How do headers and stretchers create different brick bonding patterns?

In masonry, a bond is the systematic arrangement of bricks to ensure structural stability and strength. The pattern is determined by how headers—bricks laid with their ends facing the wall—and stretchers—bricks laid with their lengths parallel to the wall—are positioned relative to one another.1

Different bonding patterns are created by varying the sequence and placement of these units:

• English bond: Bricks are arranged in alternating horizontal courses, with one entire row of stretchers followed by one entire row of headers.1
• Flemish bond: Headers and stretchers are placed alternately within the same course, with each header centered over the stretcher in the course below.1
• American bond: This common pattern consists primarily of stretcher courses, with a single course of headers inserted every fifth or sixth row to tie the exterior masonry to the backing.1

These arrangements not only provide structural integrity by overlapping units but also serve decorative functions in brickwork.1