Creating Repeat Patterns With Rachel Parker
In this post, surface pattern designer Rachel Parker shows us how we can create seamless repeat patterns using a ‘square tile repeat’. This resource will get your students thinking about colours and shapes, and the relationship between these components to create an overall balanced pattern. This activity can be adapted for all age groups and gives a great insight into the creative process of a professional pattern designer.
To access all content, I would like to join as…
An Individual
Creative practitioners, educators, teachers, parents, learners…
An Organisation...
Schools, Colleges, Arts Organisations: Single and Multi-Users
AccessArt is a UK Charity and we believe everyone has the right to be creative. AccessArt provides inspiration to help us all reach our creative potential.
What We Like About This Resource...
“This is a great activity for really tuning into colour and shape. The process is ultimately quite a refined one (ie making a pattern balanced and repeated ‘correctly’) – but there’s plenty of scope for exploring pattern in a more experiential way prior to the refinement page. Try one of the recommended resources below to introduce pattern and begin with some open ended activities to build skill and confidence.” – Andrea, AccessArt
You Might Also Like...
Talking Points: Andy Gilmore
talking points: Louise Despont
Inspired by Rachel Parker
Teachers Explore Pattern, Shape and Texture
Block Printing Repeat Patterns
Andrew T
March 15, 2022 @ 9:23 am
Hi Rachel, I really like this idea and am planning to use it in the summer term. I have been looking at tying it in to some work we do on William Morris. I just wondered if you might have any suggestions for doing that? I had a go at applying a base layer of ink but found that it made the edges of my paper curl which didn’t help with trying to create a repeat pattern. Do you think I should try and stick to a collage or could I use other media?
Tobi Meuwissen
March 15, 2022 @ 3:56 pm
Hi Andrew, I contacted Rachel for her advice and these were some of the things she suggested..
If you’re applying a base layer it might be best to stretch the paper onto a board using water and gummed tape to prevent it buckling? And then try to avoid too much water once cut into four and reassembled. A thick watercolour paper would go a long way in helping.
Or you could paint all of the elements separately then cut them out and use them to collage with. You’d retain that painterly feel whilst still having a lot of control over the composition. Or you could draw the design lightly in pencil, going through the process of creating the repeat and then painting it all up at the end?
Hope this helps!
Andrew T
March 17, 2022 @ 10:15 am
Thank you- that is very helpful