{ Tips & Helps }

2) How to cut a true regular hexagon in the fastest way

Apart from squares , rectangles and hexagons are most commonly used in origami. If you are keen

on folding flowers , then hexagons would always be the choice. There have already been a number

of methods regarding how to cut regular hexagons. However , they almost invariably involve

folding the paper in multiple layers , which would result in inaccuracy. The following method was

devised by me just about a year ago when I felt the urge to get a quick and easy way of cutting a

true regular hexagon in order to fold the flowers requiring a hexagon to start. Although this method

is very fast and easy , by which a true hexagon can be produced within a minute , its accuracy is

absolutely stunning , which I believe it's a record. In addition , there's no need to start with a true

square with this cutting method. Only an approximate square will do.

A) Tools

Basically , they are the same as used by those in making a true square as described before.

However , this time the one really in need is the 30° / 60° set square, more exactly the 60°

angle. As hexagons are mainly used in folding flowers, boxes and stars , they are usually

made from those ready-made origami papers with side length 15 cm or less. So we have

to use another set of tools of smaller size. The 30° / 60° set square I'm using is about 14 cm

on the slanted side while the steel ruler is 20cm in length. In addition , we can use this set of

tools to correct those ready- made origami papers which are not true regular squares. With

this method , we can start from paper of any size . We only need an approximate square to

start with. It won't affect the overall accuracy of the end product.However , for the sake

of simplicity , we start with a ready-made true square.

B) Procedures

1/ First , fold the square in half , bringing the upper side to the lower. Crease firmly and then

turn the paper anti-clockwise about 30° as shown in the photo. This only aims to facilitate

cutting in a comfortable way.

2/ Place the slanted edge of the 45° set square against the slanted edge of the paper's

with its tip about 3cm away from the right to corner of the paper. Then place the

slanted edge of the 30° / 60° set square against the 45° set square's with

the 60° angle facing upward. The 60° tip should be a little bit beyond the 45° tip.

3/ Place the steel ruler against the vertical edge of the 30° / 60° set square. When

true close contact is assured , cut away the paper on the right side of the ruler. A

true 60° corner is then formed. Then turn the left side of the paper over to the

same position as before and repeat the previous procedures.

4/ When finished , open the paper. You will see a diagonal sloping downward

from right to left. On both sides of the right top end point of the diagonal are two

previously cut edges. Now turn the edge on the right side of the end point

anticlockwise to a horizontal position as shown in the photo. Now the

diagonal is seen sloping downward from left to right.

5/ The upper edge and lower edge joined by the diagonal are parallel to

each other. Now bring the lower edge to align with the upper edge as shown.

This is the most crucial step governing the overall accuracy. With a little bit of

patience and care , this can achieved easily and accurately. Or you may use the

straight edge of the set square to help. Then , crease firmly.

6/ Now you will see the lower layer of the paper protruding from the upper

layer on the right side of the paper. Then turn the right edge into a vertical position

and place the slanted edge of the 45° set square against the edge of the upper layer.

Hold it firm with your right hand. Then place the steel ruler against the slanted

edge of the 45° set square. Finally , remove the set square and cut off the extra

lower layer as shown.