How to Make a Scientifically Accurate Snowflake

Want to know how to cut a snowflake? Forget the eight-sided one you've always made, create a scientifically accurate six-sided snowflake with our handy guide!

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Snowflake

Forget those inaccurate eight-fold snowflakes you've been cutting since you were a child, we're going to cut a proper six-fold snowflake!
Square Paper

Get a piece of square white paper (rectangular paper can be squared by folding an isosceles triangle as above and cutting along the edge).
Fold Into A Triangle

Fold your piece of square paper into a triangle.
Fold Into A Triangle Again

Fold your triangle again to make a smaller triangle.
Fold At 30 Degrees

This is the tough bit (you can check the next image to see how it should look).

You now need to fold your triangle in on itself at 30 degrees (get your protractor out!)

If you don't have anything to measure your angles, fold both sides in on itself to roughly line them up before pressing the crease.
Fold At 30 Degrees

Here's how it should look when you've folded it along 30 degrees.
Cut off the Tops

Cut the tops off to create a neat triangle - check both sides to make sure that it's a clean cut.

Angled cuts will determine the outer shape of the snowflake.
Form the Flake

Everyone knows this bit - cut away pieces to form the flake.
The Finished Product

Unfold to reveal your six-fold snowflake! You can leave it in a book to flatten it out.
The Real Deal

Don't worry if your snowflake doesn't look perfect. Perfectly symmetrical snowflakes are a rare occurrence, however their aesthetic appearance means they are much more likely to be photographed.