learn how to draw patterns step by step
Learn how to make a pattern in this easy drawing tutorial!
Once you learn how to make patterns, you can use them in your art in all kinds of ways.
For instance, take a look at the colorful painting to the right. This painting is basically row after row of different patterns!
Patterns show up in all kinds of art, from contemporary abstract art to tribal folk arts from various cultures around the world. You can see more examples of patterns in art here.
When you look at patterns, like the ones in the painting on the right, you may (falsely) assume they are so complex that you could never draw them on your own - let alone come up with your own similar designs… Well, get out your pencil cause I'm gonna show you how to do it!
By the end of this lesson, you'll be able to draw a pattern like this in no time:
Even the most complex patterns start out easy. In this drawing tutorial, you'll find out how patterns are made, so that you can add them to your own art.
Remember: All patterns start out simply.
First, let's take a look at several examples of very basic patterns:
dots
circles
raindrops
waves
loops
right angles
crosses
squiggle
Any of the above patterns can be the starting point for creating more detailed patterns – all you have to do is add onto it!
Now I'll show you how to make cool patterns - all starting with a single dot!
Click on each pattern to jump to that tutorial:
Pattern 1:
Pattern 2:
Pattern 3:
After you've mastered how to make a pattern by starting with a single dot, learn how to make a pattern using other starting shapes – such as the pattern below, which began as a single wave!
Pattern 4:
Let's begin!
First, I'll show you how to draw this pattern step by step:
On your paper, draw a row of dots:
If you need help keeping your dots in a straight line, use lined paper, graph paper, or a ruler.
Now, add raindrop shapes around each dot:
Next, add another raindrop shape around the raindrop shapes you just drew:
At the top of each double raindrop, add a small circle:
Draw a little curl sprouting from the top of each circle, twisting to the left:
Now draw a curl sprouting to the right:
Voila! You've just drawn a pattern! That wasn't so hard, was it?
As you can see, drawing patterns is simply a matter of drawing basic shapes, one after the other, all in a row.
You can even draw each shape in a different color, or color them all in when you're done.
Pattern 2
It's more complicated than the previous pattern, but remember: it all starts with a single dot!
Draw a row of dots:
Now draw a small circle around each dot:
Draw a bigger circle around the circles you just drew:
Now draw flower petal shapes around each circle:
Under each flower, draw a small circle:
In between each flower, draw 2 raindrop shapes. One raindrop shape will veer left and the other will veer right.
Underneath each circle, draw a spiral squiggly:
In between each spiral squiggly, draw a small circle:
Around the circles you just drew, draw bigger circles:
Draw three flower petal shapes sprouting from the bottom of each circle:
Congratulations! You've just drawn your second pattern!
Pattern 3
Now let's do one more pattern that starts out as a single dot. This is what you're going to draw:
Draw a row of dots (you're getting good at this by now!):
Draw a small circle around each dot:
Draw another circle around each circle:
Draw a very small circle at the top and bottom and left and right of each circle:
Draw a curve connecting each small bottom circle to the one next to it:
Draw a curve connecting each small top circle to the one next to it:
In between each circular shape, on the bottom draw 2 raindrop shapes: 1 leaning left and 1 leaning right:
In between each circular shape, on the top draw 2 upside-down raindrop shapes: 1 leaning left and 1 leaning right:
On top and on bottom, draw a row of "bumps" or "humps":
Awesome – you just made another pattern!
Pattern 4
I bet you're starting to really get the hang of how to make a pattern now, so let's try something different. Instead of starting with a row of dots, we'll start with a wave to draw this pattern:
Draw a wave:
On top of that wave, draw another wave:
On the point of each top wave, draw a loop:
In between each loop, draw a circle:
Underneath your bottom wave, draw a straight line:
Draw a series of vertical lines connecting the bottom wave and the straight line:
Draw another straight line at the bottom:
Draw a row of circles below the straight line:
Cool! You're becoming a real champ at pattern-making!
Now that you know how to make a pattern, you can create all kinds of patterns off the top of your head.
Just remember that a pattern is simply a repetition of shapes, and to make complex patterns, you just go step by step, one shape at a time.
Pattern Inspiration
For inspiration, look at books that contain different patterns, such as Mayan, Japanese, Indian, African… every culture around the world incorporates its own set of distinct patterns in some way or other - in their architecture, textiles, artwork, etc. Let them be a springboard for your own unique patterns!
The books below are available on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Pattern Sourcebook: Chinese Style
Pattern Sourcebook: Nature 2
Pattern Sourcebook: Japanese Style
Pattern Sourcebook: Around the World
Decorative Patterns from Italy
Experimental Pattern Sourcebook
Patterns in Art: Mandalas
Once you understand how to make patterns that repeat horizontally, as demonstrated on this page, you can rotate the patterns around a central axis to create a mandala!
How to Draw a Mandala
Check out my detailed step-by-step tutorial on how to draw a mandala - suitable for beginners! The mandala below might look complicated, but it’s actually quite easy once you know the steps! 😍
Mandala Rock Painting
Here’s another fun and easy step-by-step tutorial: mandala rock painting! I’ve also included a video so you can watch the process as I painted this colorful rock mandala.
Printable Coloring Pages
For more abstract designs, check out my printable Mandala Coloring Book, with 23 pages of mandalas that you can color!
If you like my abstract art, check out my printable Abstract Coloring Book with 20 pages of intricate abstract line art to fill in with COLOR!
Keep learning!
See more patterns in art!
Now that you know how to make patterns, try this fun Henna Hand Designs Art Project where you'll make a self-portrait of your hands using abstract patterns and designs!
Click to return to the Abstract Art Table of Contents, where you can...
