Model Technique FAQ

[Washi]

At the young age of 2 and a half, I've been doing origami. At about 6, I was making insane models of my own. Many have wanted to make their own models, so this will tell you about some techniques I, along with other origami masters, do to make models.

1. Crease Pattern Technique
This is widely used by many avid origami folders, including me. The folder draws a blueprint of a crease pattern. This crease pattern will naturaly be altered as time passes. The complete crease pattern is then collapsed. A collapsed CP leads to a base. A base is a geometrical form of the complete model before the final shaping. If the folder is satisfied with the base, he or she begins shaping the base to make it look more like the final model.

2. Trial Diagram Technique
This is less commonly used because of the difficulty and time required, but some folders use it. The folder uses trial and error to fold a sheet of paper step by step into a base, or the complete model. One benefit is that it is easier to make a diagram with this technique, if you keep track of what fold are you doing every time. After all, it's hard to utilize a CP into a diagram, although some have succeded.

3. Diagram/CP Alteration
A commonly used technique for intermidiate folders. This is used for origami folders who want a secondary variation of a model. The diagrams or CP is altered at some point to make something a little different. If a diagram is going to be altered, the Trial Diagram Technique will be used at the point where the folder would like to change the model (at a certain step).

If you have a technique, feel free to PM me and I'll put it on this post.
Sorry if this isn't much of a help, but I hope it's helpful. If you don't understand something, go ahead and ask me.

-Washi

[ahudson]

Hmm... I've found that a lot of the time, I don't use "techniques" to design models; I just sit down with a piece of paper and fold until part of the model looks good, then start again with a new sheet of paper, working on another aspect. I keep folding and refining the model until I have a design that I'm happy with, then I unfold it for the CP, and find a good folding sequence so I can diagram it.

[Washi]

Read technique 2, please.

[legionzilla]

When I began designing, I folded with no particular motive, just folding until a familiar shape appeared. However, it was through that method that I learnt the techniques of creating horns, large amounts of limbs etc.