Make a Flextangle (with Free Printable Template!)
Looking for a fun, colorful craft that keeps little hands busy and doubles as a fidget toy? Let me introduce you to the flextangle—a twisty, foldable paper toy that’s just as fun to make as it is to play with. ✨
With my free flextangle printable template, your kids can color, cut, fold, and flex their way to a mesmerizing geometric toy. It’s a little art project + a little brain boost = a whole lot of fun!
So go ahead—turn off the tech and turn on the creativity! This simple papercraft builds hand-eye coordination, encourages spatial awareness, and gets those imaginations turning right along with the flextangle.
Related: If you love making things that move, be sure to try our Flying Paper Rocket or this Flapping Butterfly.
What Is a Flextangle?
A flextangle is a paper toy made from a folded, decorated template. It flexes and twists in a continuous loop to reveal different patterns and designs, making it both a craft and a kinetic toy. They’re basically homemade fidget toys that happen to be beautiful and brain-boosting!
Flextangle Supplies:
- Free flextangle printable template (download below!)
- Paper or lightweight cardstock
- Scissors
- Glue stick or clear tape
- Markers, colored pencils, or crayons
- Printer
WATCH | How To Make a Flextangle
How to Make a Flextangle
- Print the Template
Download and print the flextangle template on cardstock. Heavier paper makes it more durable for repeated twisting! - Color It In
Decorate the pattern with bright colors. Try alternating colors and shapes for a cool kaleidoscope effect when it turns! - Cut It Out
Carefully cut out the flextangle along the outer edges. Be sure to cut as precisely as possible to make folding easier later. - Score and Fold
Score along the dotted lines using a blunt edge (like a closed pen tip). Fold along every line to make your flextangle more flexible and easy to shape. - Step 5: Glue and Form the Tube
Glue the tab to form a tube, then carefully fold and tuck the ends together so the shape begins to twist and flex. It may take a little fiddling—just like magic, it starts to work! - Play and Twist!
Once assembled, twist the flextangle with both hands to see how the colors and patterns shift. Hypnotizing, right?
Cool Fact!
Flextangles have been around for ages in the form of kinetic origami and are a simple introduction to geometry and pattern recognition. Plus—they make awesome DIY fidget toys for school or quiet time.
Crafting a flextangle is more than just folding paper—it’s about sparking curiosity, slowing down, and making memories together. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, a caregiver, or a weekend craft warrior, this flextangle printable is sure to bring color, motion, and joy to your day.
Ready to keep the creativity flowing? Check out all our fun kids crafts for more inspiration!
More Cool Crafts
Here are more creative, kid-approved crafts to try when you’re looking for screen-free fun:
