1. Reaching the top: an equilateral triangle

Draw line A-B to three inches in length. Span your compass out to the same length as line A-B. Now, position your compass needle on point A. Place the compass pencil lead on point B and draw an upward arc. Now reverse the process: with the compass needle on point B, draw another upward arc. See where the two arcs meet? That's point C. You've hit the top! Connect the points to form your triangle.

2. The Zen of gothic geometry: Finding your center

1.) See line A-C? Measure half its length to find point D.
2.) Now measure half the length of line B-C to find point E.

Draw a line from points D to B, and points E to A. Where the two lines meet is your center (F). Peace at last. Now, place your compass needle on F. Place your compass pencil lead at point A. Swing around and return to point A to draw a complete circle. Extend lines B-D and A-E.

3. An epic adventure: discovering the lost arcs

To construct a center line, mark the exact center between line A-B (point H). With your ruler and pencil, start at point C and extend the center line through F-H-G.

Now you're ready to find the arcs. Place your compass needle on point A and place the compass pencil lead on point D. From point D, swing the compass around to point G. Eureka! You've found the first arc. Build the remaining arcs by beginning at center B (swing around from point G to E) and center C (swing around from point E to D).

4. Deja vu all over again

Remember when we circled the triangle? Now we'll circle the arcs. Place the compass needle at point F and the compass pencil lead at point J. Swing the compass around until you return once again to point J.

Extend the line B-D. Do the same for line A-E, and C-G.

Now all you need do is apply the finishing touches. The outer, triangular piercing that surrounds the arcs are accomplished by using center F and one center of each 'eye.' For example: Watch the upper left piercing. It's struck using centers F, A and C. Continue around until the design is completed.

 

Success.

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