The Pattern Library: The Home of Free Design Patterns

Download pattern designs from this virtual library and take your illustrations and designs to a different level

When a pattern design is good, it can be repeated to great effect. The samples included in The Pattern Library are precisely that: a handy tool for designers and creatives looking for patterns and inspiration. Furthermore, this virtual library allows you to download your favorite designs free of charge.

Read on as we tell you how this website works and what you’ll be able to find in it. You will also find out about three artistic ways for applying pattern designs.

Some artists have managed to turn their passion for repeating patterns into their profession. If you type #patterndesign on Instagram, 2 million results will come up. However, the success of a pattern depends on whether it can be applied to different materials without losing its essence. This is the challenge for many design projects: creating an original pattern that is amazing and workable.

If you need a pattern for your work and cannot design it yourself, you can explore other designers' offers. The Pattern Library chare their patterns to be used by other professionals.

This free and virtual library was created by graphic designer Claudio Guglieri and by developer Tim Holman. They take care of selecting the patterns themselves so that they can be used freely by anyone.

What type of pattern designs are included?

It would be impossible to classify the designs according to type from all the ones published on the pages. Furthermore, the pages are constantly revised so that the library is always up to date. However, some of the most common themes are the following:

- Gastronomical theme: for food lovers, there are patterns for all tastes, from the most daring to the sweetest and child-like. The kiwi patterns below are by Natalia de Frutos, an illustrator and designer from Madrid, with a charming style.

- Textures: some patterns represent materials such as wood; others are more complex and recreate the ocean seen from above. Texture always enriches a design by giving it a more realistic look.

- Geometric shapes: there are original styles that play with lines, circles, squares, and more. You will simply need to verify the shapes fit what you are trying to achieve with your designs.

- Symbols: this theme is especially interesting to add a visual identity to a brand for storytelling or better connect with your target audience. This theme could not be omitted.

- Tool design: if you are creating an app and need a pattern to represent it, you will find options and solutions for particular industry sectors, such as furniture.

How can you access the patterns?

Once you find a pattern, Download Now will appear on the upper left side of the page. Click on it, and it will download onto your computer. It is super quick and easy.

You can also read the designer's name and check their profile to learn more about their work. Furthermore, you can take part and send your own design by email. If accepted, it will be published with the existing ones.

What disciplines make use of patterns?

Apart from design, other areas of creativity develop patterns. With adequate tools and good ideas, everything is possible.

Patterns are very popular in children's illustration, with their ability to tell stories and even represent popular tales. They stand out for their characters and can be applied to many products: pajamas, notebooks, tableware…

Watercolor is another technique used to create patterns. As for other cases, the themes are infinite and limited only by the artist's imagination. To name only one example, nature is one of the best inspirational subjects: by repeating plant or floral designs, you can create harmonious and vibrant compositions. The prints can be transferred to textiles, paper, and wallpaper.

Lastly, there is textile screen printing. This millennial technique has been reinventing itself to the present day, and you can achieve unique and impactful pieces with infinite design combinations.

In any case, in order to create a pattern, you must always start with a mood board that includes all your reference material. Once you have organized your ideas, you will be able to develop your design in your chosen technique. You can use analog techniques, or use digital tools such as Adobe Illustrator, or Photoshop.

The Pattern Library allows you to download the best design for your project free of charge and provides inspiration when you are creating your own pattern design. It's the ideal resource for creative people who wish to take their illustrations and designs to the next level.

Do you like patterns? Have you ever designed one? You can leave your answer in the comments below.
If you want to learn more about this subject, you can explore the pattern design online courses taught on Domestika and choose your favorite technique.

English version by @acesarato

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