◄UNIT 2: DRAWING STILL LIFE AND NATUREUNIT 4: LETTERING►

UNIT 3:MOTIF AND PATTERN DESIGN PROCESS

  • UNIT 3:MOTIF AND PATTERN DESIGN PROCESS

    Key unit competence: To be able to design the various motifs,
    patterns from different sources of

    inspiration.

    Introductory Activity


    3.1. Definition of concepts
    Activity 3.1
    1. Discuss any three basic tools used in pattern making.
    2. Explain categories of regular pattern
    • Pattern
    Pattern making is an art of putting shapes or group of shapes in a repeated
    manner to cover an area. Patterns can make in any pictorial composition:
    mosaic, collage, drawing, painting, printing and even through simple cut and
    paste.
    • Motif
    A motif is an element of a pattern, image or shape, which is required in
    design. It may repeat in a design or composition, often many times or may

    just occur once in a work.

    Design process is the activity of making a motif.
    Motif can be created from simple shape. They can be regular or irregular.
    Regular shapes include circle, triangle, square, oval, and others. Shapes
    can be combined to form patterns.
    Categories of pattern
    Regular repeat: pattern displays the same motifs repeatedly on a given
    surface. Some regular repeat patterns include:
    Full repeat: The motif is repeated regularly in each square/rectangular

    space.

    Full-drop repeat: in this pattern formation, each subsequent space skipped

    as the motif is rendered as shown below:

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

    drop half way as shown below.

    Alternate repeat: 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.

    Irregular repeat patterns: 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.

    List of pattern making tools and their uses for design:
    The tools required for pattern making are given below, basing on order of

    their usage

    • Measuring devices
    • Drafting devices
    • Marking devices
    • Cutting devices
    • Sewing devices
    • Finishing or pressing devices
    Measuring devices:
    Measuring tools are the most essential tools in making a pattern. The key to
    success in garment construction lies in taking accurate measurements of the
    subject and by using the appropriate tool for pattern making.
    • Measuring tape: It is indispensable for taking body measurements.
    It is 152 cm or 60″ long with measurements on both sides. One of its
    ends is made of metal having 3″ length and the other is made of the
    same metal having 1/2″ length. The side with the 1/2″ length used
    for measuring a circular area, while the side with 3″ length used for a
    vertical area.
    • Ruler: It is the best device for taking long straight measurements. It is
    mostly used for checking grain lines and marking hems.
    Drafting devices:
    Drafting equipment are for making paper patterns. This is the second stage
    of pattern making. Using the measurements taken, the drafting is carried out
    according to the design of a garment. The following drafting equipment is
    used:
    • Compass: It mainly used for making a curve for umbrella cloth.
    • Brush: A brush is used on Milton cloth to rub the mistakes while drafting.
    • Paper: Is for drafting by placing on the drafting table. While using brown
    paper, a grain line should follow.
    • Pencil: For marking on brown paper.
    • Rubber: It is used for deleting mistakes. Good quality rubber, which
    does not leave black lines, should select.
    • Red and blue pencils: Are used for marking on fold (red line) and
    grain line (blue arrow).
    Marking Devices:
    Marking devices are used for transferring the details of the paper draft to the
    fabric.
    • Design ’s chalk: It is made up of china clay and is available in different
    colors. It is used for marking the paper patterns on the cloth. Alterations
    and construction markings are drawn using tailors’ chalk.
    • Chalk in pencil form: This is used like a pencil and it marks thin
    accurate lines. This is used for marking pleats, darts and buttonholes.
    Cutting Devices:
    Cutting devices/equipments should be selected and used with maximum
    accuracy. A slight change in cut results in huge fitting problems. These tools
    must be selected and maintained properly in order to use them effectively.
    • Cutting table and cutting board: A cutting table is 6′ long, 4′ wide
    and 3′ height. People working in a standing position use the table and
    people who work seated use a cutting board. A cutting board should be
    6″ height.
    • A pair of scissors: These are used for cutting garments. They are
    7–10″ in length.
    • Paper cutting scissors: These are small scissors available in various
    sizes and meant for cutting paper.
    Sewing Devices:
    Sewing can be carried out either manually or by a machine. For hand sewing,
    the following are required:
    • Needles: These needles come in denominations of a 0 to 12 numbers.
    Based on the thickness of cloth, the needle number is used.
    • Pins: Pins are used for fixing the patterns on the cloth. They come in
    different colors.
    • Pincushion: It is used for keeping pins together.
    Finishing or Pressing Devices:
    The following equipment are needed for pressing:
    • Iron: A good brand with after sale services should be chosen. A steam
    iron with a thermostat regulator is preferred.
    • Ironing board: For ironing clothes, a table or ironing board can be
    used. An ironing board is 36″ long and 12″ wide. Six inches are left on
    its right side to keep the iron box. The left side of the board is angular
    and is suitable for ironing dart edges and sleeve darts while stitching.
    The table or ironing board should have proper stuffed backing.
    Application activity 3.1
    • Differentiate a motif from a pattern
    • Explain the importance of rulers in pattern making
    3.2. Process of making motif and pattern
    Activity 3.2
    Describe any two motifs styles
    The process of making motifs and pattern depend on the motifs styles.
    Motifs styles
    There are different styles that can be used to create both regular and irregular
    repeat patterns.
    • Linear patterns. In linear patterns, zig-zags, wavy, straight or circular

    lines can be used to create repeat patterns.

    • Numeral forms. When the numerals produce interesting patterns, they

    lose their identities and become beautiful motifs.

    • Real objects can be used as stencils or templates to make patterns.
    They should be arranged in the desired pattern and then colour applied

    as desired.

    • Letter forms. Using letterforms as motifs, both low case and upper

    case can produce interesting designs.

    Making patterns using stencils and templates.
    Cut out stencils and templates are used in pattern making. The pattern
    produced can either be positive.
    Negative design: In the negative pattern, the cut out shape of a template is

    coloured from the outside. This makes a positive design.


    Application activity 3,2
    • By drawing, create any two patterns.
    • With illustration, differentiate an alternate pattern from full repeat
    pattern.
    End unit assessment 3
    1. Give the name of the smallest unit of a pattern
    2. Explain the following terms:
    • Regular pattern
    • Irregular pattern

    3. Create a pattern for each style.

    ◄UNIT 2: DRAWING STILL LIFE AND NATUREUNIT 4: LETTERING►