A wheel must be placed inside a stationary plate or ring for designs to be drawn. Each plate needs to be held in place with Spiro-putty, magnets, or pins. Sets come with one of these three options (except for travel sets, which have a plate built into the lid). Wheels create the magic. Toothed edges and strategically placed holes provide multiple design options with each wheel. Spirograph sets come with anywhere from six to 25 wheels with the following options.

Spirograph sets come with at least one pen; some sets include two or three. By using the pens included with the set, you’re assured that they will fit in the wheel holes. However, you can use any pen or pencil that fits in the wheel hole, whether it came with the set or not. Patterns can be made using both hands, though it may take some practice. If you really want to be creative, try drawing a single picture with the help of another person. You can get several wheels going around the same plate to make something truly unique. Spirograph set size and portability Spirographs can produce a multitude of different interesting and intricate patterns, but did you know that these patterns have a special name? The geometric drawings that a Spirograph makes are mathematical curves known as epitrochoids and hypotrochoids. I was so excited to buy this for my little girl for Christmas after reminiscing with my husband about how we each had one when we were young. But how disappointed we are! When starting out with a new configuration, take it slow. Keep the rotations as slow as possible to allow the muscle memory in your hand to develop. Then gradually increase speed as you feel more confident with that configuration.

What is a Spirograph?

The Spirograph has been around since the mid 60s, putting it firmly in the class of being a 'retro' toy, but it's never really gone out of fashion. The clever cog and ring design can help even the most art-shy user create stunning patterns just by having a steady hand.

Keep your pen as vertical as possible when drawing, as this will help the gears to move around the ring as smoothly as possible. Most Spirograph sets have plastic wheels, but there are a few out there with metal wheels. Of course, metal is more durable than plastic, but metal is heavier to carry, and sets with metal wheels usually have fewer wheels for the price. They're based in convenient locations including supermarkets, newsagents and train stations. Plus they're often open late and on Sundays. Each Spirograph wheel has several holes into which you place a pencil or pen to create a design. Some sets have larger holes than others, and newer sets tend to have larger holes than older sets. Larger holes allow for the use of a greater variety of writing instruments. While small holes limit instrument choice, they hold the pen or pencil tighter, which can make drawing easier. The kit features a high quality, durable carrying case with snap-in storage and a built-in drawing surface. The precision engineered Spirograph gears work with the three design pens included in the set as well as with most standard pens, felt tips and pencils.Try to concentrate on moving your pen with the gear, in the direction that the gear is rolling – rather than how the design is developing. Doing this will help you get used to the motion needed to create that design. Items that are not available in store will take 3-5 working days (excluding weekends and bank holidays) to be delivered to your nominated store.