How to Design a Navajo Rug

The Navajo's used to create rugs for their own personal use as well as to trade with others. Navajo rugs were created with symmetry. Designing your own Navajo rug can give you an idea of how one is created as well as how it can add to your home. Experiment with different colors and designs to create a Navajo rug that appeals to you.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Visit the Arizona State Museum, Navajo Rug website (see references below). Click on "Design your Own" under "Designing Navajo Rugs".

2. Click on a color under "Background Color" to change the color of the background of your rug design.

3. Choose a shape from the left side of the screen. It will show up on the design area. Drag it into the area that you want it and change the color by clicking the shape and then selecting the color below "Shape Color" at the bottom of the screen.

4. Change the size of the shape by clicking on the shape and highlighting it and then using the arrows at the bottom left corner of the screen to adjust the size.

5. Click "UNFOLD!" on the bottom right side of the screen to see what your full Navajo rug will look like.

6. Print your Navajo rug design to use it as an example to create your own Navajo rug.

References

• Arizona State Museum: Navajo Rug