Using a simple square block can create a myriad of possibilities of pattern.
![](https://blog.handprinted.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Repeat-Pattern-Block-Holding-Pic-1024x1024.jpg)
We have used Speedy Carve and Versafine inks for this project.
![](https://blog.handprinted.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Block-cutting.jpg)
- Cut a square from the Speedy Carve using a scalpel.
- Draw a quarter circle curve on the block using a pencil. Above the curve draw some simple lines fanning from the corner towards the curve.
- Cut along the curved line with a scalpel – don’t press too hard as you only want to cut down about 1mm. Use a fine V lino tool to cut along the fan lines – we used a Pfeil 12/1.
- Using a wider U gouge – we used a Pfeil 11/3 to clear away the underside of the curve – cut from the corner towards the curve to create a fan design. We wanted to cut most of the block away here.
- The finished block
- Draw an arrow on the back of your block to know which direction it will print.
Now the fun begins!
![](https://blog.handprinted.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Straight-Repeat-wide.jpg)
A simple straight design – keeping the arrow pointing up. The lilac square will indicate how to position the block.
![](https://blog.handprinted.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/90-alternate-row-wide-repeat-1.jpg)
Alternate rows.
![](https://blog.handprinted.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Quarter-turn-repeat-wide.jpg)
Alternate columns will create a semi-circle repeat.
![](https://blog.handprinted.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Quarter-turn-alternate-rows-wide.jpg)
Alternate semi-circle repeat.
![](https://blog.handprinted.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Full-rotation-wide.jpg)
Full circle repeat. This is a rotating square.
![](https://blog.handprinted.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Staggered-full-rotation-wide.jpg)
Staggered full rotation. This is a repeating square.
![](https://blog.handprinted.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Staggered-full-rotation-alternate-rows-wide.jpg)
Staggered full rotation – alternate rows. This is a repeating rectangle.
![](https://blog.handprinted.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/half-turn-wide.jpg)
Half turn repeat.
![](https://blog.handprinted.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/half-turn-alternate-rows-wide.jpg)
Half turn repeat – alternate rows.
![](https://blog.handprinted.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Three-Quarters-Repeat-wide.jpg)
Three Quarter turn repeat.
![](https://blog.handprinted.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Straight-Rotate-4-1-wide.jpg)
Rotating Weave repeat
![](https://blog.handprinted.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Rotating-four-wide.jpg)
Rotating Weave repeat turned 90′ – this one is mind-boggling!