#3 - Creating Repeating Patterns by Kimberly Ellen Hall

Minted Master: Kimberly Ellen Hall

In this Video: Kimberly shows us three different methods for creating repeating patterns

The world of pattern making is vast and you could really continue to learn about the tools and techniques forever! If you are as jazzed as we are about patterns and excited to learn more, check out the resources below for continued learning...

On Paper

See it again! - If you would like to see an example of a more intricate pattern created using this method, check out Julia Rothman’s post on Design*Sponge She demonstrates how to tape the pattern together after cutting to draw more elements in the space created by bringing the corners together.

Examples of patterns made using this method

https://www.flickr.com/photos/corvida/4311261122/in/photostream/

http://anavictoriana.blogspot.com/2010/10/old-fashioned-way-of-making-pattern-i.html

In Photoshop

We definitely recommend you use illustrator if possible for your patterns (it reduces file size, avoids resolution pitfalls, and makes creating additional color ways MUCH easier). However, sometimes scanning artwork is the easiest way to get a true hand-drawn look.

VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW – If you choose to create the artwork for your patterns in Photoshop, the bare minimum resolution you may use for the final image is 250dpi. Fabric printing is very unforgiving

You can learn more about using the offset tool in this tutorial. 

In Illustrator

In this tutorial, Kim shows you how to make a pattern in illustrator by creating a swatch. For those of you using Adobe CS6 or CC, you can also choose to use the Pattern Tool. There are a number of excellent tutorials to be found about using this tool. We like this lesson for learning the basics.

And this written tutorial is an excellent visual reference to what ALL the different ‘tile types’ look like: 

To learn more about creating swatches in CS4 and earlier, Adobe gives a full rundown in this article.

If you see lines in your pattern, this tutorial can help you trouble shoot: 

Getting your patterns ready to submit to a Minted Challenge.

Ready start designing? We have a helpdesk article with some key things to know for laying out your pattern. 

You can also check out our video walkthrough to show you how its done!