How to Make a Pattern in a Graph

You can build a pattern on graph paper.

When people refer to creating a pattern in a graph it is usually for knitting, crocheting, cross-stitching or another type of craft. Kids also create pattern graphs in order to practice plotting and marking points. It helps to teach the kids how the points relate and get comfortable with plotting for later, more complex mathematical instruction.

Things You'll Need

• Graph paper
• Pattern
• Tape
• Pencil

Instructions

Mapping a Pattern for Crafts

1. Lay the graph paper out in the format you wish to use. If you are planning a wider pattern, put the paper in the landscape direction. For a longer, thinner pattern, use the paper in the portrait orientation.

2. Draw your pattern on paper of a similar size paper. This is going to help you layout the center of the page. If your pattern is on a smaller sheet of paper you will need to center it on the graph paper.

3. Fold the pattern in half as well as the graph paper.

4. Line the centerline of both pages up with each other. Place the pattern below the graph paper, facing up. Tape the pages together along the edges.

5. Use your pencil to mark an "x" in every square that should be darkened due to the pattern below.

6. Outline and shade in the entire patterned area. This gives you the count for creating the pattern in your craft.

Child Graph Mapping

1. Draw a line to the left and right of the graph paper with approximately two lines to the left and below. This gives you room to write numbers.

2. Mark spacing by 1s, 5s or any other equal measurement.

3. Choose points to make the edge of your pattern such as a square, triangle or any other shape.

4. Mark the points with the "x," horizontal, first and the "y," vertical, coordinate second. This teaches writing coordinates.

5. Check if you can recreate the pattern by plotting the points as you have written.

Tips & Warnings

• Start with a simple pattern in order to make sure you understand the count. You can work with more complicated patterns as your understanding increases.

• Some shapes can be difficult to determine by a series of points. Putting the points in order, so that you draw lines between the points in the same order the points are plotted, make the pattern more understandable.

References

• So You Wannabee a Domestik Goddess?: 3 Easy Ways to Chart a Knitting Pattern
• Unique-Homemade-Gifts.com: to Create a Graph Pattern for Crochet
• Kids Zone: Create a Graph Classic