The Greek Key is a common motif in textile design and many other places where decorative elements are necessary. Whether or not you know the name, you have most likely seen a Greek Key design. In fact, it may even be in your home. Often used as a border, it is also used frequently in stripes. It is so versatile; it even appears on its own in allover patterns. Though it is referred to as a Greek Key, this distinct...
A novelty print describes a particular type of pattern. Sometimes referred to as a conversational print, a novelty print has something about it that is, well, novel. These prints go beyond the familiar motifs of flowers, leaves, scrolls, and shapes. Instead, these designs contain unusual, but recognizable motifs. The novelty of the motif itself is a conversation starter. A novelty print typically utilizes the standard design tools in a textile designer’s toolbox, such as layout and repeat. However, instead of...
The Jacobean Age takes its name from Jacobus, the Latin form of King James I of England. This style of 17th century decor is best known for intricate carvings, heavy oak furniture, detailed tapestries and especially crewel embroideries with flowing designs. The type of patterning associated with Jacobean Design have their roots in two places. First, the English imported Flemish tapestries in great number during the 17th century. At the same time, Indian palampores were also a very popular...
As a textile designer, one of the best tools in my designer toolbox is my texture library. Designing patterns digitally, I sometimes felt the patterns looked a little flat. To breathe life into a pattern, I add texture to a design instead of a flat color. This technique optimizes a pattern by adding depth and dimension. Where it previously felt flat or sterile, the pattern now has the illusion of a woven fabric, regardless of the material on which...
If it wasn't obvious by now, I'm a pattern lover! I love designing patterns and surrounding myself with them in my home. (Not to mention wearing them!) As a result, I often get questions from friends and clients about how best to coordinate patterns in a room or project. I'm not an interior designer, however, during my career as a textile designer, I put many collections of fabrics together for presentations. This was usually the final step of the...
Everyone at Design Pool may have different roles, but we all have one thing in common. We all have degrees in textile design. When people ask the standard cocktail party question, "What do you do?" answering, "I'm a textile designer" is nearly always a surprise, which kind of blows our minds. We surround ourselves in fabric all day, every day. Above all, fabric protects us, comforts us, and shelters us. However, most people don't consider how it's made or...