There is a whole bunch of math that goes into creating a quilt. Geometry too. Those are scary words to a lot of quilters. Some think MATH is a four-letter word. Others will go screaming from the room at the mention of the “M” word. So the question is: Is a quilt art or math?
Quilts are made for beauty. But it takes a lot of math to get to the artistry. Spaces are divided into smaller geometric patterns that interlock. Tessellations. Angles. Measurements. Formulas. Calculations. Ratios.
Where Math Becomes Art
But when all those little pieces come together, a quilt is much more than the sum of all those little pieces. All the fabrics that were painstakingly chosen, precisely measured, cut, and sewn. That’s where ART takes over. That’s when emotion enters.
Magically, art transforms those angles and measurements and geometry into something much more. Something that speaks to the heart and soul. And it matters not if it is perfect. Every quilt has that special quality, that harmony. Beauty.
The Math Behind Beauty
The math is still there. Much of what the human eye and brain perceive as beautiful is based on some interesting math concepts. Just ask Mr. Fibonacci.
So never fear the math, because it will take you to the art, if you let it.
Happy Quilting!
Spiral Lone Star by Kim Brunner
By Mary Beth Krapil, Handi Quilter