Patterns are a repeating of an element or motif used to create a unique decoration on fabrics. An example of an easily identifiable pattern is a checkered pattern or striped pattern. But there are hundreds of distinct patterns available and each are designated with labels (names) to aid in product description and selection. Below is an exhaustive dictionary of pattern types used in fabric, textile, and clothing design.

Categories and Classifications

Geometric patterns

All patterns can be categorized as Geometric or Organic. Geometric patterns can be further categorized as abstract patterns, a pattern of (repeated shapes and sizes with no relationship to natural objects. Examples of geometric patterns include geometric shapes and plaids.

Organic (patterns inspired by nature)

There are two types of organic fabric patterns. Realistic patterns are repeats of natural objects while Stylized are simpler repeats of natural objects.

Types of fabric patterns

Within the categories of Geometric and Organic patterns are dozens of specific pattern types. Some patterns can cross lines and fall into more than one pattern type.

Below are the many types of fabric patterns.

Abstract pattern

Abstract patterns consist of unrecognizable forms (lines and shapes), a nonobjective motif that can't be described in any other way.

Adaptation pattern

An adaptation pattern is a pattern based on another design but significantly modified.

African pattern

Also known as Ankara or Tribal print. African patterns feature vibrant, vivid colors related to African culture.

Airbrush pattern

An airbrush pattern is a blurry, soft, light pattern looks like created with painters spray gun.

Allover pattern

Allover patterns feature close and evenly distributed motifs. Many pattern types use allover patterns.

Animal pattern

Animal patterns are patterns that look like animal skin or fur. They ca be further broken down into categories based on animal the pattern attempts to mimic.

Cheetah pattern

Crocodile pattern

Giraffe pattern

Jaguar pattern

Leopard pattern

Snake pattern

Zebra pattern

Anthemion pattern

An anthemion pattern is a classical pattern that uses motifs that look like fan-shaped palm leaves. Anthemion patterns are common in Greek and Egyptian ancient art.

Arabesque pattern

An arabesque pattern is a floral or geometric pattern inspired by Islamic art.

Art Deco pattern

Art deco patterns used motifs typical of 1920's through 1930's. Art deco patterns use precise and clear lines, geometric shapes, and decorations.

Art Nouveau pattern

Art Nouveau patterns use dynamic, flowing curves suggesting floral motifs. They often present a surprising look of depth.

Asymmetrical pattern

An asymmetrical pattern is any type of pattern lacking any form of symmetry.

Basket weave pattern

A basket weave pattern features a design that looks like a woven basket.

Batik pattern

A batik pattern uses complex colors in a design that looks like it was created through dyeing with dye placed over removable wax. Batik patterns often include natural motifs (floral, birds).

Bead and Reel pattern

A bead and reel pattern uses oval and round shapes alternating with elongated oval or cylindrical shapes.

Bird's eye pattern

Bird's eye patterns consist of arranged small diamond shapes (usually four) with dot or space in the center.

Bohemian pattern

Also called Boho prints or Hippie patterns, the bohemian pattern features bright colors and complex patterns reminiscent of the hippie movement of the 1960's.

Botanical pattern

The botanical pattern is based on realistic representation of plants and herbs.

Boteh pattern

The boteh pattern features ateardrop-shape with a curved upper end. Paisley patterns use this shape with additional decoration and decorative elements.

Brick pattern

The brick pattern uses consistent horizontal and broken vertical lines that look like bricks.

Bull's eye pattern

The bull's eye pattern consists of circles or oval shapes inside each other (concentric). This pattern often creates optical effects such as movement or pulsing.

Calico pattern

The calico pattern is an allover floral design using bright colors. The pattern is usually from India but also associated with American country style fabrics.

Camouflage pattern

The camouflage pattern uses curvy patterns intended to blend in with the environment (shop camouflage patterns).

Cartouche pattern

The cartouche pattern is an oblong pattern resembling a frame, table, or scroll bearing an inscription.

Celtic Knot pattern

Also called Everlasting Knot pattern, the celtic knot pattern uses lots of interlocking lines or ribbons that seamlessly connect with each other and appear to never end.

Checkered pattern

Checkered patterns are formed with horizontal and vertical stripes that Criss cross each other and form a pattern of squares. There are many variants of the checkered pattern.

Shepherd checks pattern

The shepherd checks patterns uses small even checks of contrasting color, usually black and white.

Argyle pattern

The argyle pattern uses diamond-shaped rectangles in a diagonal alternating arrangement. The pattern usually incorporates a small number of colors.

Benmore pattern

The benmore pattern is a type of District check (District Check is a check pattern similar to tartan. It is made up of different check patterns).

Buffalo check pattern

A buffalo check pattern is a plaid pattern with large blocks formed by the intersection of two different color yarns, typically red and black.

Chequered checks pattern

The chequered check pattern uses squares of alternating color, texture, or material.

District pattern

The District Check is a check pattern similar to tartan. It is made up of different check patterns. It originated from motifs identifying Scottish estates.

Dupplins check pattern

The Dupplins check pattern is a type of District check (checks within checks) that uses alternating dark and light checks often outlines of framed within a lighter check motif.

Glen checks pattern

Glen checks pattern is a type of District check that usually consists of broken check areas on the intersection of darker and lighter stripes. The glen check pattern is also called Prince of Wales check. It is commonly used in suits.

Gingham pattern

The Ginham pattern is an allover pattern of woven blocks or checks made by overlapping stripes of the same width.

Graph check pattern

The graph check pattern consists of crossing lines on a solid background. The pattern resembles graph paper.

Hounds tooth (houndstooth pattern)

The hounds tooth pattern goes by many names including houndstooth, dogstooth, dogtooth, dog's tooth, and more. The pattern features broken checks or abstract four-pointed shapes, often in black and white. A smaller scale version of the houndstooth pattern is called puppytooth.

Madras check (plaid) pattern

The madras check pattern is a summer fabric style distinguished by a pattern of colorful checks and stripes. The stripes of a madras check or plaid consist of different colored stripes that cross each other to form uneven checks.

Mini check pattern

The mini check pattern is made from very small checks. The size of the checks falls between a pincheck and a gingham check.

Pin checks pattern

The pin check pattern uses intersecting pin-sized stripes that are only one or two yarns thick.

Plaid patterns

The terms tartan, plaid, and checked patterns are often used interchangeably. Today tartan refers to a type of plaid pattern. Plaids consist of crossed horizontal and vertical bands in two or more colors. The main difference between traditional tartans and other types of plaids has to do with the pattern's repeat. In regard to plaids, the pattern of the vertical stripe does not necessarily have to match the pattern of the horizontal stripe like the pattern of a tartan.

Shepherd check pattern

Also known as Spongebag check, the shepherd check pattern is a type of District check that features small, even checks of two colors.

Tattersail pattern

The tattersail pattern is a check or plaid pattern that features regularly spaced, thin, even vertical stripes repeated horizontally to form squares. The stripes are usually in alternating colors and are typically featured on a light background.

Windowpane check pattern

The windowpane check pattern resembles the panes on a window. The pattern features window-like, wide, square plaid patterns.

Chinoserie pattern

Chinoserie patterns feature Chinese type prints, typically illustrating Chinese architecture, boats, and other objects that are distinctly Chinese.

Christmas pattern

A Christmas pattern describes a variety of patterns based on a Christmas theme such as stars, reindeer, holly, etc. usually using green and red colors.

Coin Dot pattern

The coin dot pattern is a polka dot pattern that uses very large dots (like coins).

Collage pattern

A collage pattern resembles scraps, photos, drawings, or other objects glued onto the fabric.

Composite overlay pattern

A composite overlay pattern uses two or more patterns stacked on top of each other.

Composite repeat pattern

A composite repeat pattern uses two or more patterns of different types that repeat.

Contour pattern

A countour pattern is a pattern that outlines the highlights of shapes or figures.

Conversational pattern

Conversation patterns are object prints that feature recognizable objects (such as animals) in the motif.

Coral pattern

A coral pattern is a pattern that resembled coral.

Counterchange pattern

A counterchange pattern is a pattern with motif and background reversed in another part of the design.

Damask pattern

The damask pattern is a classic print with floral motifs. It is usually one color and often printed on silk or wool.

Designer pattern

A designer pattern is a one of a kind pattern that is typically copyrighted.

Diagonal pattern

A diagonal fabric pattern features diagonal lines in its motif.

Diamond pattern

A diamond pattern features diamond shapes.

Diaper pattern

The diaper pattern consists of small interlocking, closely arranged forms, typically some type of diamond pattern.

Digital pattern

A digital pattern is a pattern made with computer-generated elements. They are often artistically pixelated or feature fractal shapes.

Directional pattern

A directional pattern is any pattern in which the motifs are oriented in one or more specific directions.

Ditsy pattern

Also called Ditsies, ditzy, or ditsie, the ditsy pattern is an allover pattern of small print of spots, circles, zigzags or other elements that looks random.

Dog's tooth pattern

Also called Hound's tooth pattern (houndstooth), the Dog's tooth pattern features small jagged checks usually created by four-pointed stars.

Dotted swiss pattern

The dotted swiss pattern is a pattern made from small, raised dots. The pattern is usually used on a thin fabric which contrasts the thicker patterned dots.

Drybrush pattern

The drybrush pattern looks like it was created with a painter's brush that had only a small amount of paint on it providing a scratchy, textured look.

Eccentrics pattern

The eccentrics pattern is a pattern composed of thin lines that create a pop art effect.

Egg and Dart pattern

The egg and dart pattern is a classic pattern that features an oval element alternating with a pointed arrow-like element.

Engineered pattern

An engineered pattern is a pattern or group of motifs specifically designed to fit a shape.

Ethnic pattern

Ethnic patterns are representative or common to a culture. They may be broken down into the follow types of ethnic patterns.

Aztec pattern

Kilm pattern

Navajo pattern

Suzaani pattern

Tribal pattern

Everlasting knot pattern

Also called Celtic Knot pattern, the everlasting knot pattern looks like a knot of interlaced ribbons that lead seamlessly into each other.

Figurative pattern

The figurative pattern consists of human or animal elements, often historic figures.

Fleur De Lis pattern

A fleur de lis pattern is a stylized three- or four-petal lily flower pattern. It was originally a symbol of purity.

Floral pattern

A floral pattern includes floral motifs such as flowers, seed pods, leaves (shop floral patterns).

Fret pattern

A fret pattern features interconnected and symmetrical geometric motifs. It is also called Greek Key pattern.

Foulard pattern

The foulard pattern is a basic block repeat pattern on a small scale. Typical versions consist of repeated geometric shapes.

Four-way layout pattern

A four-way pattern has motifs that face in all four directions (left, right, up, down).

Frieze pattern

A frieze pattern is a pattern that repeats in a single direction such as a stranded rope or elongated vine.

Geometric pattern

A geometric pattern is a repetitive pattern of geometric shapes (e.g. diamonds, squares, cubes).

Gradation pattern

A gradation pattern is a pattern with varying sizes, colors, or shapes.

Graphic pattern

Graphic patterns are prints based on graphic art.

Greek Key pattern

The Greek key pattern include Interconnected and symmetrical geometric motifs. It is also called a fret pattern.

Guilloche pattern

A Guilloche pattern is a pattern of interlaced curved bands. Sometimes the pattern is designed to form circles.

Hairline stripe pattern

A hairline stripe pattern uses extremely thin stripes, about the width of a human hair.

Half drop pattern

The half-drop pattern is similar to the brick pattern but with primarily vertical lines. The motif is repeated about half way down the side.

Harlequin pattern

The harlequin pattern is a repeating pattern of contrasting diamonds or elongated squares in a lattice-like arrangement.

Hawaiian pattern

A Hawaiian pattern in any pattern that includes Hawaiian cultural motifs (e.g. pineapples, ocean). They are often floral patterns and brightly colored.

Herati pattern

The Herati pattern is a rosette enclosed in a diamond with a serrated leaf along the side. Its name comes from city of Herat in Afghanistan where it originally derived.

Hexagonal pattern

The hexagonal pattern uses hexagonal shapes in an allover network.

Herringbone pattern

Also called a chevron pattern, the herringbone pattern features a motif of zigzag stripes.

Hound's tooth pattern

The hound's tooth (houndstooth) pattern features small broken, jagged checks created by four-pointed stars.

Ikat pattern

The ikat pattern uses threads that are tie-dyed before weaving to create a pattern.

Illusion pattern

An illusion pattern is any type of pattern that provides an optical illusion. They are often created using very small, closely spaced lines.

Interlocking pattern

With an interlocking pattern, the motifs are tightly linked together. With this pattern, movement of one motif cannot be made without impact another.

Irregular repeat pattern

The irregular repeat pattern is similar to half drop and brick layout patterns except consecutive units are moved slightly by a set distance.

Jacobean pattern

A Jacobean pattern is an embroidery pattern with flowers, birds.

Landscape pattern

The landscape pattern features landscape scenes.

Lane's net pattern

The Lane's net pattern is a pattern of diamond motifs with each diamond rotated 45 and 90 degrees and typically filled with thin lines radiating from opposite ends.

Lattice pattern

Lattice patterns is an interconnected, crisscross pattern with squares or diamond shaped holes.

Liberty style pattern

The liberty style pattern is an allover pattern with small floral patterns that are highly stylized. The pattern was created (and names after) by Liberty & Co (London).

Logo pattern

A logo pattern is any pattern created from a logo.

Madras pattern

The Madras pattern is a plaid pattern that features bright colored stripes, plaids or checks that bleed into each other.

Metallese pattern

A metallese pattern is a pattern that looks like a stitched quilt - it either appears quilted or padded.

Mini-check pattern

The mini-check pattern is a pattern made from very small checks. The size of the checks falls between a pincheck and a gingham check.

Moire pattern

A moire pattern features waves and ripples created by superimposing two or more simpler motifs.

Mosaic pattern

A mosaic pattern features many small colored pieces. The pieces are typically roughly square but may be distorted or warped squares or rectangles or other shapes entirely.

Natural or Naturalistic pattern

A natural or naturalistic pattern features natural motifs such as waves, trees, mountains.

Neats pattern

A neats pattern is an allover pattern with small, floral or geometric motifs using one or two colors.

Network pattern

A network pattern features a repeating combination of rectangles , squares, ogees.

Nursery pattern

A nursery pattern is any pattern that features childlike elements such as toys, teddy bears, or infant care objects.

Ogee pattern

An ogee is a curve shaped somewhat like the letter "S", with arcs that curve in opposite senses. An ogee pattern contains ogees creating a somewhat onion-shaped motif.

Ombre pattern

An ombre pattern is a shade effect with gradual changes from dark to light and open to closed in coverage.

Oriental pattern

An oriental pattern is an Intricate pattern, typically a medallion, from Indian culture.

Overall pattern

An overall pattern is a type of pattern layout with motifs that are close and evenly distributed, typically covering the entire fabric with little background visible.

Paisley pattern

Paisley patterns use stylized teardrop shaped motifs with curved upper ends. Paisley patterns can be any scale, multi-colored, monochrome, simple, or intricate, in a regular and repeating or varied, irregular, and seemingly random pattern. The pattern was originally created in (and gets its name from) Paisley, Scotland.

Palmette pattern

The palmette pattern is a stylized version of fan-shaped palm tree leaves.

Patriotic pattern

Patriotic patterns feature a theme representing a certain country.

Patterned Ground pattern

A patterned ground pattern describes a background color that is itself a pattern (often stripes, dots, zigzag lines, plaids, or geometric shapes).

Pencil stripes pattern

Pencil stripe patterns are a stripe pattern consisting of lines about the width of that drawn with a pencil.

Pet pattern

Pet patterns feature pet motifs (e.g. dogs, cats, hamsters).

Pheasant's Eye pattern

A Pheasant's Eye pattern is a type of weave forming a diamond shape a little bigger than the bird's eye pattern.

Pincheck pattern

A pincheck pattern features intersecting pin-sized stripes that are only one or two yarns thick.

Pin dot pattern

A pin dot pattern is a polka dot pattern of very small dots.

Pinstripe pattern (or pin stripe)

The pinstripe pattern is a stripe pattern with non-intersecting, but sometimes broken, thin lines only one or two yarns thick.

Plaid pattern

A plaid pattern is made with crossing colored stripes, typically crossing at right angles. Plaids consist of crossed horizontal and vertical bands in two or more colors. The main difference between traditional tartans and other types of plaids has to do with the pattern's repeat. In regard to plaids, the pattern of the vertical stripe does not necessarily have to match the pattern of the horizontal stripe like the pattern of a tartan.

Polka dot pattern

A polka dot pattern uses repeating equally spaced dots, usually the same size.

Pop art pattern

Pop art patterns are patterns of graphic images of everyday objects typical of the time period.

Positive-Negative pattern

With a postive-negative pattern, both the motif (positive space) and surrounding area (negative space) have identical shapes.

Quatrefoil pattern

A quatrefoil pattern that looks like four similar sized partially overlapping circles. The pattern looks somewhat like a series of four-leaf clover motifs (the word "quatrefoil means "four leaves").

Random pattern

A random pattern, also called tossed layout pattern, features elements that appear to be scattered randomly about the fabric.

Regency stripes pattern

Regency stripes pattern, also called Bengal stripes or tiger stripes, features stripes of same width, alternating light and dark colors. The stripes are wider than candy stripes but thinner than awning stripes.

Regimental stripe pattern

A regimental stripe pattern features stripes using colors from British regiments. The stripes typically consist of a combination of thick, thin, and pinstripe lines.

Retro pattern

A retro pattern is any pattern from a previous fashion trend.

Roman stripes pattern

Roman stripes pattern feature bright, multicolored vertical stripes with a high contrast to each other.

Sateen Repeat pattern

Also known as Spot Repeat, the Sateen repeat pattern features motifs arranged on a grid so that each grid space contains only a single instance of the motif (although the motifs may be turned in different directions).

Scale pattern

Also called clamshell pattern, the Scale pattern consists of overlapping arcs that look like fish or snake scales (clam shaped).

Scroll pattern

A scroll pattern contains spiral shapes and curves that look like vines.

Seamless patterns

Seamless patterns are any pattern in which all motifs touch each other.

Serpentine stripes pattern

The serpentine stripes pattern contains aligned, wavy, sinusoidal stripes.

Shepherd's check pattern

Also known as Spongebag check, the Shepherd's check pattern is a type of District check that features small, even checks of two colors.

Sketch pattern

Also known as croquis pattern, the sketch pattern is a painted pattern that does not repeat,

Spot Repeat pattern

Also known as sateen repeat pattern, the spot repeat pattern contains motifs arranged on a grid so that each grid space contains only a single instance of the motif (although the motifs may be turned in different directions).

Sprig pattern

The sprig pattern looks like repeating sprigs and small shoots of young tree branches.

Square repeat pattern

Also called block repeat, straight-across repeat, straight repeat, and full-drop repeat, the square repeat pattern is a repeating motif that appears to the left and right of the original unit.

Stipple pattern

A stipple pattern uses dots that are very close together to create a unique textured unit or shaded motif.

Straight across or straight repeat pattern

Also called block repeat, square repeat, and full-drop repeat, the straight across or straight repeat pattern is a repeating motif that appears to the left and right of the original unit.

Striae pattern

The striae pattern features stripes that blend in color or texture in a single direction.

Stripes pattern

Awning pattern

The awning patter features wide, vertical solid-color stripes on a light background.

Barcode pattern

The barcode pattern uses repeating, varying width black stripes on a white background that looks like a product barcode.

Bayadere pattern

The Bayadere pattern uses brightly colored horizontal stripes of various widths

Bengal pattern

Also called Regency stripes, the Bengal pattern uses strips of the same width, alternating dark and light colors. The stripes are wider than candy stripes but narrower than awning stripes.

Breton stripe pattern

The distinctive Breton stripe pattern features horizontal black or blue and white stripes.

Candy pattern

The candy stripe pattern features evenly sized stripes, typically vertical and using a bright color stripe with a white stripe.

Chevron pattern

Also called herringbone, the chevron pattern is a pattern of zigzag stripes.

Dress pattern

The Dress pattern features stripes of varying colors and widths. Stripe width usually include a thick stripe bounded by a thinner stripe on each side.

Hairline pattern

The hairline pattern features a series of very narrow stripes.

Horizontal or vertical lines

Multicolor pattern

Pinstripe pattern (or pin stripe)

The pinstripe pattern is a stripe pattern with non-intersecting, but sometimes broken, thin lines only one or two yarns thick.

Regimental pattern

A regimental stripe pattern features stripes using colors from British regiments. The stripes typically consist of a combination of thick, thin, and pinstripe lines.

Roman pattern

Roman stripes pattern feature bright, multicolored vertical stripes with a high contrast to each other.

Serpentine pattern

The serpentine stripes pattern contains aligned, wavy, sinusoidal stripes.

Shadow stripe pattern

A shadow stripe pattern features stripes that generally vary in width and typically consist of two or more colors.

Swirl pattern

The swirl pattern uses circular swirl motifs.

Tartan pattern

The terms tartan, plaid, and checked patterns are often used interchangeably. Today tartan refers to a type of plaid pattern. The main difference between traditional tartans and other types of plaids has to do with the pattern's repeat. In regard to tartans, the pattern of the vertical stripe typically matches the pattern of a horizontal stripe.

Tattersail pattern

The tattersail pattern features small check patterns of regularly spaced, evenly colored thin lines.

Tessellations pattern

A tessellations pattern is a repeated pattern of interlocking shapes that can be infinitely extended.

Texture pattern

A texture pattern is a pattern that looks like the surface of a known object such as wood, granite, stone, or other materials.

Toil de Juoy pattern

The Toil de Juoy pattern features a floral theme, typically of a French countryside, and usually one color on a light or white background.

Tossed pattern

Also called a Random layout pattern, the Tossed pattern uses elements that are scattered randomly within the unit.

Tracery pattern

A Tracery pattern looks like interlacing stone, wood, or iron poles that hold glass in a Gothic window.

Trefoil pattern

A Trefoil pattern features a three-petal flower or three-leaflet pattern. Contrast to a quatrefoil pattern which features four "leaves".

Trellis pattern

The Trellis pattern uses Interconnected elements that look like a wooden or metal trellis (for supporting vines). Sometimes vines are included in the motif.

Two color symmetries pattern

Also called a counterchange pattern, the two-color symmetries pattern is a pattern with motif and background reversed in another part of the design.

Two-directional pattern or Two-way layout pattern

With a two-directional pattern (or two-way layout pattern), half the motifs face an opposite direction.

Unbalanced stripes pattern

The Unbalanced stripes pattern features repeating asymmetrical but unbalanced stripes.

Undirectional pattern

A Undirectional pattern is a pattern that looks the same from any direction.

Vermicular pattern

A Vermicular pattern contains irregular twisted lines resembling curved worms.

Vintage pattern

Vintage patterns are any type of historical pattern.

Watercolor pattern

A Watercolor pattern looks like a watercolor (aquarelles) painting. They often use light, soft gradations.

Windowpane check pattern

A Windowpane check pattern features widely spaced checks that resemble window panes. The pattern is common in suits and shirts.

Wreath pattern

A Wreath pattern contains circular patterns of intertwined flowers or leaves. They often include ribbons and other decorations.

Zig Zag pattern

The Zig Zag pattern features jagged, connected straight lines at an angle which make alternating sharp turns.