Textile design can be a fun challenge of creating, converting and adjusting assets into a consistent, repeatable pattern that customers immediately relate to. Finding the joy in pattern creation can feel like creating a piece of art, because it is! Working with a large or small team of designers and printers requires the ability to communicate, adjust, and overcome challenges.  

Balance of empty space, color, and texture is key when there is a goal “feeling” in mind for your textile pattern. Do you want to create a pattern just to make one or do you want to create a pattern that customers are immediately drawn to? The lengthy process of creating textile patterns shouldn't be rushed; unless you are blessed with unlimited funds and access to a team of experienced artists, designers, printers, sewers, marketing team, packaging crew, packing and shippers. 

Start by brainstorming a schedule that meets your project deadline and creating a realistic budget. If needed, reach out to a project manager for assistance.  

What type of pattern are you creating and why? 

Figure out what your target audience currently likes. Trends will change but certain colors, shapes and patterns will always be in demand. Taking in what is popular and timeless can be great motivation for pattern making.   

What colors and style? 

Do you want to make a pattern that feels familiar or more experimental? Having access to pantone swatchbooks can help you narrow down colors for a mood board. Look through art and fashion books to see what patterns speak to you and ask yourself why are you drawn to these specific patterns.   

Are other companies already making this pattern? 

There are millions of plaids out there, but they are still being made. What can you do to improve your pattern design while making sure it stands out against any competition? 

Do a "no-stress swatch test."

Have some sample swatches created of your pattern(s) and get feedback. These swatches can be as simple as screen grabs or quick illustrations. You aren't showcasing a final product, but instead are asset testing. Don't be disheartened if a pattern isn't liked right away; try tweaking the scale, colors, or composition. Finding out early in the production process what works and what doesn't is better than spending money and time on a pattern that isn't successful.    

Step 3. Acquire assets for your pattern 

What size and type of files will you need? 

PNG, PDF, AI, SVG are often used but printers will usually ask for a certain file type. Higher resolution is better when importing illustrated assets into your artboard. Be sure to communicate with the asset artist and prepress file designer that the right quality files are being supplied. 

Step 4. File Prepress 

Start by clearly defining the parameters of your final file needs. 

What size artboard and file type is your end goal? For example, many printers will require a 54"x36" PDF with a repeating top/bottom. Work with your printer and designer and communicate as clearly as you can. 

Step 5. File Review and Feedback 

Even a perfect design can be ignored by clients or customers. This is why it's important to have multiple reviews during the entire production of your textile pattern. Adjusting scale and colors during reviews can help a pattern become the best it can. Print your swatches at 100% scale and review in person - spend some time away from the screen. 

Reach out to find a quality checker with experience in textile substrate printing and ask for assistance. Seek out public forms for feedback on your design or for help finding suppliers. 

Finding a printer and/or long term supplier that meets your needs regarding budget, timelines, and shipping costs should be balanced with convictions of environmental awareness and sustainability. It may be more expensive to offer organic fabrics without harsh dyes - but many customers will appreciate this offering. Look for products and suppliers that meet the GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard). This means less environmental waste. Fabric type, ink consumption, water and electricity use are considerations to inquire about.  

Find the correct packaging that showcases all the hard work you put into your textile. Many companies now display, package, and ship using recyclable substrates, versus plastics. 

While this can be a great way to have a trickle of income, you spent a lot of time and effort creating this pattern. Keep your files secure and only release them to trust worthy providers and suppliers. Read the details of any online printing service that offers product printing - some will take ownership of your file. 

After all this work, the pattern file(s) and substrates can be sent to your printer and production team. Final products should be packaged and displayed to brand standards and laws/requirements. 

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