Printed Repeat Pattern Development for Textiles: Design Theory and Process

Authors

Erin Kelly, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

Spring 2021

Document Type

Thesis

Citation

Kelly, E. 2021. Printed Repeat Pattern Development for Textiles: Design Theory and Process. Undergraduate Honors Thesis. University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Comments

Do not use the artwork included without the consent of the author.

Copyright Erin Kelly 2021.

Abstract

I created a collection of fifteen printed repeat patterns accompanied by a written description of the research and development process as a creative project to fulfill the requirements of a Senior Honors Project. Looking at this project from a traditional research standpoint, I sought out to answer several questions that would help me to develop as a textile artist. How do you find current, up-to-date, relevant trends, both ideological (macro) and material (micro)? How do you take these trends and communicate them visually, in an original fashion? How do you produce a collection of designs that is both diverse and cohesive? What is the specific, step-by-step process of creating a printed repeat pattern? Fashion and textile brands work through this process of identifying trends, establishing color stories, and developing new prints with every season. Through this creative project, I have been able to build on my years of coursework in the Textiles, Merchandising, and Fashion Design department and develop knowledge and marketable skills that will directly translate to a career in the fashion industry. In this accompanying written element, I discuss market and trend research, color story development, planning for diversity and cohesion and design, step-by-step process instruction, and display the resulting collection of patterns.