CONTENTS

Introduction

THE NATURE OF PATTERN

Pattern is All Around Us

Natural Pattern Groups

Fractals: A Brief Definition

THE LANGUAGE OF PATTERN

Pattern and Symbols

Dots and Points

Line

Other Symbols and Their Meanings

CREATING PATTERNS

Designing Patterns

Grids

The Positive and Negative in Design

Symmetry

The Power of Repeats

Extended Study: Triangles

PATTERN AND CULTURE

Pattern Around the World

Learning From Other Cultures

Bands, Borders and Stripes

Seminole Strip Patchwork Patterns

Appliqué Bands and Borders

Strip-piecing by Hand

Extended Study: the Banjara People and Their Patterns

PATTERN FROM FLOWERS AND PLANTS

The Importance of Plants

The Tree of Life

Stitched Flower Forms

Developing Patterns from Plants and Flowers

THE PATTERNED BODY

Body Decoration

Girl With Tattooed Face

Painting the Skin

 

Conclusion

Index

Further Reading and Acknowledgements

 

Page 1: Wire wrapped with colourful cotton strips and threads stitched together to make a bold mesh structure.

Page 2: A multi-layered piece assembled from several grids. Crossing threads and solid machine-embroidered squares decorate the spaces. The piece was finished with paint highlighting the threads.