Repeating patterns

[dewms]

I am having a very difficult time making mandala-star shapes.  I fold the material in 8ths, draw my line, do my pleats and all I can come up with is a slightly rounded square, or bullseye like circles.  

I have watched both Art of Tie Dye and Tie Dye 303.  Any suggestions?  Any tricks or quirks?  Anybody else suddenly have something click into place?  

Thanks, De

[Kathy]

Is it possible that your are not drawing your line at a deep enough angle?
You can practice your folds using paper. This is what I do to see how the final result of a specific fold may look w/out wasting fabric/dye.

I have a stack of cheap/thin "printer" paper that I bought at the dollar store that I use. I fold it just as I would a piece of fabric. I draw a line just as I would on fabric when doing a mandala(or other fold). To get this line to repeat through the layers of paper I crease the paper at this line so that all the layers will have a crease along the same line. Unfold the paper and you will see your pattern.

Hope this helps

Kathy

[dewms]

I will have to try that!  I use paper towels to show where the color goes on the flower fold.  Thanks, De