How I create the swirly pattern I use soooo much

As I have said in a previous page, all the patterns you see are created, not painted. Although I know several different techniques for patterns that I will share as posts, I use this sooo often that I think it should really be a page.

For the loose swirl pattern: 

1) Roll out several colours into strands. I generally find 2 lots of between 3 - 5 colours.

2) Twist each of sets together.

3) Twist them together.

4) Fold in half and twist together.

5) And again! fold in half and twist.

6) Then  you need to fold the ends in, so it starts to look like a ball. Then roll it into a smooth ball.

For a loose swirl, go to step 10
For a tight swirl, continue...

7) Roll into a long strand.

8) Fold in half and twist.

9) Fold in half and twist. Fold in half, then roll into a ball.

10) Here are both options, push on your ball to form a cube.

11) the outside has a slightly different pattern to the inside. I cut the outside off, turn it over and then put it back on the block. Do this until all the outside design is covered, then roll smooth.

Here are some patterned blocks of clay I have made. I will show you how I use these in future.