THE TEXTILE SURFACE DESIGN AND

GEOMETRY: AN ANALYSIS OF
TRADITIONAL PATCHWORK
O design de superfície e a geometria: um estudo de caso com
o Patchwork tradicional

Profª M. FRANCIELE MENEGUCCI

Profª. Drª. MARIZILDA DOS SANTOS MENEZES
Profº. Dr. ROBERTO ALCARRIA DO NASCIMENTO
Profª. Drª. MARIA ANTONIA BENUTTI
(Programa de Pós-Graduação em Design – UNESP –
Aims
Objetivos

analyze the relationship between the surface design

and geometry in the composition of traditional works in
patchwork, discussing about, how the geometric
knowledge can contribute to the realization of patchwork
surface projects.
Keywords: two-dimensional shapes, surface design,
patchwork
Palavras chave: formas bidimensionais, design de superfície,
patchwork
Materials and methods
Materiais e Métodos

exploratory research conducted in two stages

pesquisa exploratória realizada em dois estágios

- In the first stage: bibliographic research

- In the second stage: iconographic analysis of traditional
patchwork blocks was performed to verify the occurrence
of geometric transformations present in the blocks and
their applications in handicrafts.
Theoretical framework
Referencial teórico

Surface Design
Design de Superfície

- supporting numerous experiments that uses the geometrical

knowledge to create tactile and visual effects to various and
innovative applications.
- basic procedures which may alter or work surfaces of
materials: structural, constructive coloristic and combined
(Costa, 2003).
- Patchwork – structural – done by patches
- Patchwork – constructive – done by applications
The patchwork
- patchwork - working with patches or
basting.
- trabalho com remendos ou alinhavos

- the surface or top that is used in

preparing the quilt, another common term
in this type of craft

- Quilt – means padding, upholster

- Quilting is the practice of holding the
quilt

- Crusades (eleventh century) - brought

the practice of the Middle East to Europe

- Middle Ages - padded clothes Quilt patchwork of Sicilian origin (1360-1400)

underneath armor, for comfort and Source: Victoria and Albert Museum
protection (http://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O98183/the-tristan-
quilt-bed-cover-unknown/)
 The patchwork

- Quilting and Patchwork in America -

colonizers, who brought with them much
of the European cultural heritage
(Johnson, 2015).
- The technique flourished mainly
between 1825 to 1875
- Great Plains have raised the quiltings
bees (Johnson, 2015).

http://barbarabrackman.blogspot.com.br/2014/09/q
uilting-bees-romance-and-magic.html
Santos (2012: 13) mentions that these
are mosaics built with pieces of fabrics

"in varied colors and prints, which,

combined, enable viewing of various
standards geometrical (squares,
rectangles, triangles, etc.) in their
composition, these forms that are
carefully measured and cut“
“em cores e estampas variadas, que,
combinadas, possibilitam a visualização Basic equipment for patchwork.
de diversos padrões geométricos Source: Paula Piai
(quadrados, retângulos, triângulos, etc.) (http://www.ganhemaiscirculo.com.br/principais-materiais-
utilizados-no-patchwork/artigo-2-ilustracao-1/)
em sua composição, formas essas que
são cuidadosamente medidas e cortadas”
Geometric concepts used in the composition of
patchworks
Conceitos geométricos usados na composição de patchworks

Composing – mosaics

Module - consists of a unit that is

designed with specific proportions to
be grouped with other units, in
various ways, forming a pattern
(Ferreira, 2005 apud Schwartz,
2008).

Grids - is used to fix the module on

the surface (Schwartz, 2008).

Each block can be considered as a

module
Movements of the flat shape and their
symmetries:
Movimentos da forma plana e suas simetrias:

The symmetry can be explained as the

repetition of a form in an orderly manner
and with a certain rhythm.
A simetria pode ser explicada como a
repetição de uma forma de maneira
ordenada e com determinado ritmo
Analysis of traditional patchwork/quilt blocks
Análise de blocos tradicionais de patchwork

- Composed of a standardized fabric square which is repeated

to form an overall assembly forming the top.

- The traditional block - form a generally square 8 "to 16" (20 or

40 cm) in size.

- One of the most easily recognized traditional groups is the Nine

Patch, sewing five standardized parts or dark (patches) to four
clear squares, alternating. These stitched nine squares make a
block (Sielert, 2015).
- Figure 2a - Shoofly block - formed by a grid of nine squares in
which triangles and squares are included in two different colors.
Triangles inscribed in the module undergo transformation by
rotation, in form and in color.
- Figure 2b - ShooFly block - can be seen in two different
compositions. The blocks are repeated by translation
- Figure 2c - the block has undergone one rotation before being
disposed. In both cases there is a regular grid in the first
example and the blocks to jump right creating a visual effect with
diagonals of the same color.
Final considerations and future propositions
Considerações finais e proposições futuras

• Patchwork also has to support the geometric know.

• Small changes in shapes, colors, spaces between blocks and simple transformations
alter the perception of the whole and create different effects.
• The creation of new compositions requires a greater mastery of knowledge
• Thus, it is possible that, to know and apply the concepts and possibilities of
manipulation of forms in a more structured way may occur product development with
more innovation, because the technical field enhances the ability to create.
• In making patchwork pieces, mosaics compounds have defined geometric shapes,
symmetrical and coherent action.
• Understanding how math and quilting relate can encourage artists to be more
confident and creative in employing mathematical knowledge in their work. Math
illustrated in quilts can range from simple ideas to more complex constructions.
• Future work - apply knowledge about handling more complex shapes, such as
dilation and retraction of shapes and, by experimentation, to assess whether this
knowledge would have compared to innovation on the surfaces generated by the
patchwork technique.
 Acknowledgments

Profª M. FRANCIELE MENEGUCCI

Profª. Drª. MARIZILDA DOS SANTOS MENEZES
Profº. Dr. ROBERTO ALCARRIA DO NASCIMENTO
Profª. Drª. MARIA ANTONIA BENUTTI
(Programa de Pós-Graduação em Design – UNESP – Brasil)