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Folding Accuracy Tips Wanted

Posted: June 13th, 2018, 7:24 pm
by Baltorigamist
My latest design requires me to fold a narrow strip along two edges of the paper in order to find a few of the important reference points. (The ratio--strip to the rest of the square--is something like 1 : 4sqrt2+6.) Unfortunately, I need to use a really large sheet, and I find it next to impossible to fold parallel to the edge with only one reference point.

My question is this: are there any tricks to folding the strip accurately on a large sheet?

EDIT: Just to be clear, I know how to find the ratio. It's just that the required intersection is on one edge of the paper, and it wouldn't be of much use to mirror it to the opposite edge.

Re: Folding Accuracy Tips Wanted

Posted: June 14th, 2018, 4:21 am
by Gerardo
I'm sorry, it's very hard for me to picture it. Can you show me with images? I hope I can help.

Re: Folding Accuracy Tips Wanted

Posted: June 14th, 2018, 6:11 am
by Tankoda
There are a few things you can do. If the reference point isn't too hard to find, then get it on the top and bottom of the square, so you are connecting two points rather than folding just from one. If possible you may be able to use more than two.
Otherwise, if your paper is thick enough, you could use a ruler and score the crease with a folding tool (they are on origami shop I think), or some other object that wouldn't tear the paper. If you follow the ruler and make a small indention, the crease should naturally follow that line.

Good luck.

Re: Folding Accuracy Tips Wanted

Posted: June 14th, 2018, 1:09 pm
by Baltorigamist
Tankoda -> Thanks for the advice.
Shortly after I posted this, I realized I could simply leave the other corner folded and fold along the that edge of the paper (since the needed crease is right there).

Re: Folding Accuracy Tips Wanted

Posted: June 15th, 2018, 3:57 am
by zurathan
Baltorigamist, I use additional tools in similar situations (if you won’t take it as an insult to pure origami). My favorite method is drawing with some help of a ruler. Cheapest tool is an empty or finished ballpoint pen. Maybe knitting tools could be used with this purpose. Or embossing tool which can be obtained from a stationery store. Or even drawing with a pencil then erasing it.
Drawing on paper makes it half way middle crease. After than that convincing paper to full crease is significantly easier. İmho small angles (less than 15degree) or small corrections (less than 2 mm) is especially hard without some tool use. This method is especially useful with curved creases.