New
New
Make a repeat pattern print
I can create a repeating pattern using an insect motif.
Lesson 5 of 6
New
New
- Year 3
Make a repeat pattern print
I can create a repeating pattern using an insect motif.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Artists can use a printing block multiple times to create a continuous design.
- Artists can explore symmetry, rotation and spacing to develop an effective repeat pattern.
Keywords
Printmaking - making pictures by pressing a design from a block, plate, or screen onto paper or fabric
Print / printing - a way of making a copy of something
Motif - a repeated pattern, image, or theme
Common misconception
Pupils may think that a repeat pattern means just stamping the same image randomly.
Demonstrate how patterns can follow a structured repetition, showing examples of tiling techniques.
When cleaning foam plates, remind pupils to be gentle so they don’t bend/snap. Use soft cloths or damp sponges instead of running water and provide support for younger pupils. The lesson references the work of Yinka Shonibare. It may be useful to have relevant images of his work available for view.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Roller, ink, tray, printing ink (multiple colours), paper towels, various card / paper or sketchbook and newspaper. Images of Yinka Shonibare's artwork may be useful.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Printing is a way of ...
Printing is a way of ...
drawing freehand
painting with a brush
cutting out shapes
Q2.Why is negative space important in printmaking?
Why is negative space important in printmaking?
It shows where you glued the paper
It helps the ink dry faster
It makes the block heavy
Q3.What must you do before printing your insect design?
What must you do before printing your insect design?
Colour the paper with crayons
Cut the paper into a butterfly shape
Glue the block to the table
Q4.Woodblock and linoleum are examples of ...
Woodblock and linoleum are examples of ...
painting tools
digital printing machines
drawing materials
Q5.Why should you be careful not to press too hard when tracing your design onto a foam printing plate?
Why should you be careful not to press too hard when tracing your design onto a foam printing plate?
It will make your lines too light
The ink won’t stick properly
It makes the design too small
Q6.Put these steps of how to to transfer your insect design to the foam printing plate in the correct order :
Put these steps of how to to transfer your insect design to the foam printing plate in the correct order :
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a motif in printmaking?
What is a motif in printmaking?
A colourful background
A name for a carving tool
A type of pencil
Q2.Why do artists use repeat patterns in their prints?
Why do artists use repeat patterns in their prints?
To make a picture look confusing
To practise drawing more
To cover mistakes
Q3.Why is careful spacing and alignment important when creating a straight repeat pattern?
Why is careful spacing and alignment important when creating a straight repeat pattern?
It makes the pattern random and fun
It helps the prints overlap for a 3D effect
It makes each print look completely different
Q4.What do we call it when the same image is printed again and again in a row or pattern?
What do we call it when the same image is printed again and again in a row or pattern?
Q5.Put these steps in the right order to make a repeating pattern with a print:
Put these steps in the right order to make a repeating pattern with a print:
Q6.Match the word to the definition:
Match the word to the definition:
