A repeat pattern is any pattern you can tile without visible cuts or borders. While this seamless pattern design looks impressive and professional, it’s not complicated to make— anyone can create one with free tools and without design experience.
Repeating patterns are versatile, making them ideal for business owners who want to create consistent branding over different products. These repeated patterns are also suitable for anyone who wants to print their own wrapping paper or patterned fabric.
In this post, we'll explain how to create a repeating pattern in Photoshop so you can print your own custom tissue paper! The same basic principles of making patterns apply to other free computer programs. However, the exact process might differ depending on which software you use.
Want to learn how to create a repeat pattern in vector programs like Illustrator and Affinity Designer? Check out this expert guide by Bonnie Christine!
How do you make a seamless repeating pattern?
1. Draw your artwork
Sketch and line the individual elements of your pattern digitally or with pen and paper. Here's your chance to get creative in creating your artwork — the possibilities are endless! Your pattern can be as complex or simple as you like. Scroll down to find some stylish pattern inspo.
If you're drawing on paper, working on a square grid can be helpful. Once you've created the basic elements, scan your drawing and clean it up on the computer.
2. Create a new document in Photoshop
Create a new document for your pattern in Photoshop (or any image editing tool with layers). Set the document size to at least 3" x 3". Ensure the DPI is set to 300 to ensure excellent print quality. Add your images to a new layer.
3. Offset your pattern design
In Photoshop
Move the layer by half your document size in the vertical and horizontal directions. You can use the offset filter (Filter > Other > Offset). For example, your document size is set to 2000px, offset the vertical and horizontal distance by 1000px.
In other programs
Drag your artwork layer left until the halfway point is at the edge of the canvas. Duplicate the layer and drag it right until the two layers line up. Now, repeat the same process with the vertical axis so that the (previously) outer edges all touch along the center of the square. Merge all of your art layers.
4. Fill in the blanks
Space out the objects in your design to produce a balanced pattern. If you have empty space, you can draw more art to fill your design. You can also copy and paste mirrored or rotated objects from the existing canvas. Ensure that you only edit the objects that aren't touching the edge of your design.
5. Offset your canvas again
In Photoshop
Repeat the same offset process so your design returns to its original position. Now, you can edit your pattern as necessary, like moving or resizing elements.
In other programs
Select the whole canvas and copy and paste the art to a new layer. This ensures that none of the off-screen elements are still in your pattern. Then, you can repeat the same offsetting process as before. After you drag the design back into its original position, you can adjust your pattern as necessary.
Now you've just created a pattern with your own artwork — and it's ready for printing on whatever you want!
What is an example of a repeating pattern?
While many types of patterns are found in surface design, some of the most popular types include full drop, half brick, half drop, and toss/random.
- Full drop repeat pattern: To make this pattern design, simply tile the motif along the same “grid” lines vertically and horizontally.
- Half brick repeat pattern: This pattern design is similar to the full drop repeat. Tile the artwork horizontally. Then, instead of aligning the next row of artwork perfectly on the horizontal axis, move it so that the edge of the artwork aligns with the center line of the first row — just like a brick.
- Half drop repeat pattern: This pattern is essentially the same as the half brick pattern, only with the vertical and horizontal alignment swapped.
- Toss/random repeat pattern: Random repeat patterns use a directionless arrangement of objects to create a freeform, non-linear design. To create a random repeat pattern, follow the steps we discussed earlier!
What do people use repeat patterns for?
See how noissue customers create repetitive pattern designs for their packaging products!
Tissue paper
Emillie Ferris uses our affordable custom tissue paper to brand her embroidery kits with a bewitching nature-inspired motif.
Boxes
LIT WIX's reversible tuck-end boxes are covered with a Keith Haring-inspired pattern full of playful shapes in every color of the rainbow. The upbeat, repeating design speaks to the fun scents of the candles inside.
Tape
Natural Supply Co provides its community with all-natural alternatives to everyday products — and naturally, it uses noissue's compostable water-activated tape to package orders.
Food paper
Lottie's Meats uses logos and diner motifs in its two-tone custom food paper, perfectly matching the rest of the business's retro packaging designs.
Mailers
Sightglass delivers its coffee bags with noissue's custom compostable mailers. It repurposes the design across the rest of its food packaging, creating a consistent brand and demonstrating the versatility of repeating pattern art.
🎁 Wrapping it up!
Whether you need iconic branding for your business or want to make new designs as a hobby, creating repeated patterns can be a lot of fun — especially since it's so easy!
Want to use a repeated pattern design for your brand? noissue can bring your idea to life. We provide custom printing for a wide variety of packaging products. Join now and download our templates to upload your designs. Or, create your repeat patterns directly on-site with our free online tool! We offer a professional, no-cost pattern creation service when you order certain products, such as tissue paper and food paper.
Find more pattern design inspiration on our blog page, such as 5 design tricks you can do with noissue tissue paper and 8 ways to use line art in packaging.