Gülce Gokceoglu Murphy 01

Insects: Fabric Pattern Design

To develop students’ understanding of pattern design and creative thinking from a designer’s perspective by exploring insect drawings, while enhancing their research, observational drawing, and compositional skills through mixed media techniques.

Year 8 at Princethorpe College

Students began by creating moodboards to build research skills, collecting visual references and selecting colour palettes. Focusing on symmetry and proportion, they produced detailed insect drawings that formed the basis of their designs. Using water-soluble pencils, students experimented with colour blending and tonal variation, refining their control of media. They then explored composition by layering their illustrations on backgrounds, thoughtfully considering balance and scale. Final touches were added with coloured pencils to enhance depth and texture, resulting in vibrant, visually engaging fabric pattern designs. To conclude the project, students applied their patterns to personalised templates, allowing them to visualise their work as real-life textile products.

“Students really enjoyed thinking like designers—taking their insect drawings and turning them into imaginative pattern designs.”