Combination 6 Division
Download PDF File of this Tutorial

        It is a big help to learn which markings are standard divisions (from which any other modified markings spring) - in addition to Simple, there are four Combination Divisions, the C6 being one of them. The C6 is not a commonly used division, but it does pop up in a few Japanese texts. By definition, the Combination 6 starts with a Simple 6 and has additional marking lines combined onto it that go completely around the mari. Like  other unique combination divisions, the C6 has the "measurement/formula" basic method to locate the additional poles, along with what could be considered and easier shortcut. As long as the basis of the division and its outcome is understood to take into temari execution, use whichever way works best for you.

        After placing a Simple 6 Division (no obi) on the mari, pins are placed on alternate lines using a calculated value, moving in toward the obi from the poles. The formula to determine this distance is 1/6th of the circumference + 3/100ths of the circumference. (yes, just like the C10 the "couple of 100ths"  makes a big difference in coming out with poles evenly spaced around the mari).

       Here is an example:  This mari measures 24.5cm (it's a lot easier to use the metric side of your tape measure - it makes it easier to plug into the formula and use the number you determine).
1/6th of this value is 4.1; 1/100 is .24 so 3 times this is .72 (and it's more than adequate to round off to .7). Therefore, the pin distance is 4.1+0.7=4.8cm. 
On alternate lines, place a pin in toward the obi from the pole using this distance. You will have six pins forming a wide zigzag around an imagined obi (see Photo 1).

       Choose one of the "new" pins, and consider it to be a pole. Measure off two wraps of thread and start at the pin, wrapping around the mari using the pairs of pins as guides that form a circle around the mari. Come back to the starting pin and wrap again using the other two pins. You will now have six lines radiating out from this "pole" pin, just as the original north and south pole centers do (see Photo 2).
       Measure off one more wrap of marking thread, and locate the remaining pin that has only two lines radiating from it. Complete the marking by wrapping the last marking line around from pin to pin on this pair (photo 3). Tack centers and the division is complete.





1). Photo shows pins placed in from poles on alternate lines. Pin marked with the "X" will become the "new pole" in the next step.
Using Pin X, wrap twice around the mari using two sets of pins. Notice that Pin X is now a complete "6-way" pole.
Add the last wrap to the last set of pins with 4 lines to complete the 6way center on them.

Tack centers and the division is complete. It gives 6 squares with 4-point centers and 4 triangles with 6-point centers (or you can view it as 8 of the 6 way centers, with two overlapping sets of 4 triangles)

Click to enter Temarikai.com
Last updated 2/06 ©  1998 G.Thompson