This intricate origami Echidna is designed by Steven Casey. A diagram is published in the Czech Origami Convention 2015, more information can be found on Gilad Origami.
This model is one of the best examples for using square grid tessellations on an origami animal design.
I used craft paper for my first attempt at making this model. This made it easy for the tessellation part but difficult for the final shaping, especially on the nose. I tried again with Korean Kanji paper, but I still experienced the same issue with keeping the final shape.
After some trial and error, I discovered one of the best paper choices for this model would be Tant paper. It does take slightly longer to work with on the tessellation parts but it keeps a perfect shape without the need for tape or glue. Though I haven't tried it yet, I believe Elephant Hide paper would also work quite well as it shares similar properties to Tant paper.
The published diagram is clear and detailed, but this would pose difficulty to anyone who has not tried any origami tessellations before.
Tant 50 x 50cm, Finished model size : 22cm from snout to tail.
There are a few steps that I think may cause confusion or be hard to follow, which I'll go into detail below.
On step 40, the vertical pleat is opened and flattened at this step.
Where the tessellation starts.
Folding of the front legs is a little tricky.
Be gentle with the tail as the paper can be easy to break due to the amount of layers.
My finished model using brown Tant paper.
I also made one using Chinese Cotton paper, but like my first two attempts this did not hold the end shape well and the spines ended up flatter. I also used tape at the bottom of the nose to hold it in the place.