Paper patterns
Draw an eight-petal rangoli from a folded paper guide
To space eight petals evenly, establish eight directions before drawing a single curve. This paper exercise uses the folds of a square to find the centre, then a pencil to divide a circle into sectors. It produces a small radial flower you can trace or colour.
Find the centre of the square
Fold opposite edges together, open the sheet, then fold the other pair. Mark the intersection softly. If you plan to erase your construction lines, make the first drawing on a spare sheet and trace the finished outline.
Locate eight directions
Add the two corner-to-corner diagonals. Together with the horizontal and vertical folds these lines mark eight directions, 45 degrees apart. Draw a small circle around the centre to keep the petal roots from crowding one another.
Set a common outer radius
Choose the length of a petal and mark it along each direction. Turn the paper as you measure so your hand makes the same motion eight times. A light outer circle gives every tip the same distance from the centre.
Draw one petal to test its width
Draw out from the small circle to a tip and return along the other side. Leave a visible gap before the neighbouring sector. Trace that first petal on a scrap and rotate it to test the opposite side before finishing the ring.
Choose the smaller ring
For a second ring, place each short petal between two large ones. Try a paper mockup in two colours first. If the short tips disappear into the outer petals, shorten the inner radius or add a narrow light gap.
Transfer the design
Put the drawing underneath a clean sheet and trace the petals while the fold lines remain visible. In the editor, choose eight petals and switch to the outline view for a reusable guide. Match its centre to the mark on your paper.
Make a matching digital guide
Set eight petals, choose a ring count and download a clean outline to compare with the folded-paper sketch.