What is a Pattern?

A pattern is when the same element (shape, line, or design) is repeated to create an overall design.

Patterns are everywhere! They are often used in:

• Architecture (buildings)

• Decorative arts

• Textiles (fabrics and clothing)

• Graphic arts

• Paintings and drawings

What is a Motif?

A motif is a single element of a pattern — like an image or a shape — that is repeated in a design.

• Sometimes the motif is used many times.

• Sometimes it only appears once in the artwork.

The design process is the activity of creating a motif.

Shapes in Patterns

Motifs can be made from simple shapes.

• Regular shapes: circles, triangles, squares, ovals, etc.

• Irregular shapes: unique or abstract shapes.

These shapes can be combined and repeated to form patterns.

A key to figuring out the pattern puzzle is to "see" its repeating element (unit) and the logic behind the sequence.

Types of patterns

Organic patterns: Shapes and curves are found in nature repeated to create an "area". 

Geometric pattern: Repeating lines, Shapes and angles as found in human world.

Radial pattern: Repeating elements that all share the same center.

Categories of pattern

Random

Irregular repeat

The motifs are arranged in many styles of the surface. This means that there is no specific flow even through the same

motif has used to create a pattern. This again called random repeat.

Planned

Planned patterns can be:

ROW (linear)

GRID

CENTER / RADIAL

Examples

linear

Grid

Radial

Grid patterns can be:

Basic

Full repeat: The motif is repeated regularly in each square/rectangular space.

Alternating

In regular repeat patterns, the motif used can alternate repeat patterns. In alternate repeats, there can be two motifs, which combine

to form a repeat as shown below.

Half drop repeat: A grid is made such that the subsequent row of squares

drop half way as shown below.

Textile design example