Text-Only Instructions copyright 2025 by Lindy van der Merwe
accessorigami.com
Paper to be used: 2 squares of similar size; any kind of paper should work for this coaster; you will need two different colors to create a nice effect.
Folding level: Beginner
Steps: 17
Description:
This model is made with only 2 Sonobe units that are combined into a sturdy coaster.
It is quite thick and very secure and has a nice colorful look to it if you used two different colors with both showing on each side. The coaster is reversible making it easy to use for those of us without the benefit of sight.
PHASE 1: CREATING THE UNITS:
If using two-sided origami paper, lay your paper with the patterned or colored side down before starting to fold.
NOTE: This phase describes how to fold the basic Sonobe unit. If you are able to achieve this without instructions, fold the unit and then go to Step 9.
Step 1
Place a square down with its edges to the left and right, top and bottom.
Step 2
Fold the top edge down to meet the bottom edge to form a horizontal center crease line.
Crease and unfold.
Step 3
Now fold the top and bottom edges in to meet the horizontal center crease line.
Crease and leave folded.
You will have a figure with an upper and a lower rectangular flap meeting each other along the horizontal center line.
Step 4
Now, fold the top left corner, all the layers, diagonally down to the right as far as it will go. It will line up with the bottom edge of the paper and form a triangle on the left side of the unit.
Crease well and leave folded.
Step 5
Repeat this fold with the bottom right corner of the rectangle.
There will now be 2 triangles that have formed next to each other, pointing in opposite directions.
The outline of the figure will be a more or less rectangular shape, but with points on each side.
Step 6
Unfold the 2 triangles so you have the rectangle again.
Step 7
Notice that you will now have short diagonal valley fold lines at the bottom left and top right corners of the rectangle.
These lines extend only halfway from the corners to the central slit of the rectangle.
Reverse the valley creases so they become mountain folds by folding the bottom left and top right corners inwards so they are hidden within the layers of the paper.
It should look as if a small corner is now missing at the left bottom and top right of the rectangle.
Step 8
Refold and tuck the large left triangle you created in Step 4 under the small corner just below it and then do the same with the large triangle on the right, tucking it in under the small top right corner just above it.
This will lock your Sonobe unit securely so it stays closed.
Important: Always start to fold your large corners in the same way; in this case, the top left and bottom right corners. If you make a modular model and one or more of the units are created with the opposite corners folded in, the units will not fit together.
You will now have a securely locked, long, skinny diamond shape, or to be more accurate, a parallelogram.
Keep the unit with its points at the left and right and with the smooth side facing the table for the explanation that follows:
Step 9
Explanation
In order to use your Sonobe unit to make modular origami figures, it will help a lot if you can identify the main back and front parts of the unit and familiarize yourself with its features.
Depending on which type of modular figure you want to make, you will fold your Sonobe unit slightly differently, so for the purpose of this short explanation, the parts of the units will first be described in general terms.
(A) The Slits or Pockets
If you consider the surface of the module, which we will call the front, you will notice 2 diagonal folds with two loose flaps that face in opposite directions.
These folds are actually openings, slits or pockets where the points of other modular units will be inserted.
Note that the face or central square of each unit will seem to have 4 diagonal openings, all facing in the same direction and arranged in a kind of pinwheel formation.
You will always be using the 2 slits that are opposite from each other and that have a single layer of paper.
So, it is worthwhile checking that you can distinguish between the double-layered openings, which will not be used, and the single-layered slits which will be on opposite sides of each unit.
(B) The Central Square
Turn the unit over from left to right and place it so one of its long sides is facing you. The surface of the unit, which we will call the back, should now be smooth.
With the unit in this position, you will be able to identify the central square, with the left triangle forming a point nearest you and the right triangle forming a point furthest away from you.
This orientation of the parallellogram is important and all your modules should have the central square and points folded in this way.
(C) The Points or Flaps
With the central square placed straight in relation to the edge of the table, you will have a triangular flap on the left, with its pointy end nearest you. On the right, there will be a similar flap, but this one will have its point furthest away from you.
Put in another way, the left triangle will seem to slope downwards from the left side of the central square while the right triangle will seem to slope upwards from the right side of the central square.
These points or flaps will be inserted into the slits or pockets of other similar units.
This completes the explanation of the basic Sonobe unit.
Two more steps are necessary to prepare the unit for using it to fold our coaster.
Step 10
Place the unit down again, so it has a smooth surface. Position it so you have the central square with its bottom edge horizontally or lined up with the edge of the table.
You will have a triangle on the left of the square, sloping downwards and another on the right, sloping upwards.
Step 11
Fold the left corner straight over to the right and the right corner straight over to the left so the bases of the triangles meet each other diagonally across the square.
The folded triangles will thus meet each other perfectly and cover the central square.
Make sure that all 4 edges of your square are straight and really creased well at this point. Press extra hard since firm creases will make the assembly of the model much easier.
PHASE 2: FOLDING ANOTHER UNIT
Repeat the above steps to fold another unit that may be the same or a different color.
Important: The two units should be folded in exactly the same way and look similar if you place one on top of the other. If their points or pockets differ in any way, the assembly will not work.
PHASE 3: ASSEMBLING YOUR MODEL
Step 12
Explanation:
First look at your folded Sonobe unit. It has a square with two flaps that seem to point in opposite directions. The square itself has a smooth surface on one side, while two pockets or slits have been created on the other side.
To do the assembly, the smooth sides of the units will thus be facing each other and will touch on the inside of the model, while the points will fit into the pockets on the outside back and front.
Step 13
Start by placing one unit down with its flaps at the top and bottom. The square part of the model will lie flat while the flaps will point towards the ceiling.
The smooth side of the central square will be facing up, so make sure the side with the pockets is facing the table.
Step 14
Place the second unit on top of the first but this time horizontally, so the triangular points are on the left and right. The central square should be smooth side down now.
Step 15
Pick up both units and hold them together near their centers.
Step 16
You will notice that there are pockets on the back and front of the model and 4 points sticking out on the sides, sort of like a pinwheel.
Start with the point furthest away from you. Tuck it towards you, sliding it into the pocket you will find nearest to it. Press flat.
Repeat with the triangle nearest you, pushing it away from you and sliding it into the pocket you will find near the bottom edge of the model.
Don't be afraid to bend the points a little as you slide them into the pockets.
Step 17
After this step you will still have two points sticking out on the left and right sides of the central square.
Flip the model over from top to bottom and then repeat tucking in these last two points into the pockets you will find nearest them.
Your modular coaster is ready for use.
Making origami accessible through text instructions.
For non-commercial use only.
Compiled by Lindy van der Merwe, June 2025
This text copyright 2025 by accessorigami.com
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