The document discusses what defines a pattern and describes the four main techniques used to create patterns from a single repeating motif. A pattern relies on a motif, repetition of that motif, and an organized structure. The four techniques are repeats, half drop repeats, reflection, and rotation, which involve rigidly moving the motif by repeating, staggering, reflecting across an axis, or rotating it. Combining these techniques allows for creating many different patterns from a simple motif.

1. What is a pattern? Teachnet 2005 Nicola Gardiner © 2005

2. What is a pattern? A pattern relies upon three characteristics: A single motif Repetition of the motif A system of organisation Nicola Gardiner © 2005

3. Four main pattern techniques There are four basic ways that you can repeat a motif to create a pattern Repeats, half drop repeats, reflection and rotation Mathematicians call these repetitions “rigid motions” because the movements do not lead to any change of size or shape of the original motif. Nicola Gardiner © 2005

4. Repeats This i s rigid motion where the motif is simply repeated over and over along horizontal and vertical lines Nicola Gardiner © 2005

5. Half drop repeats This is a rigid motion where every other line of motifs is staggered. Nicola Gardiner © 2005

6. Reflection Reflection is rigid motion where the original motif is reflected across a line or axis. This creates a symmetrical pattern Nicola Gardiner © 2005

7. Rotation Rotation is rigid motion where the original design is rotated around a single point Nicola Gardiner © 2005

8. Rotation through different angles Nicola Gardiner © 2005 120 degree rotation 180 degree rotation 60 degree rotation 90 degree rotation

9. Reflections and rotations Nicola Gardiner © 2005

10. Other combinations Nicola Gardiner © 2005

11. How many patterns can you make starting with a simple motif? Nicola Gardiner © 2005