REPEAT PRINT | HOW TO

Download below the Repeat Pattern Guide. An informative guide to choosing a repeat style for your design. There are only 9 combinations, whether for print, wallpaper of fashion garments, each achieve a different result.

This series is designed in photoshop a 16" x 16" file at 300dpi (4800 x 4800 pixels. On this page, there is a downloadable worksheet to help design your own repeat. There is also a worksheet on The Math.

These 17 lead character Illustrations below will be in every one of the 9 combinations.

In order below are the 9 combinations.

In order below are the repeat tiles in repetition. These are all the same scale.

REPEAT TILE PRINT (1)

This repeats left to right, top to bottom. It’s very simple, great for oversize larger scale designs. It looks a little lame when the tile is small. I wouldn’t go smaller than 16” x 16”.

REPEAT TILE - TWO WAY PRINT (2)

This repeat tile is two-way print - it’s used in the fashion industry for printing onto fabric. The method is used so you can maximize the garment lay. On the diagram page in the gallery above, you will see a dotted line, the artwork is rotated 180 on that line. In this design the 17 lead characters are made smaller to accommodate the two way. A tip, have your characters facing different directions before you rotate, to create a aesthetic flow.

STEP REPEAT - LEFT AND RIGHT (3)

A common repeat to work with. It requires more math but the result is less rigid that the tile repeat (1).

STEP REPEAT_TOP AND BOTTOM (4)

As an option this is not widely used. Step repeats are usually left to right not top to bottom. Compare option (3) and (4) in the repeat image to see the visual impact.

STEP REPEAT - LEFT AND RIGHT - TWO WAY (5)

This is option is more suited for fabric design. It’s hard on the math to create but the effect is an illusion of a bigger design area. You will need to download all the Math Sheets for this.

MIRROR REPEAT (6)

A mirror repeat does not have to have symmetrical illustrations in the center. See the right-facing fish to the top, even the butterfly isn’t 100% symmetrical.

MIRROR REPEAT - TWO WAY (7)

This is a commercially viable and cost-effective way of designing a print. Whether for wallpaper of fabric design.

STEP MIRROR REPEAT (8)

Overall it looks complicated but a mirror step repeat is a resourceful technique, widening the ability to see the repeat seam. A mirror step repeat adds a calming effect as our brains love uniformity.

A step mirror repeats, top to bottom but steps left to right.

STEP MIRROR REPEAT - TWO WAY (9)

The last method of the 9 print combinations. It may work for a geometrical design but not with illustration characters like this. You can use it for wallpaper, fabric and fashion garments, its super cost effect and pretty tough on the Math.