Each printable PDF includes two tri-hexaflexagon patterns. Choose the Black & White sheet for creative coloring with a blank pattern and a star pattern, or choose the Numbered sheet for simplified assembly. After cutting, folding, and gluing, your finished tri-hexaflexagon reveals three different faces as you flex it.
Choose the pattern sheet that best fits your activity. The Black & White includes a blank pattern, a star pattern, and a numbered Coloring Guide, and the Numbered sheet contains two identical patterns with the same face numbers printed directly on the triangles, making it easy to follow the folding instructions. On both, each number identifies the triangles that form a completed face, with the numbers pointing toward the center of the face to help you visualize the three completed faces before you begin folding.
Each pattern is a PDF file that prints on standard Letter/A4 paper.
Download and print the pattern sheet of your choice.
Optional: Color the patterns before cutting them out. The Numbered sheet and the Coloring Guide on the Black & White sheet show which triangles belong to each of the three completed faces of the flexagon. Each number is oriented toward the center of its completed face, making it easier to visualize how the completed faces fit together while planning your colors or designs. Color all triangles marked 1, 2, or 3 alike, or use the numbers as a reference while creating your own artwork for each face.
Tip: Leave the glue tabs (*) uncolored for the neatest finished flexagon.
Cut out the pattern carefully along the outside outline. The triangles marked with asterisks (*) are glue tabs.
Tip: Straight, accurate cuts make folding and flexing much easier.
Fold the strip in half lengthwise and glue the two layers together to make the pattern double thickness. After the glue has set, score and fold along the lines between the triangles.
Tip: Scoring the fold lines helps create crisp folds that flex smoothly. To score a line, draw a bone folder or empty ballpoint pen along a ruler placed on the fold line.
Assemble the Black & White Pattern: Place the triangle strip with the glue tabs (*) facing down (Fig. 1). Fold back on the first red fold line to form Fig. 2. Fold back on the second red fold line to form Fig. 3. Bring the left two triangles forward, then fold the leftmost triangle back and glue the two tabs (*) together to complete the hexagon (Fig. 4). Allow the glue to dry before flexing.
Assemble the Numbered Pattern: Place the triangle strip with the numbers-only side up and the triangle numbered 2 to the left. Fold back on the line between triangles numbered 1 and 3, as shown. Fold back on the next line between triangles numbered 1 and 3. Five triangles numbered 1 will now be visible. Bring the remaining triangle numbered 1 forward from behind the triangle numbered 2, fold the triangle numbered 3 back, and glue the two tabs (*) together. Allow the glue to dry before flexing.
Gently pinch three alternating corners together to flex the finished model and reveal a hidden face. Continue flexing to discover the repeating sequence of the faces.
Tip: If a new face doesn't open, flatten the flexagon and try pinching the opposite three corners.
Tip: For more details, variations, and additional patterns, visit the Flexagons to Make page.
See All Three Faces
Tip: A tri-hexaflexagon has three different faces that appear one at a time as you flex it. These hand-colored examples show one way to decorate each face.
More Flexagon Patterns
Tip: Visit Flexagons to Make for ready-to-print color patterns, detailed assembly instructions, flexing tips, and the story behind these fascinating geometric toys.
Hexa-hexaflexagons
Tip: Ready for a greater challenge? Print a Hexa-hexaflexagon with six faces with two visible on the outside and four hidden.
Store Your Flexagons
Tip: Make a Flexagon Boxed Set to organize your collection or create a handmade gift. The hexagon box is deep enough to store four hexa-hexaflexagons and even more tri-hexaflexagons.
