Making Tessellations with Dot Paper

Download using Acrobat Reader:
HEXAGONAL DOT PAPER.PDF
SQUARE DOT PAPER.PDF


Creating Hexagonal Translations Using Dot Paper
Click on a thumbnail for a large view and step-by-step instructions.

01.1.  You need dot paper and plain paper.
02.2.  Identify the points you plan to use for the lattice of your design. Trace this lattice lightly to the plain paper.
03.3. Connect the top two dots of the hexagon. Trace to plain paper. 
04.4. Trace and copy to the bottom of the hexagon.
05.5. Connect two more of the lattice points.

Click on a Thumbnail Image to Enlarge

06.6. Copy this pattern to the opposite side of the lattice.
07.7. Plan a third side.
08.8. Copy this to the side opposite. This is a tessellating shape.
09.9. Use your imagination to create a design. Copy the design to the plain paper.
10.10. Copy the design to adjacent positions.


For designs with a square lattice only two sides will have to be designed.  To create a rotational design rotate the connected side rather than translating it.   Here are some directions for simple translation/rotation.
 

Square Rotation

Square Translation

Hexagonal Rotation

In memory of Pat Stallings (1944-2002)

Pat loved Geometry and spent her 34 year career

helping the rest of us see math everywhere.