This Art and Design scheme of work video supports pupils in turning abstract animal drawings into repeat pattern designs, using tracing techniques inspired by the work of William Morris.

Children begin by placing tracing paper over their drawing and carefully tracing key shapes and patterns. They’re encouraged to rotate and move the tracing paper, building a pattern as shapes overlap or merge. Once the tracing is complete, they use a simple graphite transfer method. The video demonstrates how to use the shading grip to transfer their design onto clean paper. Pupils then go over the lines to refine their pattern and enhance visibility. Children are prompted to develop their design further, by adding new shapes, repeating patterns, or connecting elements using ideas from their mood board and inspiration from Morris’s organic motifs.

This video is part of Kapow Primary’s Year 4 Fabric of nature unit.

See more of our Year 4 Art and design scheme of work.

Art and design, Year 4, Craft and design: Fabric of nature, Lesson 3: Creating patterns.