The Crafter's Guide to Patterns: Create and Use Your Own Patterns for Gift Wrap, Stationery, Tiles, and More

Surface design involves a variety of decisions, including color palettes, layout, and design. In this guide, pattern designer Swift introduces the basics, with chapters covering core techniques followed by ways crafters can use their designs. She first introduces color, layout, and pattern types, then presents tutorials for basic stampmaking and printmaking, as well as digital design techniques. Instructions for practical application of these techniques to create printed fabric, paper, packaging, and household décor are then provided. Interviews with successful artists working in pattern design add inspiration, and Swift includes a series of simple motif templates that can be photocopied or downloaded and freely used. The tutorials are well constructed, with a clear listing of supplies (most of which are readily available), straightforward instructions, and plenty of photographs for the visually inclined.