its points into the sides of the cube in the same way you did before.
Step 21
Lastly, take the two flaps left unattached and tuck them into their slits that you will find on the last, top unit of the cube.
Step 22
Gently press the corners and sides into a final cymmetrical cube shape and marvel at this beautiful modular creation.
Making origami accessible to visually impaired crafters through text instructions.
for non-commercial use only.
Compiled by Lindy van der Merwe, April 2024
This text copyright 2024 by accessorigami.com
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