The Origami Forum

Hi everybody!

This is my first post on this forum, so happy to be here, etc. After folding through most of Origami Insects and their Kin, I decided to start folding some modular stuff.

I'm completely new in this field so naturally I've been struggling to fit units together and wondering how many modular Origami folders have eight arms. I've been using the cheapo fold-ems Origami paper that you get a typical American art store.

The size is 5 1/2 inches square, which I think is about 14-15 cm. Is this too big? What's the best kind of paper to fold polyhedra? Sorry if I'm asking a controversial question, but if I am, what's the best paper for modular origami noobs?

Thanks in advance,

Ben

Well, whenever I fold modulars I hate making gigantic units that make an even more gigantic model. IMO, modulars looks better the smaller they are, as long as accuracy isn't compromised. I would take your 15cm sheets and rip them into quarters.
And if you can find it, you should use thicker, possibly patterned paper. You should be able to find some interesting paper at any art supply store. However, if you consider yourself a noob, make sure you're at least profficient and accurate enough to know you're not going to waste any quality/more expensive paper.

I fold modulars all the time - but I don't have a problem, I could stop any time I wanted, honest! My favourite paper for them is 90mm squares. I usually find them in stationary shops selling them as those little pads you're meant to put beside your phone to write messages on.

They're a nice handy size, small enough to stick in your wallet and fold on the move, cheap and plentiful enough to experiment and play around and make mistakes, and they come in lots of lovely colours. And they're not too light - does anyone else find that modulars stay together better with slightly heavier paper?

I have usually two hands, not eight, so I use instead of six more hands glue. And my son have usually much more fun with models, which stick together...

Thanks guys

I'll try smaller squares. I'd rather not resort to the "forbidden substance" (glue) but I will if necessary...

It depends completely on the modular piece you want to fold what paper is the best. For many simpler models stiffer paper with a bit of structure supports the locking mechanism, helping you to avoid the forbidden substance. There are other modules that have a strong locking mechanism that even works with thin plain papers. Just try what works best for you.