Before you read this, please see the page on flexagons for an explanation of what a flexagon is.
This page is dedicated to the simplest "flexable" kind of hexaflexagon, the trihexaflexagon. From its name, one can infer that it has 3 faces. The majority of the rest of this page includes instructions on creating and flexing a trihexaflexagon.
BUILDING
1. Print and cut out the template below. The numbers and colors correspond to the faces of the trihexaflexagon.
This page is dedicated to the simplest "flexable" kind of hexaflexagon, the trihexaflexagon. From its name, one can infer that it has 3 faces. The majority of the rest of this page includes instructions on creating and flexing a trihexaflexagon.
BUILDING
1. Print and cut out the template below. The numbers and colors correspond to the faces of the trihexaflexagon.
2. Fold the template along its longest side, so that only half of it shows, and tape the two halves so that they can't separate.
3. Fold the line in between the triangles with the number 2 on them, so that there are 4 triangles with the number 1 directly adjacent to each other.
4. Once again, fold the line between the 2's to get 5 1's and a 2 arranged in a hexagon.
5. Tuck the 2 under the triangle that is beneath it, and end up with a hexagon made entirely of 1's.
6. Finally, tape the loose ends together on the rightmost edge of the hexagon. Your trihexaflexagon is ready!
FLEXING
If you look closely at the trihexaflexagon, you can see that the hexagon is made up of 3 rhombi (diamonds). Pinch along the spaces between the rhombi, so that the hexagon collapses into 3 triangles. Then, open it up like a budding flower. A new face with 2's on it will appear! Flex it again, and the third face should come into view. Flex once more, and you're back to 1.
FAQ
Q. My trihexaflexagon won't open after I collapse it!
A. You're pinching the lines within the rhombi, but you should pinch the ones between them. Otherwise, the flexagon can be a little difficult to open. Pull a little harder, but don't tear it!
Q. When I flex it from the 1 face, I get to the 3 face instead of 2!
A. You're flexing backwards. Try doing what you're already doing, but in reverse.
Q. The numbers on my trihexaflexagon are facing in different directions!
A. You're looking at the back of the trihexaflexagon. Try flexing it, then looking at the other side.
For more information, see Vihart's videos on hexaflexagons.
FLEXING
If you look closely at the trihexaflexagon, you can see that the hexagon is made up of 3 rhombi (diamonds). Pinch along the spaces between the rhombi, so that the hexagon collapses into 3 triangles. Then, open it up like a budding flower. A new face with 2's on it will appear! Flex it again, and the third face should come into view. Flex once more, and you're back to 1.
FAQ
Q. My trihexaflexagon won't open after I collapse it!
A. You're pinching the lines within the rhombi, but you should pinch the ones between them. Otherwise, the flexagon can be a little difficult to open. Pull a little harder, but don't tear it!
Q. When I flex it from the 1 face, I get to the 3 face instead of 2!
A. You're flexing backwards. Try doing what you're already doing, but in reverse.
Q. The numbers on my trihexaflexagon are facing in different directions!
A. You're looking at the back of the trihexaflexagon. Try flexing it, then looking at the other side.
For more information, see Vihart's videos on hexaflexagons.