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41 
 

CHAPTER FOUR 
 

Texture, Repeat Pattern System 
as Formal Elements of Design 

Mary Emodi-Nnoruka, Chika Chudi-Duru, & 
Vivian Okpalauba  

 
Introduction 

exture and patterns are parts of the vocabulary of 
art and design. Texture is a formal element of 
design, and pattern is a form of repetition. Texture 

is the surface quality of an item. It is how something feels 
when touched, or looks like it would feel if touched. A 
drawing of a tree stump could show rough outer bark and 
a smooth inner surface. Texture adds variety and interest 
(Stout, 2000). Pattern in design is a repetition of certain 
elements in an orderly manner to form a design layout. 
 
Motif  

A motif is a unit of design. A motif can be 
described as what constitutes a major theme in pattern-
making or pattern arrangement. Motifs in pattern making 
are to be repeated at regular intervals, several times. It 
could also be said that the decorative design is composed 
of a basic unit often referred to as a motif, an isolated 
shape or figure that is repeated all along the length and 
width of the cloth by weaving or printing. 
 

T 



Chudi-Duru, C. C., Et Al 

42 
 

 
 

Fig. 1: A motif. Source: Emodi, 2021 

        
Classification of Textile Motifs 

According to Naik &Wilson (2009), they are 
broadly classified and grouped as naturalistic, ethnic, 
geometric, stylized and abstract. 
 
Naturalistic motifs 

This could also be referred to as realistic motifs 
naturally depicting real objects. It could be flora-fauna, 
utility articles, sculptures, architectural objects, animal 
skins, human figures and any other derivative of nature.  
 
Ethnic motifs 

They are inspired by traditional design works from 
different native cultures, for instance, African, Indian, 
North American, European, South American, Greek, 
Roman, Japanese, Persian, Byzantine, Gothic and many 
others. They are occasionally considered tribal motifs. 



Texture, Repeat Pattern System as formal Elements of Design  

43 
 

Some designers are greatly influenced by ethnic motifs and 
ethnic textiles. 
 
Geometric motifs 

This comprises entirely geometric shapes and forms 
or a design may be constructed on a geometric 
foundation. The design or pattern which is repeated or 
multiplied indefinitely by either weaving or printing must 
show an exact repeat no matter how elaborate it is. 
 
Stylized motifs 

These motif designs distort the real objects. The 
source of inspiration for a stylized design is generally 
recognizable, the object is either abridged or exaggerated 
in such a way as to give it an unnatural form. 
 
Abstract motifs 

Here, the form of the real object is used as motif 
designs in such an unrealistic shape and irregularities that 
probably no one would possibly recognize or identify it. 
 
Uses of Motifs  

1. Motif is used to serve as a major theme in pattern 
making.  

2. Motifs can be used to create texture in designing 
some surfaces.  

3. It is used to enhance the surface of the design.  
4. Motif is used to create a rhythmic flow in pattern 

making.  



Chudi-Duru, C. C., Et Al 

44 
 

Repeat Pattern System  
This is a way of arranging motifs creatively in a 

repeated way to achieve rhythm and balance. There are 
different methods which can be used to repeat motifs in 
pattern making.  

In basic design, a repeat pattern system is the art of 
organizing and arranging various elements of art or 
elements of design in a meaningful and orderly manner. 
The arrangement of these elements should be done 
according to certain principles of art which are the guiding 
rules.  

Pattern is an arrangement of repeated motifs to 
create rhythm, in lines, shapes, colours and textures. 
Pattern is a decorative design that appears mostly on 
clothes, walls, paper, carpets etc. There are several types of 
pattern arrangements, Ndubisi (2010). However, there are 
some basic repeat patterns, networks or design layouts 
that are very necessary to the textile artist/ designer. They 
are briefly discussed below.  
 
Simple Repeat Pattern 

This is a repeat method where motifs are arranged 
beside each other on each row, both vertically and 
horizontally. An example is placed below: 
 



Texture, Repeat Pattern System as formal Elements of Design  

45 
 

 
Fig. 1: Simple Repeat Pattern. Source: Emodi, 2021 

 
Mirror Repeat Pattern: Mirror repeat pattern is a 
method whereby the motifs are arranged to reflect one 
another in design. An example can be seen below:  

 

 
Fig. 2: Mirror Repeat Pattern, Emodi, 2021 

 

Brick Repeat Pattern: A brick repeat pattern is a repeat 
method where motifs are arranged in a brick-laying 
pattern. An example is placed below: 
 



Chudi-Duru, C. C., Et Al 

46 
 

 
 

Fig. 3: Brick Repeat Pattern, Emodi, 2021 
 

Half Drop Repeat Pattern 
Half drop repeat pattern is a repeat method that has 

the motifs arranged in a half-drop way/style in a design. 
Below is an example: 

 
        

 

 
 

Fig 5: Half drop Repeat Pattern, Emodi, 2021 

 
 



Texture, Repeat Pattern System as formal Elements of Design  

47 
 

Diamond Repeat Pattern 
Diamond repeat pattern is a repeat method that 

takes after a diamond effect. In a diamond repeat pattern, 
the motifs are arranged in angles that are not right angles. 
An example is seen below:  
 

 
 

Fig.6a: diamond pattern layout. Source: 
https://www.pinterest.com/guygecko/cool-pattern-designs/ 

 

 
Fig 6b: Diamond Repeat Pattern. Emodi, 2021 

 
Counter change Repeat pattern 

This refers to patterns in which the motif and the 
background reverse in colour- two-colour symmetrical 
patterns. 



Chudi-Duru, C. C., Et Al 

48 
 

 

 
 

Fig.7: counter change repeat pattern. Source: 
https://sewguide.com/fabric-design-pattern-repeat/ 

 
Ogee Repeat pattern 

The repeated ogee pattern is an S-like curved shape 
with two arches that come to a point and intersect to 
create an interesting graphic.  
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

Fig.8: ogee repeat pattern. Source: 
https://www.printmag.com/design-education/fabric-patterns-

deconstructed/ 

 



Texture, Repeat Pattern System as formal Elements of Design  

49 
 

Scattered pattern 
In this layout the motifs are scattered randomly; 

there is no symmetry or any formal arrangement to the 
motifs; the motifs are placed in a repeating fashion but 
without a specific plan or calculation. This repeat utilizes a 
random arrangement of various motifs to create a very 
organic, non-linear design. It is very popular for floral 
patterns and more. Elements of the design are “tossed” 
onto the fabric, 

 
 

 
 

Fig. 9: scattered pattern arrangement. Source: 
https://www.printmag.com/design-education/fabric-patterns-

deconstructed/ 

 
Border design pattern 

This is designed so that the motifs are placed on the 
edge of the fabric. Some of them are found to be placed as 
border designs on laces, fabrics for furnishing, tablecloths, 
sarees and some other fabrics.  



Chudi-Duru, C. C., Et Al 

50 
 

 
Fig.10: border designs. Source: 

https://in.pinterest.com/pin/354025220691847133/ 
 
Some other repeat patterns 

There are probably an infinite number of repeat 
types. One could argue that there are triangle repeats and 
hexagon repeats (like diamond/ogee repeats) and many 
others. Essentially, however, all repeats are iterations of 
the brick, block or drop repeats. 
 
Texture 

Texture denotes the quality of surfaces and the 
characteristic physical structure of objects. People feel 
their surroundings by looking at and touching surfaces. 
The materials around can be distinguished by feeling 
diverse textures, which helps to recognize familiar 
substances when seen or touched to identify unusual or 
unfamiliar textures(Preble et al., 2002; Gatto et al., 2000). 
Textures may be rough or smooth, coarse or fine, crisp or 
clingy, soft or stiff, thin or bulky, opaque or sheer, shiny 
or dull, heavy or light, or any combination of these 
characteristics. In essence, there is a visual texture and a 
tactile one. When an artist attempts to represent texture in 



Texture, Repeat Pattern System as formal Elements of Design  

51 
 

two-dimensional work such as drawing, it is visual texture, 
but for three-dimensional objects, it is tactile or actual 
texture with a physical feel. Such effect can be 
manipulated with tools, for example, metal sculpture, and 
woodwork. Some call the tactile texture 'simulated'. 
Ideelart (2017) - an internet blog, has observed that 
texture in art can be perceived in at least two ways: 
through touch (physical texture) and sight (visual texture). 
Physical texture gives an artwork a sense of object-ness. It 
associates it with the concrete physical world. . It further 
mentions that it can affect mood, evoke psychological 
associations, bring attention to a medium, or divert the 
focus towards materials used in a work. 

Texture is one of the elements that can be 
manipulated to make art and design more innovative and 
interesting and “heighten an emotional impact” on the 
observers (Preble et al., 2002). It is an important element 
of art and design. It is associated with a sense of feel, 
which draws all the viewers' physical and mental attention 
to the artwork. Some examples of textures applied to art 
and design works are explained therefrom. 

One of the earliest ways abstract painters 
experimented with texture is through a process called 
impasto. A painting in impasto means that the painter has 
applied the paint to the surface in thick layers. An impasto 
work is considered painterly since it gives prominence to 
the physical marks made by the painter. Post-
Impressionist painters like Van Gogh used impasto to 
create drama and to affect the way light interacted with the 

https://www.ideelart.com/magazine/impasto-painting


Chudi-Duru, C. C., Et Al 

52 
 

surface of their images since impasto layers create shadows 
and highlights. Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh (1889). 
Van Gogh’s famous Post-Impressionist painting of a 
village in the silhouette of a starry sky is an example of 
three-dimensional texture. The scene is rendered in 
impasto painting technique, with thick, visible 
brushstrokes standing out from the surface of the 
canvas(Master class staff, 2022).  
 

 
 

Plate 1:Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh (1889) The Museum of 
Modern Art. 73.7 cm × 92.1 cm (29.01 in × 36.26 in), Oil on 

canvas, Source:  google.com/search?client=firefox-b-
d&q=vincent+van+gohs+starry+night+painting. 

 

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&sxsrf=APq-WBsTL2ptUst0a9ALvC4vkvi-1pPDSw:1649945888012&q=Museum+of+Modern+Art&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAOPgE-LUz9U3MDG3jC9U4gAxMzKysrXks5Ot9Msyi0sTc-ITi0r0gbg8vyjbKic_ObEkMz9vEauIb2lxammuQn6agm9-SmpRnoJjUckOVsZd7EwcDABFmc0wVwAAAA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwilwba035P3AhVD1BoKHQM2DxAQmxMoAXoECFQQAw
https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&sxsrf=APq-WBsTL2ptUst0a9ALvC4vkvi-1pPDSw:1649945888012&q=Museum+of+Modern+Art&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAOPgE-LUz9U3MDG3jC9U4gAxMzKysrXks5Ot9Msyi0sTc-ITi0r0gbg8vyjbKic_ObEkMz9vEauIb2lxammuQn6agm9-SmpRnoJjUckOVsZd7EwcDABFmc0wVwAAAA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwilwba035P3AhVD1BoKHQM2DxAQmxMoAXoECFQQAw


Texture, Repeat Pattern System as formal Elements of Design  

53 
 

 
Plate 2: Texture is applied to the ceramic owl using materials such as 

gauze. Source: teacheroz.com/apah-elements.pdf 

 
In sculpture, David by Michelangelo (1501–1504): 
Sculpted during the Italian Renaissance. According to the 
Master class staff (2022), Michelangelo's masterful 
sculpture of the Biblical king David was chiselled entirely 
out of marble. In sculpting it, Michelangelo's use of 
texture yielded a shiny, smooth surface that emphasizes 
the subject's physique (Master class staff, 2022).    

 



Chudi-Duru, C. C., Et Al 

54 
 

 

Plate 3: David by Michelangelo (1501–1504): Marble Sculpture, 
517 cm × 199 cm (17 ft × 6.5 ft), Galleria de’ll Accademia, 

Florence, Italy, retrieved from 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_ (Michelangelo). 

Le Chat by Alberto Giacometti (1955): Modern sculptor 
Alberto Giacometti is most famous for his sculptures of 
long, skinny figures constructed with roughly-applied 
passages of bronze. In Le Chat, he turned to a cat as his 
subject matter, which is also constructed with a hard, 
bumpy texture in opposition to the typical soft fur of a cat 
(Master class staff, 2022).  



Texture, Repeat Pattern System as formal Elements of Design  

55 
 

 

Plate 4: Le Chat by Alberto Giacometti (1955). Bronze with brown 
patina. Metropolitan Museum of Art. Dimension:11 in. × 31 1/2 in. 

× 5 1/4 in. (27.9 × 80 × 13.3 cm). Source: 
metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/489980 

Lujan (2013) reveals that in textile and fashion 
designs, texture describes the body and surface of the 
fabric. Textures may be rough or smooth, coarse or fine, 
crisp or clingy, soft or stiff, thin or bulky, opaque or sheer, 
shiny or dull, heavy or light, or any combination of these 
characteristics. She further mentions that because textures 
have many characteristics, they can enhance or detract 
from a garment's design. They also affect the illusions of 
scale and shape of the figure. During weaving, in textile 
designs, texture is created through the construction of 
threads and fabrics. Varying types of fabric, like silk, 
cotton or wool, all have different qualities. Texture can 
also be created with added elements, like embroidery, 
crochet lace or embellishments. Some textile designs 
decorated with visual textures are placed below: 
 



Chudi-Duru, C. C., Et Al 

56 
 

 
 
Plate 5: Chudi-Duru (2017). Akwete traditional hand-woven fabric. 
Textures in textile design (weaving). Source: Dimension two and a 
quarter yardage. Medium: synthetic yarns. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Plate 6: Chudi-Duru (2017). Printed fabric Textures in textile design 

on cotton fabric inspired by Akwete hand-woven fabrics. Source: 
Dimension three yards. Medium: fabric ink and acrylic. 

 
When used in graphic design, texture refers more to 

the sense of feeling. Texture is a characteristic component 
of graphic design that uplifts the presence of other visual 
elements like patterns, colours, illustrations, content, and 
more. Graphic design is customized to deliver a message 
to grab the viewer's interest (white 2018). 
  



Texture, Repeat Pattern System as formal Elements of Design  

57 
 

 
 

Plate 7: Texture in graphic design. Source: 
google.com/search?q=textures+in+graphic+design&client=firefox-

b- 

 
Questions 

1. Define repeat pattern system 
2. What is a motif? 
3. Design a unit of motif  
4. With the aid of a designed motif, arrange a 

pattern on a surface. 
5. Explain the importance of texture in art and 

design. 
 

References 

Chudi-Duru, C.C. (2017).Exploration of Akwete Weaves Motifs for 

Adaptation on Printed Textiles for Apparel Production. 

Unpublished PhD thesis submitted to the Department of 

Industrial Design, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. 



Chudi-Duru, C. C., Et Al 

58 
 

 

Gatto, J., Porter, A., & Selleck, J. (2000). Exploring visual design: 
the elements and principles (3rd Ed.). Worcester: Davis 
Publications 

Lujan, N. (2013). Fashion Feasibility. Retrieved from 
https://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_c/C312/welcome.html on 
10-04 -22 

Master Class Staff (2022). How to Use Texture in Art: 4 Examples 
of Texture in Art. Retrieved from 
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/texture-in-art-
explained#what-is-texture-in-art on 11-04-22. 

Naik, D.S &Wilson, J.A (2009). Surface designing of textile fabrics. 
New age international (P) Ltd., Publishers. Delhi India. 

 
Ndubisi Ogomma A. (2010) A Hand Book on Textile, Emyn 

Nigeria, Hugetez Publisher.  

Preble, D., Preble, S., & Frank, P. (2002). Art forms: an introduction 
to the visual arts (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River: Prentice 
Hall. 

Stout, J. (2000). Design: Exploring the Elements and the Principles. 
Lecture Note: Iowa State University. 
https://www.extension.iastate.edu/4hfiles/statefair/EEHan
dbook/EEHJPDesign4H634.pdf. Assessed 12/4/2021 

White, E. (2018). 7 Tips On How To Use Textures In Graphic 
Design. Retrieved from 

https://elearningindustry.com/textures-in-graphic-design-7-
tips-use on 14-04-22  

   

https://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_c/C312/welcome.html%20on%2010-04
https://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_c/C312/welcome.html%20on%2010-04
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/texture-in-art-explained#what-is-texture-in-art
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/texture-in-art-explained#what-is-texture-in-art
https://www.extension.iastate.edu/4hfiles/statefair/EEHandbook/EEHJPDesign4H634.pdf.%20Assessed%2012/4/2021
https://www.extension.iastate.edu/4hfiles/statefair/EEHandbook/EEHJPDesign4H634.pdf.%20Assessed%2012/4/2021
https://elearningindustry.com/textures-in-graphic-design-7-tips-use
https://elearningindustry.com/textures-in-graphic-design-7-tips-use

