3 Ways to Create Repeat Patterns by Hand

1. Introduction: Handmade patterns have a unique charm. Working by hand allows for intuitive experimentation. And today, we're going to allow ourselves to play. Creating by hand often sparks delightful results. Hi, I'm Heather Mueller. And in this short class, I'm going to show you three different ways to create seamless repeat patterns by hand. Each of these techniques ensures your pattern will repeat seamlessly. You'll need just a few simple tools paper, pens, scissors, a ruler, a cutting mat, and tape. For the class project, choose one method or do all three and post your pattern in the Skillshare gallery when you're finished. I always love to support students. So if you share it to Instagram, be sure to tag me there at Heather Mueller Design. If you're ready, let's get started. 2. The Folding Method : For this first method, we'll use folding to create a perfect repeat. Start by taking a piece of paper minus square, but this works with rectangular paper as well. Just make sure you choose a piece of paper small enough to fit your scanner if you want to digitize it later. Draw a simple design in the center, making sure your design doesn't touch the edges. This will be the focal point of your pattern. And I'm using PascaPens, but you can use whatever traditional media or markers that you want. Next, flip the paper over so your design is on the back. Then fold each side of the paper inwards vertically to meet in the center halfway. Draw over the fold lines, filling in the blank areas in the center, but not the edges. This ensures that when repeated, the pattern connects perfectly. Once you've filled in all the gaps, unfold your paper completely, flip it back over, and fill in any areas you may have missed with motifs. Again, being careful not to go over the edges. I'd have room for one tiny one down here. You can go back in and add detail or color these in later. And then if there are any gaps, you can just fill them in. You might do some illow leaves also. Now you have a seamless tile. This method is great for simple organic patterns. Play around with what works best. This is my favorite method because it doesn't involve cutting and leaves less room for errors. It may take a bit of practice to get the results you're looking for, but you can create some truly beautiful repeats with this method. 3. The Cutting and Shifting Method: Now let's try a different approach. We'll cut our paper into four quadrants to create the final repeat. Start by drawing a design in the center of your paper just like before. Mm. Flip the paper over. Use a ruler to measure the halfway mark by placing several dots down the center with your pencil. Cut with your exacto knife, down the center vertically. Move the piece of paper on the right side to the left side, so it lines up and then tape it. Flip it over and draw more motifs in the center, being careful not to touch the edges. Flip the paper back over and rotate it clockwise 90 degrees. Repeat the process of using a ruler to measure the halfway mark vertically, cutting again down the center and then moving the piece on the right to the left and taping it. You should have four quadrants now. Flip it over again and draw the final motifs in the center, being careful not to touch the edges. Just like magic, you will have a seamless repeat that you can scan and tile digitally, if you would like. This method works really well for geometric or structured designs, and it's such a fun way to play with pattern. 4. The Half Drop Method: For the last technique, we'll create a half drop leaf which gives a more dynamic look. Start by drawing a design in the center of the paper, just like before. We'll repeat the steps from the last method by cutting the paper in half vertically and moving the right to the left. But this time we'll take the piece on the left, drop it down halfway, and tape it in Then we'll cut off the piece that's sticking out and place it into the area where there's a hole, like a puzzle. Flip it back over and fill in any empty spaces and careful not to touch the edges. This technique creates a slightly offset pattern that looks more natural and less rigid than a basic tile repeat. Half drop repeats are well suited for motifs that can be seamlessly repeated with a vertical offset, creating a staggered effect. This technique makes the repeat less obvious and creates a visually appealing and cohesive pattern. 5. Finale: I hope you've enjoyed learning three different ways to create patterns by hand. If you want to take your patterns further, you can scan them and use digital tools to refine, color, and tile them. These techniques will help you make beautiful seamless designs for print, fabric, and more. I'd love to see what you create, so please be sure to post your class project in the Skillshare gallery, as well as on Instagram. And don't forget to tag me at Heather Mueller Design. Thank you for joining the class in Happy pattern making.