PRINCIPLES AND

ELEMENTS OF DESIGN
According to May Morris “The most important
element in a successful work is the choice of
design.”
The first step in any embroidered project is
choosing a design. Design means the
arrangement of line, form, color and texture
with the purpose of achieving order and beauty.
Principles of design

1. Emphasis is the part of the design that catches the viewer’s

attention.
2. Rhythm is a smooth movement. Without irregular
motion, pattern and line carry the eyes along. The eye
links point into space automatically.
3. Balance is the visual weight distribution of objects, colors, texture,
and space.
May be produced in two ways: symmetrical (formal) or asymmetrical
(informal) equilibrium. In Symmetrical balance, the elements used on
one side of the design are similar to those on the other side; the sides
are different in asymmetrical equilibrium, but still look balanced.
4. Proportion refers to the correlation in size between a part and
the whole.
5. Harmony is the Law of Unity with variation.
This principle infers repetition of line, form,
shape and size
 Elements of design
1. COLOR is light reflected off objects. It has three main
characteristics:
a. Hue - the name given to a color (blue, red, etc.)
b. Value - the lightness or darkness of a color.
c. Intensity - (also known as capacity or chroma) the brightness
or dullness of a
color.
2. LINE is the most basic design feature;
a mark used to symbolize directions or
curves.
3. SHAPE/FORM:
a. Shape is an object or area of two dimensions which has
height and width.
b. Form is an entity of three dimensions with height,
width, and depth.
4. SPACE is a surface area having height, width and
depth illusion.
5. TEXTURE is the surface feature that can be seen
or felt (rough, smooth, raised, open etc.).