Pattern Design

Today we’re so excited to kick off our summer SpoonChallenge–Creating a Fabric Collection. We’ve teamed up with Bonnie Christine, a spectacular designer based right here in North Carolina, to bring you all the tips and tools you need to create an expertly coordinating textile collection. We kick off this series with Bonnie’s thoughts on gathering inspiration. Stay tuned over the next three weeks for tips on designing a focal print and coordinates, and completing your collection by creating a portfolio! 

Pattern design can be one of the most fun and fulfilling ways to express yourself as an artist. Coloring your world with prints and patterns you’ve designed yourself truly allows you to express yourself in a unique and joyful way. Possibly the most important step to take before beginning a pattern collection, is to gather lots of inspiration.

Taking plenty of time to gather inspiration for a pattern or a collection will help make the design process run smoothly. It will also help give your entire project focus and direction! Clearly outlining your vision for a collection will give you a guide to follow, something to reference and a definite starting point (which is often the hardest part!).

For me, the inspiration phase for a pattern collection usually takes about 4-6 weeks. There are several possible phases and options to this stage, and I’m happy to share my favorites with you below.

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