MOD56 - MODULAR TRANSFORMING STAR OR MAGIC CIRCLE (FROM 8 SQUARES)
Designer/Creator: Unknown/Traditional
Various Articles and videos describing this model can be found on-line.
For instructions with visuals, you can visit
or for video instructions, visit
Slight adaptations were made so as to make the instructions easier to follow and the model easier to fold without sight.
Paper to be used: 8 squares of around 10 to 12 cms copy paper or very thin cardstock is recommended for this model.
Steps: 20
Description and more information:
This is a very interesting, three-dimensional action model. It consists of 8 units that are assembled in such a way that they form a circle. If the model is in its natural state, it resembles a star with 8 points, but when one holds the figure and gently pull the star shape apart a little, it will magically expand into a circle that will allow you to turn it inside out. `As long as you do not pull too hard, the circle will stay in tact without needing any glue.
It can be used as a hanging decoration or you can place it flat on a table, adding a round vase or candle holder to fit within the center of the circle.
The units are fairly easy to fold; however, assembly of this model is accomplished by sliding tabs into pockets at an angle, so take your time with Phase 3 of this project.
You can use alternating colors if preferred, make your circle from only one color or go to the other extreme and create a multi-colored circle, as long as the squares you choose are all the same size.
Note that, in the instructions below, the correct positioning of the model during the folding process is very important, so take extra care to orient your paper correctly for each step.
Phase 1 - Folding the module
NOTE: This module starts from the Waterbomb or Balloon Base.
If you are able to achieve this without instructions, fold the base, then go to Step 9.
You can also learn about the Waterbomb and other origami bases at the following link:
https://www.accessorigami.com/p/introduction-to-folds-and-bases-used-in.html
Step 1
Position a square of paper on your work surface so that one of its edges is horizontal.
Step 2
Bring the left edge over to meet the right edge. Crease and unfold.
Step 3
Bring the top edge down to meet the bottom edge. Crease and unfold.
Step 4
Turn the paper over and position the square so that its points are facing up and down, left and right.
Step 5
Bring the left point over to meet the right point. Crease and unfold.
Step 6
Bring the top point down to meet the bottom point. Crease and leave folded.
Step 7
Grasp the resulting triangle at its left and right sides and push inward. The folds you made previously should allow the model to collapse into a triangular shape with one folded flap sticking out towards the front of the model and one sticking out towards the back.
Step 8
Fold the front flap to the left and fold the back flap to the right so that your model will lie flat.
The model will have one open end, which should be facing you.
Step 9
Take the right flap of the triangle, the top layer only, and fold it inwards and downwards so it aligns with the center vertical crease.
Step 10
Similarly, take the left flap of the triangle, the top layer only, and fold it inwards and downwards so it aligns with the same center vertical crease.
You will have a kite shape divided down its vertical center, lying on top of a triangle now.
Step 11
Turn the shape over sideways and repeat the previous two steps so your model is symmetrical.
PHASE 2: FOLD MORE SIMILAR UNITS
Repeat steps 1 to 11 7 more times so you have 8 similarly shaped units to work with.
Explanation
Your star or magic circle will be assembled so its long pointy ends face to the outside, while the tiny triangular flaps we created last will be at the center of the circle.
There are many different ways we could use to assemble this model, but the way discussed here is what we could call the stacking method. Basically, we will place one unit flat and insert unit 2 in an upright position, tucking its ends into the pockets of unit 1 and then folding it over so it lies flat on top of unit 1. This process is repeated until we have a bundle of eight long, pointy triangles that are stacked on top of each other and that are all joined at their open ends. The final step is to open the assembly and connect the eighth unit to the first.
Don't worry, this will soon make sense.
Make sure you have all eight units with their closed, long, pointy ends facing away from you. We will be working with the small tabs at the open ends of the units. Each unit has four of these tabs, which are also pockets at the same time.
PHASE 3: Assembly
Step 12
Place your first unit flat on the table with its closed point facing away from you.
Note that the unit has two small tabs touching the table and two small tabs nearest the ceiling.
We first have to open our unit by folding the left and right sides of it away from the center, letting these sides stand at a 90 degree angle to the table and exposing the large, single-layered edge of the unit.
Lift this large flap slightly and hold it with one hand.
Step 13
With the other hand, hold unit 2 with its closed point facing you.
Slightly open unit two and insert the two small tabs of this unit that is touching the table, so they slide in underneath the large flap of unit one that you have lifted.
Slide the tabs in all the way until the edges of the two units touch and then let go of the flap of unit 1.
The first two units are now lying flat on the table, facing with their points in opposite directions and their open ends just touching.
Step 14
Next, we need to insert the tabs of unit 2 into the corresponding pockets of unit 1.
Locate the left and right pockets of unit 1 that should already be standing up. Open these small pockets as much as possible. You may have to lift the large central flap of the unit again to accomplish this.
With your other hand, bring unit 2 upright so it is at 90 degrees to the table. This will let you bring the two flaps of the unit as close as possible to the pockets of unit 1.
Try to tuck the tabs in as far as they will go. You may need to push unit 2 a little way inside unit 1.
Be patient and take your time with these steps. The pockets are quite small and the flaps need to go in properly, for your magic circle to hold together.
Once you feel that both tabs are in place, gently close both units towards their centers and carefully press them all the way flat.
You should find that the tabs of unit 2 is now lodged firmly within the pockets of unit 1.
Step 15
Next, we need to lift up unit 2 and fold it over an away from us so that it comes to rest on top of unit 1. Make sure the sides and points of the units match perfectly before pressing firmly along the edges and the open parts of the units.
Step 16
Lastly, we need to find and unfold the two small tabs of unit 2 that we had inserted in Step 14. These two small tabs are likely still hiding on the inside of the unit. To do this, open unit 2 just very slightly. The two tabs may pop out on their own. If not, gently pull them towards the outside so they will be ready to serve as the pockets for our next step.
Step 17
Repeat Steps 12 to 16 with all remaining units until you have a thick stack of long, triangular units.
Step 18
Lastly, gently lift the stack from the table and swing the unit nearest the table, which is unit 1, all the way in a downwards arc until it points toward you. Lay the assembly flat again.
Now, unit one is in the correct position to be joined to unit 8 in the same way you joined your units before.
Step 19
Insert the two tabs of unit one into unit 8.
Step 20
Once these last two units are joined, your magic circle is completed.
You can now carefully lift it up and let the points open to the sides. If the circle is in its expanded state, the points can be moved in a complete circle and return to their original position.
Making origami accessible through text-based instructions.
For non-commercial use only.
Compiled by Lindy van der Merwe, July 2026
This text is copyright by accessorigami.com and the author.
MOD56 - MODULAR TRANSFORMING STAR OR MAGIC CIRCLE (FROM 8 SQUARES)