Repeat Pattern Workshop

How to create repeat patterns using photoshop...

- We will be working with tiles, that will form a bigger repeat pattern.
However the larger space you need to fill, the larger the tile will need to be.

- Make new 5 x 5cm document, switch rulers on, create guides all around the edge of the document page. This will help when it comes to increasing the canvas size, and when some images will overlap the canvas and piece together

- Increase canvas. Image > Canvas size > Make sure relative is unticked > Increase by 200%

- Then go to View > Lock guides (make sure you do this after increasing the canvas)

- Now we have the tile, we have to arrange motifs/images on to it.

- Once arranged, go to Edit > Define pattern (make sure background is transparent)

- Make new A3 document. Go to Edit > Fill
Select your pattern from the preset menu.

1. normal fill    2. cross-weave    3. random fill

Random fill + colour (using the 'solid colour' layer mask)

New tile

New pattern - increased scale, decreased spacing

- When applying tile to a bigger space (e.g. for gift wrap), increasing the scale by % is possible. But increasing too much may pixelate the original tile.

- When making patterns that intersect the quadrants of the tiles, where they get cut they will need to be mirrored in order to reconnect / make the repeat.

- Using the marquee tool, select the part of the motif that intersects the blue guideline. Hold shift, and drag to the bottom of the tile. This way, it will connect precisely.

- Before clicking Define Pattern, select the centre quadrant with the marquee tool, and then define. This is so it lines up properly.

the  herd  is  here...

where are they going?

- Chopping a copied motif into four parts, aligning it into the four corners. Creates the pattern below...