Wow, this looks complicated, right? Nuh-uh. Easy and fun, one stroke at a time.
Fassett is the first tangle pattern on the site from Lynn Mead of Monroe, Washington. Every now and again a new tangle really stands out for me and Fassett does just that. It magically transforms in just a few strokes.
Lynn uses the technique CZT Carole Ohl introduced with her tangle Puf where you connect adjacent corners with a stroke, it’s kind of Carole’s “trademark”. You’ll see what I mean in Step 3 of Lynn’s illustration in a minute, and don’t worry about trying to “figure it out”, just do it and it works. 😉
First, Lynn introduces herself and her tangle:
“I live just outside Seattle, Washington in a town called Monroe. I have been tangling for about a year now and I’m registered to take the CZT training in June (2014).
Since it is Winter I have been inspired by snowflakes and have been looking at tangles that would capture the structural aspect as well as the randomness of ice crystals. I came up with this tangle which I have named Fassett as it resembles the facets of crystals, jewels and cut glass.
I didn’t really deconstruct this tangle, it was more like it revealed itself to me. I’ve looked at your site and found two tangles, Puf by Carole Ohl and Panthe by Nancy Newlin, that share some characteristics with Fassett in the way they are drawn but they are both definitely different.
The randomness of Fassett is a result of how the initial triangles are drawn to fill the space. This also determines the number of ‘crystal-like’ arms on each figure which usually ranges from 5 to 7 but can be more or less. Fassett can also be drawn on a grid but you lose the randomness and I think some of the energy the tangle otherwise displays.”
My example of Fassett is one of many I enjoyed playing with this weekend and I resisted showing the grid-based examples just to see if I could.
Lynn illustrates the steps for drawing Fassett below. She also shows us four interesting variations using grids and includes three beautiful Zentangle® tiles featuring Fassett.
All images copyright the artist and used with permission, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Please feel free to refer to the steps images to recreate this tangle in your personal Zentangles and ZIAs, or to link back to this page. However the artist and TanglePatterns.com reserve all rights to these images and they should not be pinned, reproduced or republished. Thank you for respecting these rights. Click the image for an article explaining copyright in plain English.
Here are Lynn’s grid-based variations.
I love Lynn’s use of white space in her Zentangles, they demonstrate that it isn’t necessary or even desirable to fill every space with ink. The white space gives a wonderful balance to the overall piece.
Zentangle 1:
Zentangle 2:
Zentangle 3:
All images copyright the artist, used with permission. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Check out the tag lynnm for more of Lynn’s patterns on TanglePatterns.com.
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January 27, 2014 | 
More like this: 
At first your instructions confused me- but now I get it! Very clever! Beautiful design. Sure to be a hit!
I agree with the step drawings so small it can be a little confusing, but it really is as easy as 1,2,3.
Lynn, lovely work. Can’t wait to try it out. I’m a CZT a stone’s throw from Monroe. Cool that you will be getting certified later this year!
I’m sure other quilting tanglers and other fabric junkies got a kick out of the name of this gorgeous tangle!! Kaffe Fassett (pronounced Kayf– with a long “a”) is a marvelous fabric designer and quilter, as well as a knitting designer. I adore his saturated, rich cord and all around great designs. What a happy coincidence!!
I love this tangle, but try as I might I’m not getting this one. Any advice?
Lynn sent along more detailed instructions which should help. The new instructions have replaced the original.
Gorgeous! I love it.
I found it easiest to: make a bunch of triangles over the area you want to cover; then, do each triangle one at a time, i.e., in one triangle add the two inner triangles and then draw lines from the corners of the inside triangle to the outside border of the triangle. If you do one of the triangles at a time, it becomes easier to see where you are going. I think this is a great tangle! Kathy, CZT
I think your suggestion to work on one triangle at a time for step 2 and 3 is brilliant.
This one is wonderful and a lot of fun to draw.
Very nice! Simple and striking.
Looks like a lot of fun. Reminds me of Ricks Paradox. Love the way it flows through any shape of your string. Will try it next. Enjoy a tangling sorta day. Renee
Fantastic tangle and gorgeous tiles!
Lynn ~ I admire the artistry of your work! Fassett is perfectly suited for the Zentangle method. My favorite tangles are those which magically appear on my paper as I focus on just drawing “one stroke at a time”. Your monotangles are stunning! I feel SO compelled to draw this one right now … but I am drinking my tea in preparation for leaving to teach a Zentangle: Basics class and must stay on task. Later, for sure!! Thank you for this wonderful pattern and clear stepouts.
Jan Brandt, CZT XII, Reno, NV
I really liked drawing Fassett! Fun design and easy to work.
I finally got it! This is a wonderful tangle that magically appears before your eyes, sort of an optical illusion. Thanks so much for the tips!
I absolutely love this tangle – it hits so many pleasure spots!! Lovely to do, very Zen, and one line at a time, a gorgeous transformation is created! I found the instructions very simple to follow. Thank you! Axxx
I had to work at this one at first, but now I am loving it, thank you.
Eu amo de paixão a arte Zentangle, principalmente padrões como este simples e muito bonito da um resultado espetacular.
No way. New personal favorite!
Love this design! Thank you
When I first looked at this design I thought it would never turn out to look like the finished product, but it happens magically. I love it! This is one of my new favorites.
What a beautiful tangle pattern!I will enjoy using it.
Okay I finally get it!
I found drawing the varied triangles to be the hardest part!!! Love the simplicity of the design though, thank you so much for sharing.
I had a great time with this Tangle on the one snow day we had in Charleston, SC. I worked on several variations and found them all to be wonderful. Thanks. PatSam
I love this tangle! This is the first time I’ve sat down and drawn out my own step-by-step of a new tangle so that I can remember how to do it next time. It’s amazing how the pattern magically transforms!
I think that’s the very best way to learn them, Sarah. Downloading the steps doesn’t create the “muscle memory” that helps you remember how to draw them. Doing your own steps is the way to go.
Are the “negative” Fassetts in Zentangle 1 and 3 drawn in white pen? I can’t quite work it out!
Looks like all black pen to me.
Yes, the areas are filled in with black and then the lines drawn in white gel pen. I like doing this on areas of white tiles.
Thanks Lynn, they look amazing! I’m so going to give that a go 🙂 Thank you for making this tangle, it’s very cool and I’ve been enjoying trying it out 🙂
sp simple yet amazing results, it was hard to believe that the instructions would lead to such a lovely design
Love this tangle, can’t wait to try it!
Thanks for Fassett, simply incredible!!! I’m having great fun playing with triangles!!!
Wonderful new tangle! Can’t wait to try it out more. Congrats on becoming a CZT, you will love the seminar!
Lynn,
I live in Monroe as well. Almost passed out seeing where you were from. I would love to take a class when you are up and running.
Mel
This tangle reminds me of the asa no ha pattern so prevalent in Japanese design. I’ve used it when stitching temari and now can use it in my zentangles. Thanks for the clear instructions!
I love this wonderful tangle with so many possibilities, thanks for sharing
Love love love! I’m brand new to all this, and I was amazed at how easy this intricate looking pattern was. Thankyou!