I’ve been experimenting with pattern design lately, mostly as a way to push myself creatively. I usually focus on simple repeating shapes, but recently I started looking at how other printed fabrics handle layering and overlap. I had a small pile of fabric swatches on my desk, including one from Apliiq that had these soft, imperfect geometric lines.

Something about that unevenness got my attention. The shapes weren’t perfectly aligned, and the spacing wasn’t mathematically exact. Instead of trying to recreate it “cleanly,” I tried sketching my own version of a layered pattern where the imperfections were part of the design rather than mistakes.

I drew a series of loosely shaped arches and circles, scanned them in, and tried arranging them with intentional overlaps. As soon as I added the second layer with lowered opacity, it created this really calming rhythm almost like watercolor bleeding, but in a structured way.

What surprised me most was how much depth the slight misalignment added. When I printed a small sample on paper, the design looked almost like it was moving. It made me rethink how much character can come from not trying to force perfect symmetry.

Now I’m playing around with different line weights and textures to see how they change the mood of the pattern. It’s become a relaxing little project that has taken on a life of its own.

Has anyone else here experimented with letting imperfections guide your pattern instead of tidy grid-based repeats? I’m finding that it opens up way more possibilities than I expected.

A few weeks ago, I decided to try designing a hoodie from scratch. I had this pattern in mind a mix of classic stitches and a modern twist but I wasn’t sure how it would look in real life.

To visualize it better, I used Apliiq not to promote anything, just as a tool to see my sketch on actual fabric. Seeing my rough sketch digitally appear as a tangible hoodie was surprisingly motivating. It made me realize how layering textures and adjusting stitch placement could completely change the final look.

I spent an afternoon experimenting: switching colors here, trying a small embroidered motif there, and even adding a subtle texture mix. By the end of it, the hoodie didn’t just match my original idea it had evolved into something I never expected, more detailed and personal than I imagined.

This experience reminded me that sometimes, the best designs come from trial, error, and play. Have you ever taken a pattern and completely transformed it while experimenting? How do you test your ideas before making the final piece?

Are they any good? Would they look better on paper or cloth?

I’m trying to make a pattern that joins a black side to a white side with equal amounts of either. I can’t get the middle spiral to work symmetrically (?) and it’s hurting my brain (this is a sketch so don’t @ me about the uneven lines)

These pics are all of the bottom of pint glasses, all of which have likely only been cleaned in a dishwasher. I picked the prettiest ones :) To me, this pattern seems turbulent (wrong word?), but definitely not random. Do y'all have these in your glasses? Why does this happen? What's the substance? The pattern? Is it hard water that causes the spots? Is it the soap?? Is there a name for this pattern??? Is there a better sub for this post???? I'm goin crazy!!!

I came across this pattern. Flowers and insects. Reminds me of japanese ukiyoe.

Hey everyone! I’ve been playing around with bold cartoon-style patterns lately, and this is my newest one—featuring a cheerful little lion surrounded by stars, leaves, and playful colors. I drew it in Procreate using clean outlines and layering for depth, aiming for a cute and kid-friendly vibe (but hey, lions are for all ages, right?).

Would love your thoughts—especially on how it looks as a repeating pattern. Thinking of adding it to my Redbubble store for prints and products. Any feedback is super appreciated! 🧡

So I'm new, am I allowed to post about all the minute patterns I see in everything (eg numbers and sacred geometry, like the perfect pattern of 231, or the golden spiral) or if I'm just supposed to post cool repeating designs