The Art of Quilt Design: Principles of Design - Radial Balance (Lesson 34)

Aurora by Mary Lidstrom Larson. (Image Road2CA)

In this, our last lesson on Balance, we look at the term Radial Balance, meaning a design where all of the elements are equally balanced around, toward or away from a central point. Unlike other forms of balance that use either a horizontal or vertical axis, radial balance has all of the interest radiating out from the center like the rays of the sun or spokes on a bicycle wheel. The examples below help to illustrate the definition.

Bilateral Fabric Examples. Radial Fabric Examples.

Designs can be round or square, including Kaleidoscope images, which are radial. A Radial design can be very effective, as it draws the eye into the center of the design. Examples of Radial balance found in nature and man made objects include:

Cathedral Rose Windows (e.g. Notre Dame Cathedral)
A halved orange or grapefruit
Merry go round
Bicycle spokes
Umbrellas
Mandalas
Starfish
Snowflakes
Umbrellas

Let's use the example of Dad's Lonestar by Ricky Tims. Did you notice how all of the elements spin around as your eyes move from the center outward? The brilliant yellow star in the center vibrates, enhancing this same outward movement.

Dad's Lonestar by Ricky Tims. (Image by TheQuiltShow.com)