Knitting Quote by Sheila McGregor
![“Most [Shetland patterns] are fairly small and simple, as textile patterns go. Almost all are symmetrical, with eight smaller parts. As a result, most are geometric rather than representational. ... One last feature, less easy to define but easy enough to recognise ... is the liking for little…” quote by Sheila McGregor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/656/sheila-mcgregor-277743_knitting_most-shetland-patterns-are-fairly-small_1505358.jpg)
““Most [Shetland patterns] are fairly small and simple, as textile patterns go. Almost all are symmetrical, with eight smaller parts. As a result, most are geometric rather than representational. ... One last feature, less easy to define but easy enough to recognise ... is the liking for little motifs and for a pattern to be 'finished'. ””
About This Quote
Source Article: The Art of Shetland Knitwear, 2015
Shetland knit patterns are typically small, symmetrical, geometric, and favor finishing motifs.
In simple terms: Simple, symmetrical, geometric designs with finishing motifs.
Key Takeaway
Appreciate the subtle complexity of traditional patterns.
Themes
craft
design
tradition
Mood
calm
appreciative
Type
descriptive
analytical
When to use this quote
- knitting
- fashion design
- cultural heritage
- education
- museum display
Key Concepts
symmetry
geometry
motif
completion
Questions to Reflect On
- How does symmetry affect visual appeal?
- Why value finishing motifs in design?
A Different Perspective
Modern mass‑produced designs may lack the nuanced finishing details.
![“What is striking is these things [patterns in nature, e.g. fish stripes] do look like something that has been crafted. We are conditioned to think that a pattern needs a patterner and so at first glance it seems incredible to us that nature is able to do this, without any sort of blueprint…” quote by Philip Ball](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fa0/philip-ball-54140_able_what-is-striking-is-these-things-pattern_1710677.jpg)
