Sonobe Stellated Octahedron (12 units)

This Sonobe stellated octahedron is made with 12 Sonobe units (created by Mitsonobu Sonobe). The Sonobe unit is very versatile and can be used to make all sorts of polyhedra such a hexahedron, a stellated octahedron, a stellated icosahedron, and many other irregular polyhedra. Learn to fold a Sonobe unit here. Beginners should use 3 colors of paper: 4 units of each color.


1. Connect 3 units to form a raised pyramid. See here for details. Letters mark the three points of reference on the pyramid.
2. Rotate the pyramid so you are looking at edge A. This edge is composed of two colors (orange and blue).
3. Add two units of the same colors (orange and blue): first insert the tab of a blue unit into the pocket of the orange unit.

4. Then insert the tab of an orange unit into the pocket of the blue unit you just added in step 3.
5. Complete this section by inserting the blue tab (from the original pyramid of step 1) into the pocket of the orange unit added in step 4.


6. Rotate the model so you see edge B of the original pyramid. Note: this edge is composed of two colors (blue and white).

7. Add two more units here: first insert a white unit into the pocket of the blue unit.
8. Then insert a blue unit into the pocket of the white unit added in step 7.
9. Complete this section by inserting the white tab (from original pyramid made in step 1) into the blue unit added in step 8.

10. Rotate the model so you are looking at edge C and repeat.
11. Add an orange unit,
12. Then add a white unit.

13. Complete by tucking orange tab into the white unit. Note: where 4 units come together, there are 2 colors in an alternating pattern.
Rotate the model freely and tuck in tabs that are sticking out like the ones indicated with arrows.
14. Turn the model over. Add the remaining 3 units here. Add the units so that all raised pyramids are of 3 different colors.


15. Last step: close the model by bringing the tabs together and insert them into the appropriate pockets. Tuck any tabs that are left flapping.
Sonobe stellated octahedron is done!
Same model in different orientations.

Sonobe stellated octahedron made with chocolate wrappers.