Tangled Threads

Chapter Four - Cut and Fold Designs

Symmetrical Designs

I really enjoyed this chapter and was both surprised and delighted by the myriad of designs that can be created using this method. I liked the element of surprise, particularly with the more complex designs that were created with multiple folds and cuts.

I decided to use coloured backgrounds rather than white but still keeping to my basic colour scheme of red and green; in this case I mixed light pink for the symmetrical designs and and light green for the asymmetrical designs. I decided to use my white, folded practice papers to show how I had created the designs so I needed coloured background for the practice papers to show up.

The practice papers served a dual purpose:-
a) I wouldn't need to draw out the designs to show how I had created them - especially the asymmetrical designs as they were more complex and
b) I would also have a paper template if I needed to recreate the design accurately.
Please note however, there are no paper patterns for the later asymmetrical designs as they were created by random folds and cuts - no practice papers and almost impossible to draw.

Unfortunately, it was only after everything had been stuck down and the images scanned that I realised some of the green backgrounds weren't strong enough and on these sheets the practice papers don't show up very well. In hindsight I should have stuck to black and white and just drawn the designs..................but then hindsight is a wonderful thing!

Sheet 1A

1. Shape from page 2 of my line drawings - positive and negative shapes shown.

2. Similar shape but much wider but turned round to form a square, more squat shape.

3 As above but petals more elongated and thinner.

4. Similar to No. 2 but an outline rather than a solid shape.

Sheet 1B

5. Outline of narrower design.

6. Pieces that were left from cutting No 5.

7. First attempt to create No 5 but I cut in the wrong place and ended up with two unconnected curvy lines. Happy accident - I really like this one!

8. Variation of the design - more angular and with a hole in the centre.

Sheet 1C

9. Continuing with curved petal shapes I developed the idea of making double petals - more interesting design and has some movement.

10. Idea for this design is loosely based on one of my line drawings on sheet 2 - shield shape, bottom right. I have added complexity to a circular design by adding further curved lines and an oval hole in the centre. This space leaves scope for further design elements - stitching or adding other shapes.

Sheet 1D

11. Basic diagonal cross shape with rectangular hole in the centre. Design idea based on several of my line drawings that contain a cross/windmill shape.

12. Cross shape in two directions - could be called a star!

Sheet 1E

13. Design loosely based on drawing of a broken window on sheet 1. The square in the centre represents the window with the jagged panes of glass around it on all sides.

14. This isn't based on any of my line drawings but, as it is only symmetrical diagonally, it is a more interesting design and another favourite.

Sheet 1F

15 & 16 More diagonal designs, not based on specific line drawings but random developments of earlier, more basic cross shapes.

Sheet 1G

17. This design contains elements of both No 10 and No 12.

18. This design is the result of free cutting into a folded triangle and has created a lacy effect with a cross in the centre.

Sheet 1H

19. Simple diagonal cross produces trellis like pattern.

20. More complex version of No 19. The top legs of the cross are widened and bottom legs have straight ends rather than pointed. The angles of the cross have also been adjusted.

Sheet 1I