
design tutorial
How to Turn Your Digital Doodles into an iPad Case
How to Design a Paper Cut-Out Effect in Procreate
8 Seamless Repeat Tutorials for Designing Custom Fabric
Surface pattern design is not just for the professionals! If you’ve ever browsed our Marketplace for llamas, rainbows or even motorcycle fabric, there’s a good chance you’ve been curious to know how designers have created their seamless repeats. From traditional tools like a pen and paper to design programs like Adobe® Photoshop® and Adobe® Illustrator®, we’re showing you eight seamless repeat tutorials to help you find your tried and true resource for creating seamless repeats. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll be ready to enter one of our upcoming design challenges!
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7 Tips for Designing a Cut-and-Sew Project
Have you ever wondered how designers in the Spoonflower community create the adorable cut-and-sew projects you’ve been eyeing in the Marketplace? From the purrrfect zipper pouch (see the how-to here) to a giftable hedgehog plushie, the only limit to creating your very own cut-and-sew project is your imagination. To help you get started, Spoonflower designer Ceri Staziker–cerigwen in the Marketplace–is sharing seven design tips for successfully creating a cut-and-sew project. By the time you’re done, you’ll never underestimate the power of a fat quarter!

Spoonflower designer cerigwen knows a thing or two about cut-and-sew projects!
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How to Create a Seamless Repeat in Photoshop
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!
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How To Design a Fabric Research Poster with PowerPoint
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.
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How to Design a Seamless Repeat with Procreate
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. With her helpful tutorial, you’ll be able to design fabric, wallpaper and even your own custom bedding in no time.
Looking for even more Procreate tutorials? Don’t miss Jennifer Nichols step-by-step instructions on how to create a seamless repeat in Procreate and
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How To Design a Fabric Research Poster with Canva
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!

Pro tip: Adding a headshot at the bottom of your poster lets people easily know which poster is yours.
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Turn Your Hand Lettering into a Fabric Design: Backgrounds and Repeats
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