Butterfly Kolam

Written & drawn by Vinns

Feb 10, 20149 views

1 min read

Time spent: 0s

Figure: Butterfly Kolam — 1-Dot dot grid, drawn with natural rice powder.

PATTERN OVERVIEW

Practice Guide↓

A design from my imagination (too creative isn't it),with 15-1 dots. I tried to accommodate Butterflies and pinwheels within the dots.

CURATOR'S NOTES & TECHNIQUE

A design from my imagination (too creative isn't it),with 15-1 dots. I tried to accommodate Butterflies and pinwheels within the dots.

Follow these 4 simple steps to draw Butterfly Kolam on your floor or paper.

Beginner-Friendly Method

PULLI (DOTS)

Place the Dots

Sprinkle a few drops of water to clean the floor. Put down 1-Dot dots in straight, even spacing using white rice powder or chalk.

CENTER LOOP

Start from the Center

Find the middle dot. Draw the center loop, star knot, or flower petal first. Starting in the center keeps the pattern perfectly balanced on all sides.

SIKKU (CURVES)

Loop Around the Outer Dots

Pinch the rice flour between your thumb and forefinger. Guide the line smoothly around the dots in one continuous motion without lifting your fingers.

KAAVI & LAMPS

Add Red Border or Lamps

Outline the edges with traditional red Kaavi powder, or place glowing terracotta agal vilakku (oil lamps) at the corners to make your Kolam radiant!

Beginner Tip for Smooth Drawing:Use coarse dry rice flour (Arisi Maavu) for easy powder flow. For festive days, you can also place oil lamps or fill flower petals into the loops.

Open Tracing Studio →