The document discusses what defines a pattern and describes the four main techniques used to create patterns from a single repeating motif. A pattern relies on a motif, repetition of that motif, and an organized structure. The four techniques are repeats, half drop repeats, reflection, and rotation, which involve rigidly moving the motif by repeating, staggering, reflecting across an axis, or rotating it. Combining these techniques allows for creating many different patterns from a simple motif.