In the 1920s, paper patterns for the asafo flags were developed in the Saltpond and Kormantse workshops to provide models for a variety of human poses and a wide assortment of animals.

Tailors and workshops use paper patterns to trace and cut the figures, before sewing them onto the typically solid colour background of the flag. Patterns are property of the workshop and may be used by different artists. Patterns are usually created individually and identify a workshop’s style. Sometimes the tailors create a pattern by tracing over an old flag that is brought to the workshop to be replicated.