Pentominoes & Pentacubes

Pentominoes are shapes that can be made with five squares. There are 12 different pentominoes.

They have interesting properties. For example, a set of 12 can be arranged in rectangles with the proportions of 6 x 10, 5 x 12, 4 x 15 or 3 x 20

If Pentominoes are turned into 3D shapes, with a height the same as the size of the squares, they become Pentacubes. Pentacubes can be fitted into rectangular boxes of 2 x 5 x 6, 3 x 4 x 5 or 2 x 3 x 10.

The pattern includes two separate sets of instructions. One of these is very easy although it does require a lot of sewing; the other has each shape knitted as a single piece with just one edge to be stitched at the end.

It would be very easy to convert the shapes to crochet. Instructions are not included.

Note: The pieces are very tactile  but are not as accurate as solid shapes. Some versions of the puzzle distort more easily than others so may not be suitable for very small children who might simply distort the shapes to make them fit together

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