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How to Make a Tangram Puzzle

Tangram, which originated in China in the 1800s, is a popular puzzle that consists of seven pieces: two large triangles, one medium triangle, two small triangles, one square and one parallelogram. The object of the puzzle is to duplicate an outline of an image, such as a cat or boat, or to create your own designs by rearranging the pieces. However, you must use all seven pieces which can touch but not overlap, and keep them flat. The best part about Tangram puzzles is that you can make your own right at home.

Things You'll Need

Rectangular card stock or other thick paper
Scissors
Ruler
Pencil

Instructions

- 1
  Fold one corner of the card stock or paper over to the adjacent side to form a right triangle with a rectangular flap along one side of the triangle. Cut off the rectangular flap so that you have a square when you unfold the paper.
- 2
  Use the ruler to draw a straight line along the original fold, then cut the square along the line so that you have two triangles.
- 3
  Fold one of the large triangles in half, then crease at the folding point. Unfold the card stock or paper, then use the ruler to draw a straight line along the crease. Cut the triangle in half along the line so that you have the two large triangles of the Tangram puzzle.
- 4
  Fold the right corner of the other original triangle so that the tip of the corner meets the edge of the opposite side, then crease at the folding point. Unfold the card stock or paper, then use the ruler to draw a straight line along the fold. Cut along the line so that you have the medium-sized triangle of the Tangram puzzle as well as a trapezoid.
- 5
  Fold the trapezoid in half and crease at the folding point, then fold only one half of the trapezoid in half again and crease at the folding point. Unfold the card stock or paper, then use the ruler to draw a straight line along both folds. Cut along the lines so that you now have the square and one of the small triangles of the Tangram puzzle as well as a smaller trapezoid.
- 6
  Fold the trapezoid so that the right-angled corner where the longest side of the trapezoid meets its adjacent side is folded over the rest of the trapezoid just enough to form a triangle and a parallelogram. Unfold the card stock or paper, then use the ruler to draw a straight line along the fold. Cut along the line so that you now have the parallelogram and the second small triangle of the Tangram puzzle.

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