Pattern Design Layouts and Fixes for Common Issues

The layout of a pattern design is something that can come easily to some and be difficult for others. In today’s blog post, I explain the common features that a great pattern design layout has and how you can improve your own pattern design, if it’s not working.

First let’s look at some of the most common layouts you can choose from;

1. tossed/ random

2. mirror repeat

3. half drop repeat

4. 1 way directional

5. 2 way directional

6. 4 way/multi directional

7. brick pattern

8. diamond pattern

9. stripe pattern

Examples of common layouts in pattern design

In the examples below, I’ve used a simple 2 colour leaf pattern to show some of the common layouts used in pattern design.

The example above shows a 1 directional pattern /and stripe layout, that is, it is intended to be used in one direction only.

In this example above, it shows a basic brick work layout, with one motif to the left slightly higher than the one to the right and then the next one higher and so on.

This example above shows a 2 way directional layout, with one column of leaves facing up and the next one down.

This example above shows a 4 way/multi directional layout. this type of layout is great for most subject matters as motifs can be placed facing either up, down, left or right.

The pattern above is an example of a tossed/ random layout, which is very popular with many designers including myself. It is more forgiving especially with motifs which would otherwise be hard to line up symmetrically into a 1 way directional or stripe layout.

Once you’ve designed your pattern, you’ll want (and need) to assess it and ask yourself a series of questions. I do this with all of my patterns as it’s a good practise to get into, as well as just stepping back and looking at it from the customers point of view who will (hopefully) buy your fabric or product with your artwork on, once it hits the shops.

When I finish a design, I ask myself a series of questions to ensure that it’s all working and looking good.

Questions to ask yourself when you’ve finished a design:

1. Are there any noticeable flaws, gaps or holes in the design?

If there are any flaws, gaps or holes you’ll need to fix them asap. If they are visible to you, imagine what they’ll look like when printed onto fabric or a product for your customers! We don’t want that…..plus when you pitch that pattern to an art director, they won’t think highly of your work and you have your reputation to protect.

How to fix: re-work the design, tweak it, move motifs around, resize them, change their location and generally keep working at it until it looks better. there is no quick fix to this issue other than to keep experimenting and retesting it until the holes and gaps are gone.

2. Can you see the repeat tile? (i.e visible ‘lines’ in the repeat)

When I say ‘lines’ these are just an optical illusion, as they aren’t actually there. they are created by having 2 or more motifs that line up usually vertically and this gives the illusion that you can see lines.

How to Fix: Try moving the motifs around, resizing them or changing the motif for a different one and then re-test the pattern.

3. Would you buy this pattern?

If it’s a ‘hell no!’ then obviously you need to go back and re-work it! You need to be happy putting out a pattern that you would love to buy yourself.

4. Does the pattern look balanced?

You’ll know if the pattern is ‘balanced’ as your eye will travel nicely around the design. The motifs are (usually) placed an equal distance apart and the pattern just looks ‘finished’.

5. Does your eye travel around the pattern or is it getting stuck on one area?

If you’re eye is getting stuck on one area, it’s a clear sign that something isn’t working design wise. Usually it’s because of the colours or motifs so you’ll need to check both of these.

How to fix: First try changing the colours you’ve used and be sure to include a few neutral, light and/or muted shades too as these will softer any bright colours you have. Even just using white will help! I use white in my designs a LOT for this reason. Also, if you’ve used any bright colours, be mindful of how colours work together. For example, a bright fuchsia pink can work great with a pale yellow but not a bright sunshine yellow. try changing and tweaking the shades to find a good fit and then see if your eye travels well around the pattern.

If your colour palette is good, look at your motifs. Are they too big? are they placed too close together? Have you used 2 similar motifs that are close together?

6. Is there any interest or textures/lines in the background? does it need any?

Sometimes, the pattern will have gaps or holes no matter how hard you try to arrange the motifs. In this case, background texture/shapes are your friend! Try adding some circles, triangles, squares, lines or other textures and then re-test the pattern to see if it looks better.

7. The colours used work well together and don’t distract you from the overall design

The colours need to work together a group and if it distracts you from the overall design, then you’ll need to go back and tweak the colours until they support each other.

How to fix: Try out using 2-3 neutral colours, lighter colour and/or muted colours to support any bright or dark colours you have.

This list of questions is not exhaustive and every designer will have their set of questions that they go through when deciding if a pattern works or not. Layout is simply one of the elements that comprise a pattern design, and although it’s important, is it only part of the design process! Fear not though, as like everything else in life you will get better at knowing whether a layout is good or whether it needs some tweaking.

How to fix pattern layouts that aren’t working

Below you can see an example of a simple pattern where there are issues with the layout of the design. You can then see how I’ve fixed it by moving the motifs around or adding some interest to the background.

The motifs above are not placed correctly for a good layout. There are obvious gaps and holes and this will show up in the final repeat pattern.

Here I have added some white dots/circles to the background, and while the ‘gaps’ are still visible, they aren’t as visible as the gaps now look intentional like they are meant to be there and it’s not just a sloppy design I’ve done!

Even with the dots/circles added, you can see the gaps in the pattern on the right highlighted by the yellow oval. It really is of a personal professional opinion as to whether this is acceptable to you or not! A few leaves could be placed in this gaps to conceal the gap, although if they were placed on their own i.e no other leaves anywhere else were placed, they would appear more obvious as you would see them repeating.

Result after moving some motifs around and rearranging:

In the image above you can see that I’ve moved some of the motifs around and rearranged them until they fit just right. Designing a pattern is only half of the design process! Some designs are easier than others to get everything to fit right.

It takes time to know when a layout is working and this only comes with experience. Keep trying and experimenting and you will learn so much as you go along (though it may not feel like it at the time!).

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