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Free Guide to Tessellation Origami 2025
Guide to Tessellation Origami (500-1000 Words)
Introduction to Tessellation Origami
Tessellation origami is a fascinating branch of origami that involves folding a single sheet of paper into complex, repeating geometric patterns. Unlike traditional origami, which often focuses on representational figures like animals or objects, tessellation origami creates intricate, tiled designs that can theoretically extend infinitely. These patterns are built on a grid of pre-creases, typically squares, triangles, or hexagons, and involve techniques like twists, pleats, and collapses to form visually stunning, often three-dimensional structures. Tessellations are both an art form and a mathematical exploration, blending creativity with precision. This guide will introduce the basics of tessellation origami, provide a historical overview, highlight key figures, and list relevant clubs and resources, including five YouTube tutorials to help you get started.
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10 Videos
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Getting Started with Tessellation Origami
To begin folding tessellations, you’ll need a few basic materials: a square sheet of durable, thin paper (kraft paper, printer paper, or translucent paper like glassine works well), a ruler for precise creasing, and patience. Unlike step-by-step traditional origami, tessellations often rely on crease patterns—diagrams showing all folds needed to collapse the paper into the final design. Here’s a step-by-step approach for beginners:
To begin folding tessellations, you’ll need a few basic materials: a square sheet of durable, thin paper (kraft paper, printer paper, or translucent paper like glassine works well), a ruler for precise creasing, and patience. Unlike step-by-step traditional origami, tessellations often rely on crease patterns—diagrams showing all folds needed to collapse the paper into the final design. Here’s a step-by-step approach for beginners:
- Choose Your Paper: Select a sturdy, non-tearing paper, ideally 25-50 cm for a 32×32 or 64×64 grid. Avoid overly thick paper, as it can make collapsing difficult. Translucent paper enhances backlit effects, a hallmark of tessellations.
- Create a Grid: Start by folding a square grid (e.g., 8×8, 16×16, or 32×32) by dividing the paper into equal sections horizontally and vertically. For example, to make a 16×16 grid, fold the paper in half four times in each direction, ensuring precise creases. Triangle or hexagonal grids are also common for specific designs.
- Learn Basic Twists: Tessellations often use “twist” folds, such as the triangle twist or hexagon twist, where pleats are rotated to form a central shape. Practice simple twists like those in Shuzo Fujimoto’s Hydrangea or Eric Gjerde’s Spread Hexagons.
- Follow a Crease Pattern: Find a beginner-friendly crease pattern (available in books or online). Pre-crease all lines as mountain or valley folds, then gently collapse the paper, starting from the center or one edge, coaxing it into shape.
- Practice and Experiment: Tessellations require patience. Start with simple designs like a square grid brick pattern, then experiment with combining twists to create your own patterns.
- Use a bone folder or empty ballpoint pen for crisp creases.
- Work slowly to avoid tearing or misaligning creases.
- Backlight your finished tessellation to highlight its geometric beauty.
- Study crease patterns from experts like Eric Gjerde or Ilan Garibi to understand collapsing techniques.
- Pre-1900: Origami in Japan, primarily traditional, focused on simple, symbolic models like the crane. No clear evidence of tessellations exists, but Islamic tile art, with repeating geometric patterns, likely influenced later developments. Paper folding was largely ceremonial or recreational.
- 1900-2000: The 20th century marked the birth of modern tessellation origami. In the 1960s, Shuzo Fujimoto, a Japanese folder, pioneered flat tessellations, self-publishing books with designs like the Hydrangea. His 1976 book Solid Origami was the first commercially published work featuring tessellations. In the 1990s, Chris Palmer popularized tessellations in the West, introducing twist folds inspired by Islamic art. Yoshihide Momotani also contributed, using twists for floral designs in his 1971 book Origami Nyumon.
- 2000-Present: Tessellations exploded in popularity with the work of Eric Gjerde, whose 2008 book Origami Tessellations: Awe-Inspiring Geometric Designs became a cornerstone. Folders like Ilan Garibi and Joel Cooper pushed boundaries, with Cooper incorporating tessellations into masks. The internet, particularly YouTube and forums, democratized learning, while mathematical approaches (e.g., Tom Hull’s work) deepened the field. Today, tessellations are used in art, design, and engineering, such as foldable solar panels.
- Shuzo Fujimoto: Japanese pioneer of flat tessellations, known for the Hydrangea (1960s-1970s).
- Yoshihide Momotani: Developed twist folds for floral tessellations, published in 1971.
- Chris Palmer: American folder who popularized tessellations in the 1990s, inspired by Islamic art.
- Eric Gjerde: Author of Origami Tessellations (2008), a key figure in modern tessellation design.
- Ilan Garibi: Israeli folder and author, known for classifying tessellations and practical guides.
- Joel Cooper: American artist creating tessellated masks with pleating techniques.
- Tom Hull: American mathematician exploring geometric principles in tessellations.
- Sara Adams: Origami instructor known for YouTube tutorials on tessellations.
- Yohei Yamamoto: Japanese researcher developing twist-based design methods for tessellations.
- Melisande: Origami artist recognized for 3D tessellation stars.
Origami Clubs (Japan, UK, USA, Europe)
- Japan Origami Academic Society (JOAS)
- Website: https://www.origami.gr.jp
- Email: [email protected]
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/JapanOrigami
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/japanorigami
- British Origami Society (BOS)
- Website: https://www.britishorigami.org
- Email: [email protected]
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/BritishOrigami
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/britishorigami
- OrigamiUSA
- Website: https://www.origamiusa.org
- Email: [email protected]
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/OrigamiUSA
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/origamiusa
- Origami Deutschland (Germany)
- Website: https://www.origami-deutschland.de
- Email: [email protected]
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/OrigamiDE
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/origamideutschland
- Centro Diffusione Origami (Italy)
- Website: https://www.origami-cdo.it
- Email: [email protected]
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/CDO_Origami
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cdo_origami
Five YouTube Videos on Tessellation Origami
- Origami Tessellation Basics – Square Grid – A beginner’s guide to folding a square grid and basic twists. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vW9m69BWMc)
- Origami Tessellation: Hydrangea by Shuzo Fujimoto – Step-by-step tutorial for Fujimoto’s iconic Hydrangea tessellation. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aJ3fW0Y4DI)
- Tessellation Tutorial: Triangle Twist – Explains how to fold a triangle grid and execute a triangle twist. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3D6z6Z7bO3I)
- How to Fold a Hexagon Tessellation – Covers folding a hexagonal grid and creating a simple tessellation. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fX2U2gQ6zY)
- Advanced Tessellation: Spread Hexagons by Eric Gjerde – A detailed tutorial for an intermediate tessellation design. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hX8gXh6g1w)
Conclusion (150 Words)
Tessellation origami is a captivating blend of art, mathematics, and precision, transforming a single sheet of paper into intricate, repeating patterns. From Shuzo Fujimoto’s pioneering work in the 1960s to modern innovators like Eric Gjerde and Ilan Garibi, this art form has evolved into a global phenomenon, inspiring folders to explore geometry and creativity. Its accessibility, aided by online tutorials and communities like OrigamiUSA and the British Origami Society, makes it approachable for beginners and challenging for experts. Whether you’re folding a simple square grid or designing complex 3D tessellations, the process fosters patience and innovation. The YouTube tutorials listed provide a practical starting point, while the rich history and vibrant clubs connect folders worldwide. Dive into tessellation origami to experience the joy of creating infinite patterns, and let each fold inspire new designs that bridge art and science. Happy folding
Tessellation origami is a captivating blend of art, mathematics, and precision, transforming a single sheet of paper into intricate, repeating patterns. From Shuzo Fujimoto’s pioneering work in the 1960s to modern innovators like Eric Gjerde and Ilan Garibi, this art form has evolved into a global phenomenon, inspiring folders to explore geometry and creativity. Its accessibility, aided by online tutorials and communities like OrigamiUSA and the British Origami Society, makes it approachable for beginners and challenging for experts. Whether you’re folding a simple square grid or designing complex 3D tessellations, the process fosters patience and innovation. The YouTube tutorials listed provide a practical starting point, while the rich history and vibrant clubs connect folders worldwide. Dive into tessellation origami to experience the joy of creating infinite patterns, and let each fold inspire new designs that bridge art and science. Happy folding
Paul (Poison Fish) Manjyu Woodman
