Learn how to make an origami Moving Cubes (seamless cubes version)
Designed by Jo Nakashima (06/2019)
Difficulty level: intermediate (or easy if you make the old connection)
This is a modular origami and each cube is made from a single square sheet of paper, everything connected without glue nor tape.
This is an update on the origami Moving Cubes using a new variation of the unit: the seamless cube. Now it looks better on the top and bottom of the cubes:
There is also a new way to connect the units which is thinner than the previous version, so the cubes can have better movement. But the downside is that it’s a bit harder to make. So, for beginners I would recommend using the double flap connections from the previous version as it still works the same way with the seamless cubes.
Paper and number of units
In the video tutorial I’m using 12cm x 12cm origami paper for each cube. Any square size can be used.
I’ve made a moving cubes with 9 units (3×3), but you can make a bigger one if you want. In order to make a N x N model you’ll need:
- Top/bottom units: 2
- Left/right units: 2
- Middle units: (N-2)^2
- Edge units: (N-2)*4
For example, to make a 5×5 moving cubes:
- Top/bottom units: 2
- Left/right units: 2
- Middle units: (5-2)^2 = 9
- Edge units: (5-2)*4 = 12
Total of 25 units
Diagrams
Not available yet! Watch the video tutorial to learn how to make it!
Helpful videos
To make the origami moving cubes you’ll need to fold a 5×5 grid on every sheet of paper that you’ll use. In the tutorial I show the “origami way” to do that, without a ruler or any kind of tool. However, there are easier methods and the videos below can help you in this task:
More origami models with cubes
On my YouTube Channel you can find a playlist with all my models based on the origami cube. Check it out for more action models like the Infinity Cube and also puzzles like the Soma Cube and the Rubik’s Cube.