Get The TechniqueOver the past number of months I have been quite interested in pixelation and how to represent images as collections of neatly organized little squares - so geometrically satisfying! At the same time I have been looking at classic fabric prints and patterns and how striking they are when done on a large, graphic scale. Together, these two ideas rattling around in my head led me to re-discover houndstooth, which has become a bit of an obsession in recent days!
It turns out that the classic houndstooth pattern is an example of tessellation which is the process of creating a two-dimensional plane using the repetition of a geometric shape with no overlaps and no gaps. In Latin, tessella means "small square" and is also a piece of clay, stone or glass used to make mosaics. Perfect!
Searching the internet for examples, I came across Alexander McQueen's 2009 Fall/Winter collection (photos courtesy of style.com) and was blown away with how it utilizes the classic pattern quite strikingly. I love how he uses houndstooth in all different sizes and especially love when he transforms the pattern into birds!
If you have 15 minutes, I would recommend checking out the entire show here.
Further searching led me to a graphic representation of the weave associated with houndstooth, which uses a duotone pattern of sets of four threads/strips/etc. that are woven in alternating twos:
With this very clear graphic in hand, I set out to try the weaving pattern myself. Using 1/2-inch strips of black and white paper, I created a test swatch (that I then laminated to hold it together) that turned out quite well:
And then, by expanding this idea to a larger scale with a greater number strips, I created a fun piece of wall art:
Undoubtedly, different materials and different colors and widths of strips could lead to pretty impressive results that could be used in a variety of applications. I recommend trying out the weaving pattern and seeing what you can come up with!
From: Barbara | 3/2/12 at 10:58 am
Hooray for houndstooth! I love it so that I designed two letterpress cards showcasing it's beauty. Results in a great 'bite' into the paper: http://www.etsy.com/listing/89982324/thank-you-card-thanks-gorgeous and http://www.etsy.com/listing/89984007/bundle-up-babe-its-cold-outside?ref=v1_other_1
From: Kim | 3/3/12 at 1:24 am
You had me at houndstooth. Roll Tide!
From: Doris | 3/4/12 at 5:07 am
That's awesome! Never knew that that's how houndstooth is woven!
From: Kindra - Wickfreeforever.com | 3/4/12 at 9:43 am
I had never heard of houndstooth until I read your blog but I am really digging it! It looks just a little more complicated then my fourth grade art project were we did woven placemats. This looks like a project I would like to try! Cheers
From: LaceyNB | 3/4/12 at 11:13 pm
I did a weaving out of some 12x12 paper and I'm pleased with the results. Thanks for posting this article. I would love to see a quilt inspired by houndstooth.
From: Ramona | 3/10/12 at 3:37 pm
Fabulous Figgy does it again - brilliant breakdown of houndstooth - is it the new chevron I wonder?