Patchwork coloring pages

These patchwork pictures are inspired by jogakbo, the Korean wrapping cloths stitched together from leftover scraps of fabric. Each picture has a frame around the edge and a field of rectangles that has been split again and again into smaller blocks, with thin gaps between them like seams. About one block in five carries a diagonal triangle in a second color, which breaks up the grid and adds a little movement.

Cloth made from leftovers

Bojagi is the general Korean word for wrapping cloth, and jogakbo refers to the kind pieced together from small remnants. These cloths are often associated with the Joseon period, when they were sewn at home to wrap, carry and cover everyday things. Because each was made from whatever pieces were at hand, no two were alike, and many people today compare their bold, asymmetric blocks to modern abstract painting.

Coloring a patchwork

Since every block is a simple rectangle or triangle, these pictures are easy to read, even at the detailed level. The deepest splits produce the smallest blocks, so those are where you will need to zoom. The frame and the thin seams usually take their own color, so give them a look before you finish. To learn more about the tradition behind the design, read our jogakbo guide.