Introduction
In this video, Brad Jamison of TEF Braids and Tensengral explains a simple but powerful idea: A pattern is the result of a repeated rule.
Patterns appear everywhere in nature and technology—from crystals and plant growth to textiles and engineered materials. In braiding and lace structures, patterns emerge when strands move through space according to consistent crossing rules.
Pattern as Repeated Motion
A pattern is not just a visual decoration. It is the record of repeated movement. When a strand moves across a structure and repeats the same sequence of crossings—over, under, left, right—the result is a recognizable arrangement of shapes. The pattern we see is simply the visible trace of that repeated action. In other words, a pattern is the geometry created by repeating a rule through time and space.
Pattern in Braiding
In lace braiding, yarns travel through a field of crossings. Each strand follows a defined path while interacting with neighboring strands. When those paths repeat consistently, the braid produces a structured lattice. Changing the rule—altering direction, crossings, or spacing—creates a different pattern. Even small adjustments can transform the geometry of the fabric. This is why braiding is such a powerful method for creating structural textiles.
Pattern as Structure
Once we understand pattern as a rule rather than a decoration, it becomes clear that patterns control how materials behave.
Different braid patterns can influence:
- openness and porosity
- flexibility and stretch
- load distribution
- structural stability
In this way, pattern becomes a design tool for engineering materials, not just a visual element.
Pattern as a System
Brad’s perspective shows that patterns can be thought of as systems of movement and interaction. When strands follow repeated paths and interact in predictable ways, complex structures naturally emerge.
This principle applies far beyond textiles. The same idea can be found in:
- lattice materials
- biological growth systems
- crystalline structures
- woven and braided composites
In each case, simple rules repeated many times create complex forms.
Why This Matters
Understanding pattern in this way transforms how we think about textiles. Braids and lace structures become more than decorative fabrics—they become programmable systems where structure emerges from controlled movement. By defining the rules that strands follow, it becomes possible to design fabrics that combine beauty, flexibility, and structural performance.
Watch the Video
To hear Brad Jamison explain this concept directly, watch the full video here: