Creating seamlessly repeating patterns

Grade Level:

3RD OR 4TH UP TO ADULT.

MATERIALS

paper--thin enough for tracing (typing paper, freezer paper, shelf paper, etc......)
pencil
black felt tip pen

PREPARATION:

Establish purpose of project (see extensions) which will determine the size and type of paper needed.
In general, provide 2 sheets per student (plus extras, of course).
Students may do the preliminary folding and cutting or you can precut 6" x 6" pieces to go with 12" x 18" drawing paper, for example. Use the half sheet created in step one for testing the effect of the repeat.

PROCEDURES:

EXTENSIONS:

BACK
Note: For younger students, keep designs simple and repeats limited. If time is short, you may wish to let them start with a stencil and embellish the design as a tile. Keep number of repeats to 4, although a 3 x 3 repeat is needed to see the full effect of the design. Remind them that they will have to copy their design several times and should keep it simple.

Integration

pure design
uses for tiling (architecture, fashion, home decorating)
other cultures ( William Morris; batik, kente, etc..)
compare man-made vs. natural