Origami Tessellations – An Introduction
Origami tessellations are a type of paper-folding art that results in a repeating pattern of shapes. This type of origami involves folding a single sheet of paper in a way that creates a pattern that can be repeated infinitely. Origami tessellations are similar to tiling in architecture, but instead of tiles, the shapes are created with folded paper. Origami tessellations, or tessellated origami, is an art form that has been around for centuries, but in the last few decades, it has experienced a resurgence.
The most basic origami tessellation is the kite tessellation, which is created by folding a square piece of paper diagonally in two ways, then folding the triangle pieces inwards. This creates a pattern of kites, and the pattern can be repeated infinitely. Other tessellations include the hexagonal tessellation and the triangular tessellation. These tessellations are more complex, and require more folds, but the same basic principle applies.
Why Create Origami Tessellations?
Creating origami tessellations is a great way to express creativity and have fun at the same time. Tessellations can be used to decorate cards, gifts, or canvas. They can also be used to create unique pieces of art. Many origami tessellations are based on mathematical principles, so creating them is a great way to learn about geometry and mathematics.
How to Create Origami Tessellations
Creating origami tessellations is not as difficult as it may seem. The most important thing to remember is that each tessellation starts with a square piece of paper. Once the paper is ready, you will need to fold it in the appropriate way to create the tessellation. While there are a few different techniques for folding origami tessellations, the most common is the wet-folding technique.
Wet-folding starts by lightly dampening the paper with a damp cloth or sponge. This will make the paper easier to fold and give it more shape. Once the paper is damp, you will need to fold it in the appropriate pattern to create the tessellation. It is important to remember to keep the folds neat and even, and to use symmetry to ensure that the tessellation looks balanced.
Kite Tessellation
The kite tessellation is the simplest and most popular origami tessellation. To create a kite tessellation, you will need to fold a square piece of paper diagonally in two directions. Then, you will need to fold the triangle pieces inwards. This will create a pattern of kites, which can be repeated infinitely.
Hexagonal Tessellation
The hexagonal tessellation is similar to the kite tessellation, but it involves folding the paper in a more complex way. To create a hexagonal tessellation, you will need to fold the paper in a way that creates a pattern of hexagons. This type of tessellation can create a very intricate and beautiful pattern.
Triangular Tessellation
The triangular tessellation is one of the most complex origami tessellations. To create a triangular tessellation, you will need to fold the paper in a way that creates a pattern of triangles. It is important to remember to keep the folds neat and even, and to use symmetry to ensure that the tessellation looks balanced.
Creating origami tessellations is a great way to express your creativity and have fun. It is also a great way to learn about mathematics and geometry. With a bit of practice, anyone can create beautiful and intricate origami tessellations.
