Comments on: Super Spirograph by the Numbers

By: Edward Holmes

Edward Holmes — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 09:17:39 +0000

In reply to Mari. I've just recently digitised the swing marker refill kit 4211 and Heather has uploaded it the other day.

By: holmpage

holmpage — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 11:46:26 +0000

In reply to MMM.

See this: https://spirographicart.com/2014/08/10/deriving-mathematical-formula-pattern-made-spirograph-gear/
Depending on the level, it would be an interesting math problem to look at.

By: MMM

MMM — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 18:55:06 +0000

Has anyone calculated the number of different closed tracks that can be made with the set? I am thinking of working on this problem as a class assignment.

By: Heather

Heather — Sat, 30 Nov 2019 21:32:37 +0000

In reply to Riley.

Good question. It has to be held firmly. If you use putty, use a lot of it. If you use pins, use a good working surface like the cork bulletin board I described in this post: https://spirographicart.com/2011/12/20/a-better-working-surface/

And if you use putty, make sure none of it is sticking into the drawing area.

By: Riley

Riley — Tue, 03 Sep 2019 22:40:52 +0000

For the Super Spirograph designs, do you recommend using Putty or pins more?

By: Heather

Heather — Sat, 23 Feb 2019 17:45:20 +0000

In reply to Mari. Thanks for filling in some blanks. The cover of my old super box disappeared decades ago.

By: Mari

Mari — Sat, 23 Feb 2019 16:59:14 +0000

Under the lid of the old Super box, the curvy diamond pattern is called All Curve, even though they didn’t give it a name in the book. In the new Kahootz Super book, they call the same layout Wide Clover. In the old Super Refill kit, there are 3 “mystery” patterns with this shape. They didn’t name any of the layouts of the mystery patterns and there are some not in the Super book. A Butterfly shape is made with (D(convex)+B+C+F+C+B)x2 with 3 mystery patterns. A Dog Biscuit shape is (C(convex)+A+D+B(convex)+D+A)x2 with 3 mystery patterns. An Alternate Diamond shape is (B+F+D+F)x2 with 4 mystery patterns. Whew!!! By the way, I’m trying to find the mystery pattern page to the 4211 refill kit (the swing marker refill). I have a mostly readable outside envelope of this kit. Love your site—keep up the fun!