In this section, we will start to consider how the elements and principles of art are used in both the fabric print itself, and then when combining different fabric together to make a larger design. This will help you start thinking about the over all look of your projects.

Let’s look at fabric

Let’s look at fabric pieces and the prints, noting the different elements of art used in the surface design. Then we will highlight some examples of well matching fabric pieces that can be used together.

Activity 1– Look at the prints, or patterns that are printed onto fabric surfaces.

Example 1: Line – Line is a mark with greater length than width. Lines can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal; straight or curved; thick or thin.

All these prints are made using lines. In the first example, lines are used to build up larger geometrical shapes. In the second print, lines are used to draw representational wood grain. In the third example, lines are used to create a simple design, with vertical lines all flowing in the same direction. Start thinking about how these patterns will contribute to your final project. The wood grain pattern may make a great statement throw pillow, but lose any dramatic effect if it was made into a very large blanket, whereon a larger scale the pattern may not have enough contrast and lose too much detail. The vertical line pattern may work well when creating clothing pieces that want to emphasize length.

Repetition – Repetition works with pattern to make the work of art seem active. The repetition of elements of design creates unity within the work of art.

Here all these prints are made using the principle of repetition. In the first example, lines are used to build up larger geometrical shapes. In the first print, the rainbows, trees and flowers are repeated across the piece of fabric at different angles. In the second print, dots are repeated in lines across the fabric. The same 7 colors are repeated in the dots. Some interest is added by overlapping some of the dots. In the third example, the leaf design is repeated all over the piece of fabric on different angles to cover the surface area as much as possible. All these prints give off feelings of playfulness and activity. Even the third example, which is a bit more traditional and subdued, with a limited color palette and classic subject matter, uses repetition and movement to create a compelling design.

Activity 2– Review the fabric matches below and read about why they match well together based on elements and principles of art.

Fabrics working well together:

Balance – Balance is the distribution of the visual weight of objects, colors, texture, and space. This includes symmetrical, asymmetrical and radial balance.

In these two examples, the principle of balance is created by pairing bold (front pieces) and subtle (back pieces) fabrics together. The subtle pieces can act as more of a background. The more subdued fabric pieces are also using colors from the busier and bolder fabrics. This helps lower the contrast between the pieces, allowing the bolder pieces to really take center stage. In the first example, the fabric with the different colored tickets is the more bold design. The green fabric with the small white polka dots uses a very similar green as the tickets, which helps highlight the tickets without drawing your eye too much towards the dotted fabric. The fabrics are complimentary to each other and not competing for attention. The same can be said for the second example. Even though we are not using a plain blue fabric, the pattern is muted and steady enough to act as more of a “background” to the more graphic fish pattern. Which is great, because the more engaging patterns you can use in a final project, the better.

Emphasis – Emphasis is the part of the design that catches the viewer’s attention. This is usually done by making one area stand out by contrasting it with other areas. The area could be different in size, color, texture, shape, etc.

With these two examples, emphasis is achieved using color and size. In the first pairing, the camping illustrations fabric print uses only black and white, colors that create such high contrast, your eye is immediately drawn to it. Pairing this fabric with a neutral, almost grey pink, keeps the emphasis on the camping illustration fabric. In the second example, both fabrics are floral designs on a black background. The front fabric stands out more because the flowers are much larger and much more colorful. You almost don’t even notice that the small white pattern is one of flowers, as that pattern fades into the background when paired with the bolder floral pattern.

Color and color theory make a big difference and impact on our projects too. This is such an enormous subject to cover, there will be many posts about it in our blog.

Sometimes, we get so involved in projects, it can be refreshing to get outside and take a break! For section 2 of this course, you get to do just that! Take some time and explore a local fabric shop. Here you will have a first hand opportunity to look at and feel all the different fabrics that are made and available for use.

Activity 3– Find two fabric prints that work well together in terms of applying the different principles and elements that have already been learned. Note: while there are many beautiful prints out there, please limit your selection to patterns printed on 100% cotton fabrics. (These fabrics come in different thread counts, which we will learn about later in the blog/community posting section. Basically, the higher the thread count, the more substantial feeling the fabric- a bit thicker, not translucent. Higher thread count fabric is easier to handle, especially for beginners.)

Bonus task- For more inspiration, look at fashion websites or home decor websites, not just a fabric stores.

Activity 4– Upload two fabric prints you found at the store (or online) and describe what element each example matches with in the community section.

Tools needed: Elements and Principles Glossary

Elements of Art

Line – Line is a mark with greater length than width. Lines can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal; straight or curved; thick or thin.

Shape –Shapes are closed lines. Shapes can be geometric, like squares and circles; or organic, like free-form or natural shapes. Shapes are flat and can express length and width.

Form – Forms are three-dimensional shapes expressing length, width, and depth. Balls, cylinders, boxes, and pyramids are forms.

Space –Space is the area between and around objects. The space around objects is often called negative space; negative space has shape. Space can also refer to the feeling of depth. Real space is three-dimensional; in visual art, when we create the feeling or illusion of depth, we call it space.

Color – Color is light reflected off of objects. Color has three main characteristics: hue (the name of the color, such as red, green, blue, etc.), value (how light or dark it is), and intensity (how bright or dull it is).

Texture – Texture is the surface quality that can be seen and felt. Textures can be rough or smooth, soft or hard.

Principles of Design

The principles of design describe the ways that artists use the elements of art in a work of art.

Balance – Balance is the distribution of the visual weight of objects, colors, texture, and space. This includes symmetrical, asymmetrical and radial balance.

Emphasis – Emphasis is the part of the design that catches the viewer’s attention. Usually the artist will make one area stand out by contrasting it with other areas. The area could be different in size, color, texture, shape, etc.

Movement – Movement is the path the viewer’s eye takes through the work of art, often to focal areas. Such movement can be directed along lines, edges, shape, and color within the work of art.

Pattern – Pattern is the repeating of an object or symbol all over the work of art.

Repetition – Repetition works with pattern to make the work of art seem active. The repetition of elements of design creates unity within the work of art.

Proportion – Proportion is the feeling of unity created when all parts (sizes, amounts, or number) relate well with each other. When drawing the human figure, proportion can refer to the size of the head compared to the rest of the body.

Rhythm – Rhythm is created when one or more elements of design are used repeatedly to create a feeling of organized movement. Rhythm creates a mood like music or dancing. To keep rhythm exciting and active, variety is essential.

Variety – Variety is the use of several elements of design to hold the viewer’s attention and to guide the viewer’s eye through and around the work of art.