How to Draw a Paisley Design
Paisley is one of the few textile patterns that never completely fade from fashion. Since its introduction into the Western world, in the 18th century, it has remained a familiar design. According to the Charles Sturt University Department of Textiles and Design, paisley originated in the Kashmir region of India, where it was considered a fertility symbol. It most often appeared on shawls woven from the Kashmir goat's fine undercoat. Louise Coffey-Webb, of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, says the design takes its name from the Scottish town of Paisley, whose weavers began to reproduce the tear-drop shaped pattern. If you want to draw your own paisley design, follow these guidelines.
Instructions
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Draw a teardrop shape; this is the basic paisley motif, and it appears in all paisley designs. Curve the tapered end of your teardrop for a traditional look. For a bold graphic pattern, draw an oversized teardrop. For a delicate design, make the teardrop smaller.
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Embellish the outline. Many traditional paisley prints feature embellishments around the motif's perimeter. Try drawing a row of leaves or flower petals around your teardrop shape.
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Fill your teardrop's interior. If you want to create paisley print with a traditional Indian look, draw floral shapes inside your teardrops. For a more contemporary design, fill in your teardrops with abstract shapes.
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Color your motif. For a traditional look, choose jewel-tones. Paisley motifs are often bright and colorful, so incorporate several rich shades into your color scheme. For a mod design, choose bright, eye-popping colors. If you'd like to create a more sophisticated motif, opt for a monochromatic color scheme
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Arrange your motifs. Once you have designed your basic motif, you can incorporate it into a more complex design. If you're not sure how to incorporate your motif into a larger design, refer to Coffey-Webb's slide show of paisley prints for inspiration.
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Tips & Warnings
In India, paisley motifs were often carved into wood and used for block printing on fabric. Try carving your motif from a linoleum block and printing it on paper or fabric.
