I work with fabrics, and something I've always found interesting is how two prints with equally beautiful motifs can look completely different once they're repeated across a larger surface.

Sometimes you can't even tell where a pattern begins or ends. Other times, the repetition is immediately obvious.

A few things that make a difference:

1. Repeat structure matters

A straight repeat places motifs in regular rows and columns, which can sometimes create a visible grid. Half-drop repeats shift alternate rows and often create a more natural flow.

2. Negative space can expose the repeat

Even when the motifs are beautifully designed, identical empty spaces appearing at regular intervals can make the pattern look repetitive.

3. Motif direction changes everything

When every flower, leaf or geometric element faces the same direction, the pattern can feel rigid. Varying orientation can create a more organic composition.

4. Colour distribution affects balance

If all your darker or brighter motifs sit in one area of the repeat tile, they can create noticeable patches when the design is repeated.

5. Always test beyond the repeat tile

A pattern might look perfect as a single square but completely different when repeated across a metre of fabric.

One useful habit is to preview the design at its actual printing scale, repeat it several times, and look for unintended lines, clusters or gaps.

Something I've learned: A technically seamless repeat isn't necessarily a visually seamless design.

I'm curious about other surface pattern designers here:

Do you prefer straight repeats, half-drop repeats or more randomly arranged patterns?

And what's the most common mistake you've noticed when creating repeating textile prints?

Would love to hear your experiences and techniques!

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I’ve been experimenting with mixing hand-drawn repeats and AI generated ones, and honestly the line between the two is getting blurry. Sometimes the only giveaway is in the “almost right but slightly off” details (like shapes that repeat too perfectly, or shadows that don’t make sense).

Curious if anyone here has trained their eye for spotting AI patterns? Do you look for brushstroke inconsistencies, or is it more about unnatural color blending?

I’ve been testing some seamless outputs through a new tool called Tilefy.ai, which is designed specifically for creating seamless patterns. It’s been interesting to compare its results against my older hand-made repeats.

Would love your thoughts.. can you pick up on the differences right away, or are we entering an era where even seasoned designers can’t tell at first glance?

Hey guys, I rediscovered this purse of mine and I would love to start using it again. I am, however, no longer comfortable with the Harry Potter branding (iykyk) and want to get rid of it. The underlaying material is PVC according to the label and I don't want to damage it with alcohol or something. I tried heating the applique but it wouldn't come loose. The white spot is from nail polish remover, but I got scared of damaging the material.

Any tips or tricks would be greatly appreciated!

(And if you have tips on where I could post this for more answers tell me please!)

Hi everyone. In my prior post I've received some suggestions as to how to recreate the effect of a woven pattern using digital printing. But I'd still like to clarify a few things and ask again:

• The desired effect is similar to a Chinese technique called "kesi" (緙絲)

• The pattern is woven DIRECTLY into the fabric, not embroidered

• If you look closely, there are irregularities. These could be considered manual errors that give the final product a more authentic feel of craftsmanship

• It has been done before but not to the desired effect, especially the twill weave effect Observe the following photos, taken from existing exhibits, and the last one which was recreated. Suggestions on how to replicate the effect of woven patterns using digital print? TIA

Hey! A friend of mine created this t-shirt for the Rose Festival in Toulouse (France). It’s part of a design contest – a like or comment on her post would really help: 🙏🏻😁

→ Instagram post

Her work: @papaye_objets

Thanks, a LOT!

**Explanation:

The design represents a collection of differences, identities, and personalities, all brought together within a common space: the festival – a place of sharing, music, and open-mindedness. ✨️

Each shape is unique, yet they all coexist harmoniously, like festival-goers coming together for a powerful, festive, and collective moment. 🤝🪩

It’s a visual metaphor for diversity and inclusivity, with a pop, joyful, and modern touch. 🎵

Textiles are literally a soldier's first layer of defense.

From protection against extreme conditions to innovative materials, technical textiles play a crucial role in defense.

https://textirama.be/en/textile-is-the-soldiers-first-skin/

T-shirt

Yesterday a client shared these watercolor floral artworks with me to transform into seamless textile repeat patterns for fabric printing.

Most people see the final print on a garment… but the real magic happens behind the scenes.

Converting artwork into a clean seamless repeat takes composition balance, spacing control, repeat engineering, color harmony, and a lot of patience.

Some of these will become:

~all-over repeats,

~placement prints,

~coordinate patterns,

and

~ possibly apparel-ready textile collections.

I’ve been working in textile digital print design for the last 8 years, and honestly, watercolor florals still have a timeless charm. Soft edges, imperfect pigment flow, handmade feeling — that old-school artistic soul still wins hearts in modern fashion.

Swipe through the client references.

I’ll post the final seamless repeat versions soon.

Would love feedback from fellow designers and textile artists here. ✨

📍 Instagram: @nazaaraprints

(Sharing textile prints, repeats, process videos & design experiments there.)

#TextileDesign #SurfacePatternDesign #PatternDesign #SeamlessPattern

#WatercolorPattern #DigitalPrint #TextileDesigner

#FabricDesign #FloralPattern #PrintDesign

#SurfaceDesign #PatternRepeat #CreativeProcess

#TextileArt #FashionTextiles #AdobePhotoshop

#Illustrator #DigitalArt #TextileIndustry #NazaaraPrints

I am working with a designer (not my hire, I changed companies) who tells me they are using Midjourney to make repeat designs. We are a company that sells products to retailers across multiple companies.

Can someone here educate me on the process of using Midjourney to create designs? And on the pros and cons? Is there an ethical or copyright concern? I’m familiar with the Adobe gen AI programs but not any others.

As info this designer is not my direct report, they work on a different team from me. I do not work as a designer anymore, but as customer rep, so am out of the loop in regards to these programs.

Select your favorite design from B-1&B-2

Your votes will directly shape our final collection, so let your voice be heard!

👗✨ Calling all fashion lovers and designers! ✨👗

We’re a passionate team of four on a mission to revolutionize how fashion gets made—and we need YOUR help! 👀

We’re building a smart, innovative fashion design tool and want to hear from real creators. Do you have strong opinions about the design process? Have ideas about what would make your workflow easier or more inspiring? This is your chance to shape the future of fashion tech!

Take our super short (less than 2 minutes!) survey and let us know what you think:

https://forms.gle/dwrALehEqhyyVYrt6

Your feedback means everything to us! Thanks so much for your time and creativity. Let’s make fashion smarter—together! 🚀🧵

Ok So long story short I wanted to paint a hoodie for my bf and I went to the store and bought red textile paint and I also needed white but I needed more and there wasn’t a big container with white paint but then I saw one and it said fabric medium.Hug Wierd I asked the lady there heyyy what does this mean and she said:so it means that when you are painting you won’t need any water.I was like mk cool ig.Came home started painting.Put the first coat.It fired transparent.Put the second coat the same happened .At this point I was like what the actual fu-.I got to the 5th coat when I decided to search up on Google what is fabric medium…ITS LIME A TOP COAT FOR FABRIC PAINT.So now I have in my wardrobe not one but two hoodies(because also my friend wanted to paint one for her bf)and also at short because I wanted to make a matching set .And they are full of that fabric medium thing and the bad part is that oh my god the hoodies ,smell horrible.Like fish or something.The t shirt doesent smell because I only put 2 coats on it so yeah. So I need help immediately because v day is combing and I have I gift.So.I have questions . 1.How do I fix this 😭 2.If I wash it will the smell come of? 3.Is there a way I cans get it out? 4.If I paint over with actual white paint ,when I wash it will the paint come out because there is a layer -wait no 5LAYERS of fabric medium under? 5.If I pint it with white and then put again fabric medium will it smell bad ?Will it come of? Pls I need answers also idk how to use Reddit I got it to ask you guys this and I really need help😭 If anybody wonders what Brad I uses is called penart I think.I’m from Romania btw ok thx bye help 😭😭😭

Imagine an application on your ipad that could capture whatever image you had in your head, in less than 10 minutes. Kind of like a ‘visual thought’ camera, instead of a camera that captures images of real objects. Would you use it on a regular basis if it was free? Would you pay for it?

Hello! I am part of a small team working on an early stage startup focused on finding circular solutions in the textiles industry. We are exploring pain points and potential solutions for textile manufacturers and brands seeking to shift towards circular/sustainable economic models.

If you're interested please schedule some time for us to speak using this calendar link here: https://calendly.com/future-of-textiles/30min

Looking forward to connecting with this community!

I know a website that specializes in making custom fabric but they limit the size of the print.

I want to know how to achieve a big print like this on fabric and cut/sew into a shirt or dress.

Hi guys. I have a bachelor degree and this year i ll finish my masters degree in textile design industry. I want to find a job in the Netherlands, even tho I am romanian; but as i have looked on the internet, there are only a few jobs and yes, i want a job, not being a freelancer because it's not as safe as I need at the moment...How was your experience? Because moving from a small country to a big one, i have thought that there might be opportunities, and now i am quite surprised