You will have seen wooden versions of this toy before. We call it Octopush (and sometimes Octocube). It is made up from eight cubes joined in a special way so that you can fold and unfold the large cube continuously to reveal several different faces.

The knitted and crochet versions are much more tactile than the usual wooden type and they have the advantage of being light and safe for children (and adults) of all ages. They make ideal stress-relieving toys, though they can become compulsive because, once you pick one up, it is hard to put down.

The pattern includes details for several methods of construction:

• Knit
• Crochet
• Plastic canvas
• Paper/card
• Wood (for colouring or sticking photos on)
• Mathematician’s version, made from a single net

YouTube video of Octopush

The Octopush makes a nice gift if you pack it in a box.