Pattern design is an art form that blends creativity, structure, and style. Whether you’re a beginner exploring this fascinating field or an experienced designer looking to refine your skills, the right resources can make all the difference. Here are some of the best books on pattern design that can inspire and guide you on your creative journey.
1. “Pattern Design: A Global History” by Louise P. P. T. S. de B. I. C.
This book provides a comprehensive overview of pattern design from different cultures and time periods. “Pattern Design: A Global History” covers the origins of patterns across the world and how they have evolved over centuries. It explores traditional designs and modern interpretations, offering invaluable insights for any designer interested in understanding the historical context of patterns.
Why It’s Great: This book is perfect for anyone wanting to understand the cultural significance of patterns, helping you draw inspiration from a wide variety of global sources.
2. “The Pattern Base: Over 550 Contemporary Textile and Surface Designs” by Kristi O’Meara and Rachael Taylor
“The Pattern Base” is a treasure trove of contemporary pattern designs. It showcases over 550 patterns from designers across the globe, making it an excellent resource for anyone looking to explore current trends. This book offers a unique opportunity to study a wide range of design styles, from minimalistic to complex, and gives you a detailed look at how to approach pattern creation.
Why It’s Great: With its visual-heavy approach, this book is perfect for designers seeking inspiration from cutting-edge, contemporary patterns.
3. “The Geometry of Hand-Sewing” by Natalie Chanin
While not exclusively about pattern design, “The Geometry of Hand-Sewing” by Natalie Chanin dives deep into the geometric patterns used in hand-sewing. It’s a beautiful combination of techniques and design, showing how different geometric shapes and sewing methods come together to create intricate patterns. This book is ideal for anyone interested in using textiles and sewing to create their own unique patterns.
Why It’s Great: This book helps you understand how shapes and geometry play a role in designing patterns, which can be applied to many different materials and mediums.
4. “Pattern Design: Fundamentals” by Trina S. G. Jones
For a more technical approach, “Pattern Design: Fundamentals” by Trina S. G. Jones offers a thorough introduction to pattern-making techniques. This book covers the principles of pattern design, including symmetry, proportion, and balance. It also teaches you how to approach different patterns, such as repeating patterns, and how to apply them to textiles, wallpapers, and more.
Why It’s Great: Ideal for beginners, this book breaks down the fundamentals of pattern design in a clear, understandable way, making it a great starting point for anyone new to the field.
5. “The Surface Design Guidebook” by Linda W. G. Hill
“The Surface Design Guidebook” by Linda W. G. Hill offers a comprehensive exploration of various surface design techniques, including block printing, painting, and digital design. It also covers how to work with different fabrics and materials to create striking patterns. Whether you’re creating patterns for fashion, interior design, or other products, this book offers valuable knowledge on how to perfect surface designs.
Why It’s Great: With a focus on practical techniques, this book is great for designers looking to develop hands-on skills in creating and applying patterns to real-world projects.
6. “Pattern Magic” by Tomoko Nakamichi
“Pattern Magic” by Tomoko Nakamichi is a revolutionary book that focuses on creating innovative and unique garment patterns. It emphasizes unconventional techniques and patterns that can transform simple clothing designs into extraordinary creations. This book is not only about pattern design for fashion but also about how to think outside the box and explore new possibilities in pattern-making.
Why It’s Great: If you’re looking for a book that challenges traditional approaches to pattern-making and helps you think creatively, this one is perfect.
7. “Print, Pattern, Sew: Block-Printing, Stenciling, Stamping, and Other Techniques for Fabric” by Jen Hewett
If you’re looking to combine pattern design with fabric crafting, “Print, Pattern, Sew” is a must-read. This book covers various printing techniques, including block printing, stenciling, and stamping. It teaches you how to design your own patterns and then apply them to fabrics to create one-of-a-kind pieces for clothing, accessories, and home decor.
Why It’s Great: A practical guide for makers who want to integrate pattern design into their sewing and fabric projects, this book provides a hands-on approach to creating your own custom designs.
8. “Textile Design: Principles, Advances, and Applications” by M. S. Sheshadri
For those looking to dive deeper into the science and principles behind textile design, “Textile Design” by M. S. Sheshadri is an academic yet accessible resource. It provides a comprehensive overview of how textile patterns are created, including the techniques, tools, and technologies used in the process. This book also explores the future of textile design, with insights into sustainability and new innovations in the field.
Why It’s Great: For designers working in textiles, this book offers an in-depth exploration of both the theory and practice of pattern design.
9. “Making Marks: Discovering the Art of Intuitive Pattern Making” by Elinor Peace Bailey
“Making Marks” by Elinor Peace Bailey offers a unique approach to pattern design, focusing on intuition and spontaneous creation. This book teaches you how to create patterns through free expression, guiding you to discover your own voice in design. It encourages experimentation and provides exercises to help you get comfortable with creating patterns in an organic, non-structured way.
Why It’s Great: Perfect for those who want to break free from traditional design rules and tap into their creative flow, this book is ideal for exploring patterns with a free-spirited approach.
10. “Designing Patterns” by Trina S. G. Jones
“Designing Patterns” is another excellent resource by Trina S. G. Jones that focuses on developing the skills needed to create both traditional and contemporary patterns. This book goes beyond basic design principles and helps you develop a distinctive style and aesthetic in your patterns. It also provides examples of how to apply patterns in different design fields, from fashion to interior design.
Why It’s Great: This book is highly practical and offers a wide range of pattern design techniques that can be applied to various industries, making it a versatile resource for designers.
Conclusion
Whether you’re designing patterns for textiles, fashion, or digital projects, these books offer valuable insights and techniques to help you hone your craft. From understanding the history of patterns to exploring modern techniques, these resources will guide you through every step of your pattern design journey. Start your exploration today and discover how pattern design can transform your creative practice.
