Struggling with Placement in your patterns?

(Here’s how to fix it!)

Do you ever struggle to fit elements together in your pattern?

Do you ever wonder if there was a simple way to structure your pattern to make it look good?

Do you ever get frustrated with motifs crashing into each other or big empty spaces in your pattern?

I struggled with all of these frustrations at the start of my surface pattern design journey. I would spend hours on a pattern only to test it in repeat and find that all the elements were in a line or I had big empty spaces that spoiled the effect.

But it doesn’t have to be this way!

There is a much simpler and effective way to create patterns in Procreate that takes out all of this frustration.

Those of you who read my blog posts regularly (or watch my Instagram reels) will know that my process in Procreate involves using a template to plan out and create my patterns.

This method allows you to create the design all in one place on the canvas (rather than having to do it in stages)

If you haven’t already had a go at this method take a look at this blog post where you can download some templates and a guide book to get you started!

But I know that you’re probably thinking…

Sure, it’s all very well having a template, but even when I design in the template I don’t know how to arrange the motifs inside so they look good when they repeat!

Yes I hear you!

This is a skill that you have got to practice but it is totally possible to master when you have the right workflow.

I will go into more detail on this exact process in another blog post but here are a few speicifc tips for quick wins when it comes to composition and positioning elements.

1. Start with the largest elements

In your sketch layer, start by drawing the biggest elements, then add in the medium ones and finally fill with smaller elements.

The biggest elements are always the hardest to place so get them sorted first! The other elements can be fitted around them where there is space.

Having different sized elements in your pattern is a really good way to add interest and diversity.

I made the mistake earlier in my surface design journey of having lots of similarly sized motifs in my patterns and I used to wonder why it looked a bit strange. Mix it up a bit and try lots of differenet sizes. (But fit the big ones in place first!)

I always make a really rough sketch at the start of my process, simply made up of shapes, where I think about where each of the elements will be placed.

It's kind of like a ‘pre sketch’ layer. Once you’ve done this, test it and see if it works. If it doesn’t rework it. (At this stage, it doesn’t take long to quickly test and have another go until it looks good.)

2. Increase the variety of shapes you are using 

If you are just designing with one shape it can be very hard to tesselate it together with other identical shapes so they all look nicely spaced apart.

With lots of different shapes you have plenty of options for fitting motifs into awkwardly shaped gaps.

Designing with different shapes can also give more flow and interest to your pattern.

3. Experiement with different filler elements 

Filler elements should not be overrated!

These tiny little marks and shapes help make a pattern look complete and can help to fill in empty spaces.

Try different kinds of filler motifs. There are plenty of times I use dots, dashes or any kind of marks to fill in the spaces. This also adds depth and texture to your pattern.

If you are looking for a simple step by step approach to pattern placement within a template that will result in stunning and professional repeat patterns I walk you through the exact process in my Procreate Patterns class!

In the meantime, soak up a few more tips and tricks from the blog posts below and if you haven't discovered the template method, download my free templates and have a go now!

If you have any questions drop me a line in the comments section below and I'll get back to you.