Motif Design
Primary 4 · Creative Arts
Motif Design
Lesson 2 of 4
15 min
Let's begin
Umutoni has drawn a beautiful little leaf. She wants to decorate the cover of her exercise book with it. But where should each leaf go? In lines? In a circle? Only round the edges?
The way you place your motif changes the whole design. Let us try some ways.
You can also turn the motif (point it up, then down) or mirror it (flip it like a reflection in water) to make new patterns.
This sampler was stitched with coloured thread in Britain about 250 years ago. Samplers like this were often made by girls learning to sew.
Tip
Grid first, template second, colour last
The grid keeps the rows straight and the template keeps every motif the same size.
Try each one first, then tap Show answer to check.
Mugisha puts a triangle, then a circle, then a triangle, then a circle along a row. Which arrangement is this?
Answer: Alternate.
What is a border pattern?
Answer: A motif repeated in a band along the edge of a surface.
In a half-drop pattern, how far down does every second column move?
Answer: Half a motif.
Why should you cut a template before you start?
Answer: So every motif is the same size and shape.
Make it: Draw a 3 by 3 grid. Fill it with your own motif in a half-drop pattern, then add a border round the edge.
What you learned today
Sources and credits
The rest of the lesson, the diagrams and the exercises (Try it yourself and the practice questions) are written by Ganzaa.
Quick check
Match each arrangement to what it looks like.
Tap one on the left, then its partner on the right.
