How to Draw a Tessellation

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

  • Grid paper

  • Pencil (with eraser)

  • Ruler

  • Tracing paper

  • Markers or colored pencils

Tessellation

A tessellation is a mathematical design based on a geometric shape that is repeated over and over to make a pattern. A tessellation can be created with an equilateral triangle, a square, or a regular hexagon. The pattern is created by simply adding an additional shape to one side of the original shape and then adding this same shape to the inside of the original shape.

Advertisement

Step 1

Draw a perfect square on the grid paper with your pencil. The size of the square is your choice.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Draw an additional shape on one side of the square.

Step 3

Trace the shape you drew in step 2, and copy it on the opposite side, inside the square.

Advertisement

Step 4

Draw another simple shape on the top of the square.

Advertisement

Step 5

Trace the shape you drew in step 4, and copy it on the bottom, inside the square.

Advertisement

Step 6

Trace the entire new shape, and move it over horizontally. If done correctly, the shapes will interlock perfectly. Create the tessellation pattern by repeating the shape as many times as you desire.

Advertisement

Step 7

Add color to the pattern, if desired.

Tip

The process is the same to make a tessellation with a hexagon. Whatever shape is added to one side is copied and added to the inside of the opposite side of the shape. Create the pattern by repeating the shape over and over and adding color.

If you are making a tessellation with a triangle, make a shape on one side of the triangle, rotate it 120 degrees, and copy it on the next side, moving clockwise around the triangle. Repeat with the third side in the same fashion. Create the pattern by repeating the shape over and over and adding color.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

references