How to Enlarge Patterns

Now obviously this would only apply if the pattern you were trying to enlarge was bigger than you could perform on a photocopier, or you didnt have access to one.

These instructions are courtesy of The Australian Womens Weekly.

METHOD NO. 1

Step 1: First look at the diagram you plan to enlarge; for example, the elephant shown in the image above. The diagram is covered with small squares. Close to the diagram is a sentence stating that each square represents 5cm. This method would apply to any diagram you are attempting to enlarge and their corresponding sizes.

Step 2: You will now require a pencil, a ruler, and a piece of paper slightly larger than the size of what the finished pattern will be. On this paper, rule a large grid which has 5cm squares (or the size collerating to the pattern you are attempting to enlarge).
When attempting to make a pattern twice as high and twice as wide, you would make the squares twice as high and so on. You would reverse the procedure to make a large design smaller.

Step 3: Copy your small diagram onto your larger grid by copying one square at a time.

Step 4: Follow the squares, checking the work as you go, until completed.

NOTE: This method does not require you to be 'good' at drawing etc. It does not have to be exact so do not stress over perfection.

METHOD NO.2

The second method lets you enlarge a design to any size you want/require, instead of following the designers idea. For instance if you want to enlarge a motif to suit a cushion, but you dont know how to copy it accurately. This method breaks the design/motif into much smaller components.

Step 1: Firstly draw  rectangle around the small design/motif you are attempting to enlarge (you can also use a square). Rule diagonal lines from corner to corner across the design/motif, the centre being where the lines meet.

Step 2: Now draw a vertical line from top to bottom down the centre of the design. Also rule a horizontal line through the centre of the design from left to right, the centre being where these lines meet.

Step 3: Now rule a diamond shape using the lines already drawn by starting at the top mid-point going down towards the left hand side horizontal line and so forth until you have a diamond.

Step 4: Your rectangle, will now have four smaller rectangles within it. In each smaller rectangle draw a horizontal line and vertical line through it.

Step 5: On a separate piece of paper, rule a bigger grid to the required size of your finished design and copy your design section by section.

NOTE:
Once again these methods only need to be used in the event that the action cannot be performed on a photocopier, or you dont have access to one.


Another method I have used in the past if you have one is to photocopy your smaller design onto a piece of projector paper (clear sheets can usually be purchased from your local newsagency), and project it onto a larger piece of paper on the wall. You will need a projector for this method though.