Fun With Fibonacci

Are you looking for a change from ho-hum stripes? A mathematical concept called the Fibonacci sequence is an easy way to get an aesthetically pleasing striped pattern. In this sequence, developed by Italian mathematician Leonardo Fibonacci in the 13th century, each number is the sum of the two preceding numbers, starting with 0 and 1. Thus, the sequence begins 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, etc.

Using this sequence, or any portion of it, and working in units of either rows or inches, you can create stripes of different colors in various patterns. For example, you could make a striped pattern using four colors working 3, 5, 8 and 13 rows or inches of each color in sequence, or a different pattern using six colors working 1, 2, 3, 5, 8 and 13 rows or inches of each color in sequence.

Your striping possibilities are virtually limitless with the Fibonacci sequence, depending on how many colors you want to incorporate and how many numbers in the sequence you want to use. You can have fun trying out the fun Fibonacci principle with our free patterns in this issue.