Design and build a handheld infinity cube from cardstock or cardboard, fold and hinge panels, decorate, and explore geometry, symmetry, and motion.



Step-by-step guide to design and build an infinity cube
Step 1
Choose a cube side length of about 4 cm and draw one cube net (a cross of six equal squares) on your cardstock with the ruler and pencil.
Step 2
Trace that same net seven more times so you have eight identical nets on your cardstock.
Step 3
Cut out all eight nets carefully with scissors.
Step 4
Score and fold along every edge line on each net so all the squares fold crisply.
Step 5
Apply glue or double-sided tape to the tabs and assemble each net into a closed cube until you have eight finished cubes.
Step 6
Arrange the eight cubes on your table into two rows of four cubes side by side.
Step 7
Put a short strip of masking tape on the outside seam between the first and second cube of the top row to make a hinge.
Step 8
Put a short strip of masking tape on the outside seam between the third and fourth cube of the top row.
Step 9
Put a short strip of masking tape on the outside seam between the first and second cube of the bottom row.
Step 10
Put a short strip of masking tape on the outside seam between the third and fourth cube of the bottom row.
Step 11
Tape the second cube of the top row to the first cube of the bottom row with a short tape strip on the outside face to join the rows.
Step 12
Tape the third cube of the top row to the fourth cube of the bottom row with a short tape strip on the outside face to finish the moves.
Step 13
Decorate each face of your infinity cube with markers stickers or crayons to create repeating patterns or color symmetry.
Step 14
Fold and unfold your infinity cube several times to explore how the cubes move notice mirrored patterns and feel the symmetry in the motion.
Step 15
Share a photo or video of your finished infinity cube and what you discovered about its symmetry and motion on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!


Help!?
Can I substitute any materials if I don't have cardstock, double-sided tape, or masking tape?
Yesâreplace cardstock with cereal-box cardboard or heavy construction paper for sturdier nets, use regular school glue or clear tape on the tabs instead of double-sided tape, and swap masking tape for painter's tape or clear packing tape for the hinge strips.
What should I do if my cube seams don't line up or the cubes are floppy after assembly?
If seams misalign or cubes are floppy after steps 4â6, re-score each edge with a dull knife or bone folder for crisp folds, press tabs firmly with extra glue or stronger tape, and make sure each cube is fully closed before adding the masking-tape hinges in the row layout steps.
How can I adapt the activity for a 4-year-old, an 8-year-old, or a 12-year-old?
For a 4-year-old, pre-cut larger nets (6â8 cm squares) and let them stick stickers when you do the scoring and gluing; for an 8-year-old, have them trace and cut the 4 cm nets and assemble with supervision; and for a 12-year-old, challenge them to design alternate net layouts, experiment with hinge placement in the tape steps, or build cubes from thicker cardboard for durability.
How can we extend or personalize the finished infinity cube beyond decorating?
After decorating each face in step 13, personalize and enhance the motion by embedding small magnets or fabric pads at chosen seams before taping the hinges, numbering faces to create folding-sequence puzzles, or adding patterned symmetry to demonstrate the motion you share on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to design and build an infinity cube
Facts about papercraft and paper engineering for kids
âď¸ Origami (paper folding) techniques are super helpful for planning precise panels and hingesâpaper folding has been practiced for centuries.
đ§ An infinity cube is a handheld fidget toy made of small hinged cubes you can flip forever in a smooth, repeating motion.
đŚ Cardstock and thin cardboard work great because folds act like flexible hingesâproper creases make the toy both movable and sturdy.
đ¨ Decorating each face with mirrored patterns or colors makes the cube's symmetry and motion easier (and more fun) to explore.
đ Making an infinity cube teaches geometry basics: cube nets, right angles, and rotational symmetry show up as you build and flip.


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