Q&A for How to Fold a Hexaflexagon

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  • Question
    How long should the paper be?
    Community Answer
    There is not an exact length it needs to be, but the strips should be approximately 1/12 as wide as they are long. You will need to cut off the extra triangles, however.
  • Question
    Do I need to leave a side blank?
    Community Answer
    No. You add a symbol, letter, or just write the word glue. The side you glue can really have anything on it, but if you add a number, it might be confusing.
  • Question
    Where can I find the paper to make a hexaflexagon?
    Diamy Wang
    Community Answer
    You can find it at most stores where school supplies are sold. You can use any type of paper. However, as stated above, construction paper is the most sturdy and is preferred.
  • Question
    Do I need a blank one on the 1-3 side?
    Community Answer
    Yes.
  • Question
    When you color them, will each set be its own color?
    Diamy Wang
    Community Answer
    Yes. If you color-code them different colors, you might get it mixed up with other colors.
  • Question
    How would I draw the equilateral triangles?
    Diamy Wang
    Community Answer
    You could just eyeball it, but it might be more accurate if you use a protractor and measure 30 degrees. You could also find a template online and use that if you'd like.
  • Question
    Can I make the strip larger than the length being 12 times the width?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but if you follow these instructions then you will have to cut off more.
  • Question
    Which one is the fourth "2"?
    Community Answer
    The one toward the bottom. Counterclockwise from the curl of the cane and spiraling down toward the bottom of the cane, the numbers should read: 3, 2, 2, 2, 2, 1, 1, 3, [blank]. The fourth 2 is the one right before 1, 1, 3.
  • Question
    Are there any templates available online?
    Community Answer
    Yes, there are many templates with different designs online. You can just search up "hexaflexagon template" and you will find many templates that you can print out and cut.
  • Question
    How long would the average hexaflexagon be?
    Community Answer
    It depends on the width of the strip. Usually they are around 2-4 inches, but it really depends.
  • Question
    How do I make the triangles even?
    Liam Cou8541
    Community Answer
    You can't make it precise, but if you make the rectangle you fold first have a width of about 6/7 of its height, and then adjust the folds of the resulting triangle to put the two edges as close to lining up as possible, you can get fairly close (within 5 degrees of 60 degrees for the three angles is more than accurate enough).
  • Question
    When I do mine I see sides 1, 2, and 5, but not the others? What am I doing wrong?
    Community Answer
    Absolutely nothing. Just keep going and you will get the other sides. It is weird that you haven’t gotten side 3 yet, though. Maybe make another hexaflexagon and try again?
  • Question
    What do I do if I can't find the "4, 5 and 6" sides on a hexaflexagon?
    Community Answer
    Try folding it on another part or the 1, 2 or 3, or restart and make sure you follow the steps closely.
  • Question
    How big should my paper be to be able to fold a hexaflexagon?
    Community Answer
    It depends how wide you want to make your hexaflexagon. A3 is the best size, but you can squeeze it onto A4.
  • Question
    What is the size of the finished hexagon?
    Community Answer
    It depends on what size of paper you are using. I used 12 inches by 1 inch, so from each side to the side across from it is 5 1/2 centimeters.
  • Question
    How long of a strip do you need?
    Yuxin
    Community Answer
    You need a strip of paper that is 12 times long as it is wide. For example, 12cm by 1cm or 24cm by 2cm.
  • Question
    Can I tape the hexaflexagon instead of glueing?
    Yuxin
    Community Answer
    You shouldn’t sellotape it as it might damage the shape and it won’t work––gluing it is better and more likely to work. Try to use a Pritt-stick (gluestick) or PVA glue––any brand will work.
  • Question
    How many inches does the paper need to be?
    Yuxin
    Community Answer
    You can decide how long you want it to be but it is recommended for it to be about 12-16 inches long (30-37.5cm).
  • Question
    How many sides are there? When I made mine I only had 3 sides.
    Yuxin
    Community Answer
    There are meant to be 6 sides, try to remake a new hexaflexagon. Follow the steps carefully.
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