As origami evolves, the patterns get more and more complex, and precision becomes crucial. But how do we accurately transfer these designs onto paper?

There are a few common methods:

  1. Folding: This involves using geometry to achieve specific ratios or using a grid system. It’s considered the “purest” approach since origami is all about folding. However, it’s quite tricky to automate.
  2. Drawing: This can be done either by hand or by an automated plotter. However, the markings are only visible on one side and can’t be felt, making it harder to find the references while folding. Plus, if not placed carefully, the marks can show up on the final model.
  3. Cutting: A laser cutter or cutting plotter can create reference points, which works well for thick paper. But on thin paper, the cuts make it easy to tear the paper.

Paper with Variable Thickness

I’ve been experimenting with a different approach, one that avoids slits from cutting, doesn’t leave visible marks, and makes the paper easier to fold by allowing you to feel the creases.

This method takes advantage of the 2-colorability of flat-foldable origami. Here’s an example of a 2-colored crane:

2-colored crane pattern

Instead of using 2 colors, we use 2 thicknesses. At the points where these thicknesses meet, you can feel the creases. Since each facet maintains a uniform thickness, the creases disappear after folding, and there are no slits because the paper always retains some thickness.

How It’s Made

Here’s a breakdown of the process:

  1. Treat the paper on a cutting mat with methyl cellulose (MC).
  2. Use a cutting plotter to cut the pattern.
  3. Peel off the selected facets.
  4. Apply a second layer of paper on top using MC.
  5. Cut the perimeter and peel off the paper.

Here’s a traditional crane I folded using this technique. The pattern measures 125 x 125 mm and is made from black tissue paper.

Paper with the crane pattern

Folded model

One issue I ran into was the corners of the paper lifting from the cutting mat during step 2. This happens when the blade cuts at vertices. To fix this, we sometimes need to avoid cutting all the way through these points, as shown below.

Vertex