ruuduline

Ruuduline is an Estonian term used to describe patterns made up of square units arranged in a regular grid. The hallmark of ruuduline is a repeating mosaic of squares, typically of two or more contrasting colors, though single-color variations exist. The pattern can range from fine, tightly spaced checks to larger, bold squares, and it is commonly encountered in textile design, fashion, interior decoration, and graphic layouts.

In fabrics, ruuduline often refers to checkered textiles such as gingham or other fabrics where squares of equal size alternate in color. It is distinct from plaid, where the pattern results from multiple intersecting stripes of varying width; however, some plaid variants can be described as ruuduline if the square grid is clearly defined. In clothing, ruuduline patterns are used for shirts, skirts, dresses, and accessories, and they appear in uniforms and everyday wear. In interiors, ruuduline is popular for upholstery, curtains, bedding, and tiling schemes, where it creates a crisp, orderly visual effect.

Etymology: the term is formed from the Estonian root for 'square' (ruut) and a derivational suffix that yields an adjective meaning 'checkered' or 'grid-patterned.'

See also: checkered pattern, gingham, plaid, tiling.