We’re back with the second installment of our Textile Design Guide! Today we’ll be covering some common textile motifs: paisley, brocade, and medallions.

Paisley

Originating from an ancient Persian motif called a “boteh”, the paisley has been around for centuries. The characteristic shape, resembling a teardrop, first gained worldwide fame when the East India Company began shipping cashmere shawls from India to Europe. These early paisley garments generally featured a simple internally spaced pattern with a decorative border.

The name paisley originated much later, when the textile center of Paisley, Scotland became a dominant producer of mechanically woven shawls. This inexpensive and efficient process quickly overtook the traditional hand-woven market. The European influence can be seen in the development of the motif, along with this shift in production.

Returning to style in recent years, paisley is a favorite of many high fashion design houses. Within interior décor, paisley represents a highly versatile motif that works well as both a statement pillow print and as a neutral, textural accompaniment.

You can shop all our paisley fabric patterns here.

Paisley Panel

Paisley Ikat

Pucci Paisley

Brocade

Brocade, in the most technical textile terms, refers to a design woven in contrast against a background color. Traditional woven brocades often feature multiple colors and metallic yarns.  These fabrics are known for their rich, lustrous feel. For centuries, brocades were found in the homes of royalty and the wealthy.

An example of silk brocade designs from the 1850s. From the New York Public Library.

In today’s world of digitally printed fabrics, brocade refers to the shape and style of the motif rather than the actual fabric structure.  Take the design examples below: each has a distinctive all-over pattern contrasted against a solid background color that channels a dramatic feel. These designs often use paisley, floral, or botanical elements in a half-drop, or brick wall, style to create this look.

Check out our entire collection of brocade designs here.

Scroll Work

Santorini

Tangent

Medallions

Medallions can be modern, traditional, eclectic, or anywhere in between. They are one of the most flexible motif categories in the design world. Characterized by a round, oval, diamond, or disc shape, this design element can be a central focal point or an all-over mirrored print. The medallion shape itself can represent anything from the sun and moon, fruits, floral rosettes, medals or coins. Notable examples of medallion patterns include the embroidered Suzanis of Central Asia and medallion quilts common in North America.

An Uzbek Suzani

We pulled some of our favorite modern, eclectic medallion designs from the WeaveUp Library. You can shop all of our medallion fabrics here.

Mini Motif

Geo Floral

Fanfare

Check back next week for another installment of our Textile Design Guide!