Paper or Fabric? How to Choose the Best Material for Your Tessellations and Modular Origami Projects

Tessellations And Modular Origami From Fabric And Paper

Have you ever wondered how to create stunning patterns and shapes from flat sheets of material? If so, you might be interested in learning about two amazing techniques: tessellations and modular origami. These techniques allow you to transform paper or fabric into intricate designs that can be used for decoration, education, or innovation. In this article, we will explore what tessellations and modular origami are, how they differ from each other, how they can be folded from paper or fabric, and what are some of their applications and examples. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of these fascinating art forms and hopefully feel inspired to try them yourself.

Tessellations And Modular Origami From Fabric And Paper

Tessellations

Tessellations are patterns that cover a plane without gaps or overlaps. They are also called tilings or mosaics. Tessellations can be made from geometric shapes such as squares, triangles, hexagons, or more complex polygons. They can also be made from non-geometric shapes such as animals, flowers, or stars. Tessellations can be regular, semi-regular, or irregular depending on how uniform their shapes are.

Tessellations have many applications and examples in art, architecture, and science. For instance, tessellations can be seen in Islamic art, where they are used to create beautiful patterns on walls, floors, ceilings, or carpets. Tessellations can also be seen in nature, where they are used to form structures such as honeycombs, snowflakes, or crystals. Tessellations can also be used to model phenomena such as cellular growth, crystal formation, or quasicrystals.

To fold tessellations from paper or fabric, you need to start with a grid of creases that divide the material into smaller units. Then you need to collapse the grid into shapes by folding along the creases. You can repeat this process over and over to extend the design. You can also vary the angles or orientations of the shapes to create different effects. Some examples of paper tessellations are Celtic Circle by Robin Scholz (link is external), Hydrangea by Shuzo Fujimoto (link is external), and Hexagon Twist by Eric Gjerde (link is external). Some examples of fabric tessellations are Smocking by Yoshiko Wada (link is external), Origami Quilts by Louise Mabbs (link is external), and Tessellated Origami by Chris K. Palmer (link is external).

Modular Origami

Modular origami is a technique that involves folding multiple units of paper or fabric and then assembling them into a larger structure. The units can be simple or complex, and they can be joined by inserting flaps, tabs, or pockets into each other. Modular origami can also be called unit origami, 3D origami, or polyhedral origami depending on the shape and complexity of the structure.

Modular origami has many applications and examples in art, design, and engineering. For instance, modular origami can be used to create sculptures, ornaments, jewelry, or toys. Modular origami can also be used to create functional objects such as lamps, boxes, or baskets. Modular origami can also be used to study mathematical concepts such as symmetry, polyhedra, or topology.

To fold modular origami from paper or fabric, you need to start with a square or rectangular piece of material and fold it into a unit. Then you need to repeat this process with more pieces of material until you have enough units for your structure. Then you need to join the units together by inserting their flaps, tabs, or pockets into each other. You can also vary the colors or patterns of the units to create different effects. Some examples of paper modular origami are Sonobe Cube by Mitsunobu Sonobe (link is external), Kusudama Flower by Makoto Yamaguchi (link is external), and Star Puff by Maria Sinayskaya (link is external). Some examples of fabric modular origami are Fabric Stars by Leyla Torres (link is external), Fabric Boxes by Tomoko Fuse (link is external), and Fabric Origami Flowers by Kumiko Tsuruoka (link is external).

Comparison And Contrast

Tessellations and modular origami are both techniques that allow you to create beautiful and complex designs from flat sheets of material. However, they also have some differences that make them unique and appealing in their own ways. Here are some of the similarities and differences between them:

Tessellations

Modular Origami

They cover a plane without gaps or overlaps.

They form a three-dimensional structure.

They are made from one piece of material.

They are made from multiple pieces of material.

They are folded along a grid of creases.

They are folded into units and then assembled.

They have geometric or non-geometric shapes.

They have polyhedral or non-polyhedral shapes.

They can be regular, semi-regular, or irregular.

They can be symmetrical or asymmetrical.

They can be flat or curved.

They can be rigid or flexible.

They can be used for decoration, education, or innovation.

They can be used for art, design, or engineering.

The advantages of using paper and fabric as materials for both techniques are that they are widely available, affordable, easy to manipulate, and versatile. You can use different types of paper and fabric depending on your preference and purpose. You can also use different colors and patterns to create contrast and variety. The disadvantages of using paper and fabric as materials for both techniques are that they are fragile, prone to tearing, fading, or wrinkling, and difficult to preserve. You may need to use glue, tape, starch, or spray to reinforce or protect your creations.

Conclusion

Tessellations and modular origami are two amazing techniques that allow you to create stunning patterns and shapes from flat sheets of material. They differ in how they are created and what they look like, but they also share some common features and benefits. They can be folded from paper or fabric with different effects and challenges. They can also be used for various purposes and applications in art, architecture, science, design, and engineering. Tessellations and modular origami are both beautiful and versatile art forms that can inspire you to explore your creativity and imagination.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about tessellations and modular origami from fabric and paper:

• What are the benefits of learning tessellations and modular origami?

Some of the benefits of learning tessellations and modular origami are that they can improve your spatial reasoning, logic, creativity, and concentration skills. They can also help you relax, have fun, and express yourself.

• What are the tools and materials needed for folding tessellations and modular origami?

Some of the tools and materials needed for folding tessellations and modular origami are paper or fabric, scissors or rotary cutter, ruler or cutting mat, bone folder or iron, glue or tape, pins or clips, and needle or thread.

• How can I find instructions or diagrams for folding tessellations and modular origami?

Some of the sources for finding instructions or diagrams for folding tessellations and modular origami are books, magazines, websites, blogs, videos, or workshops. You can also create your own instructions or diagrams by experimenting with different folds and shapes.

• How can I display or use my tessellations and modular origami creations?

Some of the ways to display or use your tessellations and modular origami creations are to frame them, hang them, mount them, fold them into cards or envelopes, make them into jewelry or accessories, or incorporate them into other crafts or projects.

• How can I improve my skills and knowledge in tessellations and modular origami?

Some of the ways to improve your skills and knowledge in tessellations and modular origami are to practice regularly, try new designs and challenges, join online or offline communities, share your work and feedback, and learn from other artists and experts.

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