Surface Design
This domain tests the design of repeating motifs for cloth, paper and products, including repeat construction, colourways and traditional Indian surface techniques. Expect repeat calculations, motif development and identification of printing or resist methods.
Core rules
- A motif becomes a repeat unit; the unit plus its spacing forms the rapport. Repeats may be straight/block, half-drop, brick/offset, mirror, tossed, stripe or border.
- In a half-drop, alternate columns shift down by half the vertical repeat. In a brick/offset, they shift by half the horizontal repeat but stay on the same baseline.
- Motifs must cross the repeat edge and reappear on the opposite side; otherwise seams show.
- Colourways are versions of one design in different palettes. Registration is the alignment of screens or blocks; trapping prevents gaps.
- Production methods: hand block printing (Rajasthan: Bagru, Sanganer), screen printing, roller and digital printing, batik (wax resist), bandhani/tie-dye, Kalamkari (pen and dye, Andhra Pradesh).
- Fabric preparation matters: scouring, mordanting, steaming and washing affect fastness.
Worked example
A 20 cm × 20 cm motif is required as a half-drop repeat on a 1 m width. Five repeats fit across (100 ÷ 20). The vertical repeat is 20 cm; alternate columns drop by 10 cm. Draw the motif, then copy it with a 10 cm vertical offset in the next column. Check the seam by folding the paper: the motif halves must meet exactly. The reasoning: repeat size controls count; half-drop controls offset; seam check controls quality.
Traps that cost marks
- Placing the motif too close to the edge so halves do not meet.
- Confusing half-drop with brick repeat.
- Designing a beautiful single motif that fails as a repeat.
- Ignoring direction: an upward flower becomes upside down on the reverse repeat.
- Not testing colourways for contrast and print registration.