A Spirograph is a geometric drawing toy that originates from the Victorian era. Mathematician Bruno Abdank-Abakanowicz first invented the Spirograph sometime between 1881 and 1900, as a way of drawing spirals. But the Spirograph that we know and love today, was developed by engineer Denys Fisher in the mid-sixties, and was advertised as a way to draw “a million marvellous patterns”. Which, given the number of combinations possible, isn’t far from the truth! How does a Spirograph work? A wheel must be placed inside a stationary plate or ring for designs to be drawn. Each plate needs to be held in place with Spiro-putty, magnets, or pins. Sets come with one of these three options (except for travel sets, which have a plate built into the lid). Spirograph sets come with at least one pen; some sets include two or three. By using the pens included with the set, you’re assured that they will fit in the wheel holes. However, you can use any pen or pencil that fits in the wheel hole, whether it came with the set or not. When starting out with a new configuration, take it slow. Keep the rotations as slow as possible to allow the muscle memory in your hand to develop. Then gradually increase speed as you feel more confident with that configuration.

The kit features a high quality, durable carrying case with snap-in storage and a built-in drawing surface. The precision engineered Spirograph gears work with the three design pens included in the set as well as with most standard pens, felt tips and pencils. Patterns can be made using both hands, though it may take some practice. If you really want to be creative, try drawing a single picture with the help of another person. You can get several wheels going around the same plate to make something truly unique. Spirograph set size and portability Round wheels: These basic wheels are probably the type with which you are familiar. They may have five to 35 holes. Each hole will create a slightly different pattern using the same wheel. Keep your pen as vertical as possible when drawing, as this will help the gears to move around the ring as smoothly as possible.

Spirograph tips!

or purse and store everything you need, though you’d need to replace the paper often. These are by far the most portable sets, but even large Spirograph sets are designed with portability in mind. They come with a carrying case in which to store wheels, pens, and paper so you can make art anywhere. Spirograph set features Spirograph putty holds pieces securely on the paper so that you can create intricately beautiful designs with no holes! They're based in convenient locations including supermarkets, newsagents and train stations. Plus they're often open late and on Sundays. To create designs, wheels are placed either within or along the outside of the plate or ring. Plates and rings have teeth on the outside and inside edge. Consequently, wheels can be used on either side. Plates and rings are held in place using Spiro-putty, magnets, or pins. Try to keep the pressure as even as possible, as this will help you to maintain a consistent speed. This is important as it helps to avoid your pen slipping.

Wheels create the magic. Toothed edges and strategically placed holes provide multiple design options with each wheel. Spirograph sets come with anywhere from six to 25 wheels with the following options. I was so excited to buy this for my little girl for Christmas after reminiscing with my husband about how we each had one when we were young. But how disappointed we are!

Most Spirograph sets have plastic wheels, but there are a few out there with metal wheels. Of course, metal is more durable than plastic, but metal is heavier to carry, and sets with metal wheels usually have fewer wheels for the price. Shaped wheels: Shaped wheels come in a wide variety of shapes, including bar, quad, triangle, and oval. Like the round wheels, shaped versions also have multiple holes to vary the design.

Spirographs can produce a multitude of different interesting and intricate patterns, but did you know that these patterns have a special name? The geometric drawings that a Spirograph makes are mathematical curves known as epitrochoids and hypotrochoids. The Spirograph has been around since the mid 60s, putting it firmly in the class of being a 'retro' toy, but it's never really gone out of fashion. The clever cog and ring design can help even the most art-shy user create stunning patterns just by having a steady hand. Each Spirograph wheel has several holes into which you place a pencil or pen to create a design. Some sets have larger holes than others, and newer sets tend to have larger holes than older sets. Larger holes allow for the use of a greater variety of writing instruments. While small holes limit instrument choice, they hold the pen or pencil tighter, which can make drawing easier.Items that are not available in store will take 3-5 working days (excluding weekends and bank holidays) to be delivered to your nominated store. Try to concentrate on moving your pen with the gear, in the direction that the gear is rolling – rather than how the design is developing. Doing this will help you get used to the motion needed to create that design.