Belts with the truly ancient two face geometric ornament are among the most precious items of Latvian artisanship. When designing a pattern today it may seem that there is an unlimited choice at our disposal, but the motifs, their arrangement and combinations are not as numerous as they might appear to be. In nowadays we have to use exactly the same basic rules as those which were followed by the pattern makers of the past at different periods and places. It is not to say that it is necessary to copy old patterns, but these are a useful source of inspiration and instruction. The simplest patterns repeat a single element regularly over the surface to be decorated. These patterns are seldom very exciting. Patterns and designs analyzed in this paper belongs to some intricate ribbons demonstrated timeless qualities of basic good and well-balanced composition in which structures enable a design to be extended in any direction to create uninterrupted pattern, have rhythm, harmony and a dynamic sense of movement. Although these designs are apparently complex, they can be seen to follow a few basic principles discussed in the paper.