CREATIVE SPHERE: Zig Zag Patterns

West Elm Zig Zag Rug

Anthropologie Zig Zag Window Panels

Floor Tiles - Multi colour zig zag pattern

Floor Tiles - ikat zig zag

Traditionally, a zig / points in the left direction and a zag \ in the right.

Because of its simplicity, the first examples of this can be seen as early as 1800 BC in Grecian pottery. This zig zag pattern, often called a chevron, is also a symbol etched into arms or army gear. It delivers a feeling of strength whilst also serving a utilitarian ideal of being easily visible at a distance.

Another version of Zig Zag can be seen in Florentine Bargello patterns: Bargello is a type of needlepoint embroidery consisting of upright flat stitches laid in a mathematical pattern to create motifs. The name originates from a series of chairs found in the Bargello palace in Florence, which have a "flame stitch" pattern. Traditionally, Bargello was stitched in wool on canvas.

Jonathan Adler Bargello Pillow Madeline Weinrib Blue Ditto Pillow

Madeline Weinrib Zig Zag rug Missoni for Target Zig Zag pillow

Jonathan Adler Zig Zag Rug Jonathan Adler Zig Zag Throw

The simply mathematics and complexity of metaphor has made this pattern a popular one amongst designers of all kinds, from embroidery's flame stitch to ikat patterns on cloth. The zig zag pattern manifests on pillows, upholstery and carpeting. In India, the zig zag pattern is extremely popular on shawls: spanning from the northern region of Manali to the Eastern Nagaland, plain wool shawls have brightly colored zig-zag embroidered borders.