A workshop to teach participants how to make their own repeat pattern designs based on sketches they did of the Harris Museum & Art Gallery building and its collection. Everyone learnt how to make their own pattern motif and put it into into repeat. This is one of my favourite techniques, as it’s really simple and satisfying, with endless creative possibilities. 

We started by looking at and sketching shapes and details around the building that could be used as motifs. Once the sketches were done, we developed these through drawing, painting or collage and thought about texture, scale and mark-making. We then learnt how to make these into repeat patterns by hand, using a photocopier to repeat the designs and then added colour to the designs.

This workshop was inspired by the Harris Museum & Art Gallery collections of Horrockses Fashions 1950s textiles.

There were some brilliant designs and ideas that came out of the workshop, and it was a pleasure to teach everyone how to make their own pattern designs.