Artwork by Annie Parsons of anniedrawsthings

Want to take your artwork to the next level by transforming them into surface patterns? Thanks to online learning communities like Skillshare, it’s easier than ever to learn new skills like watercolor repeats and fabric design fundamentals! Today we are excited to share eight artists from the Spoonflower Marketplace who are teaching design-based classes (and a bonus embroidery class) to help you reach your goals. Who knows—maybe you’ll be teaching your own class by the end of the year!

New Skillshare members can try the classes below for free with a 2-month trial. Just click on the class link to get started!

If you’re short on time, Annie’s 22 minute class will be just what you need to learn how to take your sketchbook drawings from paper to pixel. By the end of this beginner class, you’ll be well on your way to creating dynamic repeating patterns just like the ones in Annie’s Spoonflower shop.

Taught by designer, patternmaker and Spoonflower community favorite Samarra Khaja aka SammyK (creator of the adorable Hungry Monster Laundry Bags and so much more), this class is great for pattern makers and designers who want to explore their style further – or just create a set of souvenirs representing their favorite city!

Spoonflower + Skillshare with SammyK

Have you ever considered designing your own cut-and-sew project? In Kylie’s class, you’ll learn everything there is to designing cut-and-sew dolls, the perfect fat quarter project. At the end of her Adobe® Illustrator-based class, you’ll be ready to design your new go-to birthday or holiday gift for the little one in your life.

It’s safe to say the Spoonflower community knows a thing or two about designing tea towels. Just look at what was created for the It’s a Punderful Life Tea Towel Design Challenge! Marketplace favorite (and tea towel designer extraordinaire) natalia_gonzalez shows how to use Procreate and to develop your designs using just an iPad.

Want to know the secret to creating beautiful repeating patterns that sell? Mel Armstrong is unveiling the tips she’s learned throughout her successful career as an illustrator. This class is a must for designers who are looking for ways to create cohesive collections that inspire.

Have you ever wanted to turn your watercolor paintings into seamlessly repeating patterns? Do you picture your watercolors on home decor, wallpaper and fabric? Liz (thinlinetextiles) is showing you how it’s done in her beginner-friendly class.

Are you just starting your surface pattern journey? Kristina’s entry level class is ideal if you’re new to the game and wanting to learn the basics of pattern design. Using Illustrator’s Pattern Make Tool, learn her tips and tricks for creating patterns from start to finish that are visually interesting and unique.

We know, we know. Embroidery isn’t necessarily on topic for this surface pattern focused round-up but after seeing Floor Giebels’ work, it’s impossible not to share her Skillshare class! Using photos printed on Poly Crepe de Chine, Floor shows you how to bring your images to life through embroidery.