If you follow me here or on Instagram, or receive my newsletter, you know that I’ve been designing some repeating surface patterns. It’s something that I’ve wanted to do for a long, long time, and after getting an iPad Pro, I’ve finally been able to find a process that really works for me.

There are typically two ways I go about making the patterns. The first is creating a rough sketch of the full layout using duplicated layers in Procreate to create a repeating pattern, ala this method (just digitally). Copied and pasted elements in Procreate become a little fuzzy, which is why I create the basic repeat in sketch. Then I go in on separate layers to make the final line art, coloring, etc. After the pattern is finished I bring it into Photoshop and use the offset tool and similar brushes/erasers to tidy up the repeats edges and make them as seamless as possible.

For the other method, I simple illustrate all the pattern elements in Procreate, then bring them into photoshop, open a separate file for the final repeating pattern. I comply/paste the elements in and arrange them as I like, again with the help of the offset tool, until the repeating pattern is finished.

Spoonflower uses jpeg files, so I save each colorway as such, and upload them. you can see more here, if you’re interested. I’m trying to add a few new ones every couple months or so.

I have plans in the future to use these prints for other projects besides fabric. Perhaps some stationery? We’ll see.