Design Resources

How to Create a Seamless Repeat in Photoshop

July 25, 2018

At some point in your life, you’ve probably spent five minutes doodling on a napkin or scrap piece of paper. But have you ever wondered what your doodle might look like as a repeating pattern? Spoonflower’s graphic designer, Alexis, is stopping by the blog to show you how easy it is to take your drawing off the paper and onto the screen to create a seamless repeat in Photoshop. Download your free trial and get started on your next fabric design!

How To Design a Fabric Research Poster with PowerPoint

July 24, 2018

Preparing for a presentation can be stressful enough, and the last thing you want to worry about is how you’re going to get your poster printed without breaking the bank. Enter Spoonflower, where you can get a wrinkle and tear-free fabric poster printed for under $25. You may have seen our poster design tutorial featuring the free program Canva, but today, Spoonflower community member and UNC research scientist, Angie Proctor, is sharing how she uses PowerPoint and Spoonflower to print her presentation posters.

How to Design a Seamless Repeat with Procreate

July 18, 2018

Does mastering the art of seamless repeats feel like the pinnacle of your surface design journey? We’ve got a not-so-secret truth to tell you—they’re easier than you might think! Spoonflower designer Anda Corrie is demystifying seamless repeats using the budget-friendly (just $9.99!) design tool, Procreate®, and her trusty iPad.

How To Design a Fabric Research Poster with Canva

June 28, 2018

Does the thought of lugging an oversized cardboard tube storing your poster for an upcoming presentation have your heart racing and palms sweating? If you know this stressful feeling all too well, today’s research poster hack will be your saving grace. Follow along as one of Spoonflower’s Customer Service Advocates, Jennifer, shares how to create a one yard poster on Performance Piqué using the free design program Canva. By the end of her tutorial you’ll be saying goodbye paper, hello piqué!

How To Design A Fabric Research Poster With Canva | Spoonflower Blog

Pro tip: Adding a headshot at the bottom of your poster lets people easily know which poster is yours.

A Seller’s Guide to Making Money on Spoonflower

June 27, 2018

There’s nothing quite like making money doing what you love and seeing other people use your artwork to make amazing things. Just one scroll through #spoonflower on Instagram and you’ll be hit with a wave of inspiration and joy. Selling your designs in the Spoonflower Marketplace is not only rewarding, but you join a diverse community of artists from all walks of life. From professional designers to hobbyists, the Spoonflower Marketplace is a place for everyone, including you! But how do you set up your Spoonflower shop for success? Keep reading for tips and tricks (and a few exciting updates!) from the Spoonflower distribution team.

A Seller's Guide to Making Money on Spoonflower | Spoonflower Blog

Spoonflower designer youdesignme in her Berlin, Germany studio

Turn Your Hand Lettering into a Fabric Design: Backgrounds and Repeats

May 2, 2018

Kathy Glynn, the author of Hand Lettering Step by Step: Techniques & Projects to Express Yourself Creatively, is back to share the second part of her DIY hand lettering tutorial. By the time you’re done, you’ll be ready to digitally print your calligraphy onto your favorite fabric, wallpaper or gift wrap. If you missed part one, digitizing your lettering, of Kathy’s two-part series, be sure to take a peek before you get started today.

Kathy: Designing your own fabric is a fun way to share your lettering with others or to incorporate your lettering into your craft projects. Before you get started, decide on the elements you want to use, keeping in mind that the design will be repeated. Today I’m using a calligraphic phrase I previously scanned and a scanned watercolor swatch to color the lettering. I used the watercolor swatch to create a custom pattern in Photoshop that gives the lettering a subtle gradation effect. [Read more…] about Turn Your Hand Lettering into a Fabric Design: Backgrounds and Repeats

Turn Your Hand Lettering into a Fabric Design: Digitize your Design

April 25, 2018

Have you tried your hand at calligraphy, the DIY trend that’s adding a personal touch to projects like wedding invitations, wall art and even fabric? If you’ve been eager to give this trend a try, you’re in luck because we’re excited to welcome Kathy Glynn, the artist and author behind Hand Lettering Step by Step: Techniques & Projects to Express Yourself Creatively, for a two part series showing you how to transform your hand lettering into a fabric design.

In today’s installment, Kathy will share the first step of this project: taking your lettering from paper to pixel.

How To Personalize Baby’s First Blanket with Photoshop

March 30, 2018

Stefanie from The Style Safari is back for one last DIY nursery project! Whether you’re a mom or dad-to-be or are simply looking for just the right gift for an upcoming baby shower, Stefanie’s custom blanket tutorial will show you just how easy it is to personalize what’s sure to be baby’s favorite blankie.

How to Customize a Baby Blanket with Photoshop | Spoonflower Blog

Vintage Roses by andrea_lauren

How to Create a Seamless Repeat from a Drawing

January 29, 2018

Surface pattern design is not just for the professionals! If you’ve ever browsed our Marketplace for unicorn, confetti or even motorcycle fabric, there’s a good chance you’ve been curious to know how designers have created their seamless repeats. Today we’re putting the tools into your own hands (professional, aspiring or otherwise) with a simple step-by-step tutorial that shows one way to create your very own seamless repeat design, no fancy editing software required!

Tools required:

Tape
8.5″ x 11″ piece of paper
Pens, pencils, markers or crayons
A straight edge or ruler
Craft knife or scissors
Optional: Cutting surface
Access to a scanner

Step 1: Create your drawing. The key is not to let any of your artwork go off the page—keep it contained!

Budget-Friendly Tips for Printing Photos on Fabric

December 15, 2017

Calling all photographers! If you’ve been dreaming of a unique and affordable way to print your photos, we’ve got just the thing for you. With the help of Spoonflower team member Todd, you’ll learn all the ins and outs of printing your precious photographs on fabric to showcase your memories, and all for a fraction of the price.