Textile Design, Colour and Surface Ornamentation
This domain covers design elements and principles, colour theory, repeats and decorative techniques. The exam tests whether you can describe a design correctly, choose colour schemes with reasoning and match ornamentation to fabric and end use.
Core concepts
- Design elements include line, shape, form, colour, texture and space. Principles include balance, rhythm, proportion, emphasis and unity.
- Hue is the colour name; value is lightness or darkness; saturation is intensity. Tints are made with white; shades with black; tones with grey.
- Repeats may be straight, half-drop, brick, mirror or engineered. Repeat size must divide or fit the usable fabric width efficiently.
- Dyeing colours the whole fibre, yarn or fabric; printing applies colour locally in a pattern. Common prints include block, screen, roller and digital.
- Surface ornamentation includes embroidery, appliqué, quilting, tie-dye, batik, block printing and embellishment. Assam’s silk traditions use motifs and woven designs associated with muga, eri and pat silk.
Worked example
A block motif is 15 cm wide and the usable fabric width is 118 cm. Number of full motifs across = 118 ÷ 15 = 7 full motifs (105 cm), leaving 13 cm. If the design needs symmetrical selvedge margins, 7 motifs may be centred with about 6.5 cm on each side, or the motif size can be reduced. Reasoning: divide usable width by repeat width, then interpret the remainder as margin or waste; do not simply round up without checking selvedge balance.
Traps that cost marks
Do not confuse value with saturation: pink and maroon may share a hue but differ in value. Do not call pigment printing a dyeing process. Do not ignore repeat matching at seams. Do not describe traditional motifs as random if they follow a planned repeat or border layout.
Key idea
Good textile design unites colour, repeat, technique and fabric performance rather than adding ornament without purpose.