Have you ever wondered why certain fabric patterns instantly catch your eye while others blend seamlessly into the background? Patterns are more than just decoration—they’re a universal language of culture, style, and emotion. From the timeless sophistication of Damask to the vibrant storytelling of Ankara, each fabric pattern carries a unique history and purpose. Whether you’re a designer, decorator, or simply a lover of aesthetics, this guide will deepen your understanding of fabric patterns and inspire your creative journey.
Fabric patterns have shaped the world of design for centuries, from traditional crafts to modern trends. Let’s explore their origins, styles, and lasting impact.
Fabric Pattern Vocabulary
A
- Abstract Patterns:
Nonobjective designs with undefined lines and shapes. (Category: General Patterns) - Adinkra Symbols:
Ghanaian motifs symbolizing values or proverbs. (Category: Ethnic Patterns – African) - Airbrush Patterns:
Soft, blurry effects resembling spray painting. (Category: General Patterns) - Allover Patterns:
Repeated motifs covering the entire surface evenly. Most of pattern types use allover patterns. (Category: General Patterns) - Animal Patterns:
Designs mimicking animal skin or fur (e.g., leopard, zebra). (Category: General Patterns) - Ankara Patterns:
Bold, vibrant African wax-print designs. (Category: Ethnic Patterns – African) - Anthemion Patterns:
Fan-shaped palm leaves, inspired by Greek and Egyptian art. (Category: General Patterns) - Arabesque Patterns:
Islamic art-inspired floral or geometric motifs. (Category: Ethnic Patterns – Asian/Middle Eastern) - Art Deco Patterns:
Geometric, symmetrical, and ornate designs from the 1920s. (Category: Artistic and Specialty Patterns) - Art Nouveau Patterns:
Flowing, natural motifs with organic curves. (Category: Artistic and Specialty Patterns) - Asymmetrical Patterns:
Designs without balance or repetitive symmetry. (Category: General Patterns) - Awning Stripes:
Wide vertical stripes in contrasting colors. (Category: Striped and Checked Patterns)
B
- Baroque Patterns: Ornate, swirling designs with intricate floral elements. (Category: Artistic and Specialty Patterns)
- Basket Weave Patterns: Interlaced motifs mimicking woven baskets. (Category: General Patterns)
- Batik Patterns: Wax-resist dyed designs, often featuring natural motifs. (Category: Ethnic Patterns – Asian)
- Bead and Reel Patterns: Alternating oval and cylindrical shapes. (Category: General Patterns)
- Bird’s Eye Patterns: Small diamonds with dots at their centers. (Category: General Patterns)
- Bohemian (Boho) Patterns: Bright, complex designs inspired by 1960s hippie culture. (Category: Artistic and Specialty Patterns)
- Botanical Patterns: Realistic depictions of plants and herbs. (Category: Organic Patterns)
- Boteh (Paisley) Patterns: Teardrop-shaped motifs with curved ends. (Category: Artistic and Specialty Patterns)
- Brick Patterns: Horizontal and broken vertical lines mimicking masonry. (Category: General Patterns)
- Buffalo Check Patterns: Large block checks in bold colors. (Category: Striped and Checked Patterns)
- Bull’s Eye Patterns: Concentric circles or ovals. (Category: General Patterns)
C
- Calico Patterns: Small, colorful floral prints. (Category: Artistic and Specialty Patterns)
- Camouflage Patterns: Curvy fabric patterns for blending into natural surroundings. (Category: General Patterns)
- Cartouche Patterns: Scroll or oblong frames used for inscriptions. (Category: General Patterns)
- Celtic Knot Patterns: Endless interwoven loops symbolizing eternity. (Category: Ethnic Patterns – European)
- Chevron Patterns: V-shaped zigzag stripes. (Category: Geometric Patterns)
- Chinoiserie Patterns: Chinese-themed designs with nature and architecture. (Category: Ethnic Patterns – Asian)
- Clamshell Patterns: Overlapping semi-circular shapes resembling seashells. (Category: Miscellaneous Patterns)
- Cloud Patterns: Abstract, soft designs resembling clouds. (Category: Organic Patterns)
D
- Damask Patterns: Intricate, monochromatic floral or botanical designs. (Category: Artistic and Specialty Patterns)
- Diagonal Patterns: Designs with motifs aligned diagonally. (Category: General Patterns)
- Dot Patterns: Uniformly spaced circular motifs. (Category: Geometric Patterns)
E
- Egg and Dart Patterns:
Alternating oval and arrow-like shapes. (Category: Artistic and Specialty Patterns)
F
- Flame Stitch Patterns:
Zigzag motifs resembling flames. (Category: Artistic and Specialty Patterns) - Floral Patterns:
Designs featuring flowers, leaves, and petals. (Category: Organic Patterns) - Fleur-de-Lis Patterns: Stylized three-petal floral motifs symbolizing purity. (Category: Artistic and Specialty Patterns)
G
- Geometric Patterns: Symmetrical, repetitive shapes such as squares and triangles. (Category: Geometric Patterns)
- Gradient (Ombré) Patterns: Smooth transitions between colors. (Category: General Patterns)
- Greek Key Patterns: Symmetrical, interlocking motifs from ancient Greece. (Category: Geometric Patterns)
- Gothic Tracery Patterns: Inspired by medieval stained glass windows with interlaced designs. (Category: Artistic and Specialty Patterns)
H
- Harlequin Patterns: Alternating diamond shapes in contrasting colors. (Category: Geometric Patterns)
- Hexagonal Grids: Patterns with repeating hexagon shapes. (Category: Geometric Patterns)
- Houndstooth Patterns: Jagged, four-pointed shapes forming broken checks. (Category: Striped and Checked Patterns)
I
- Ikat Patterns: Blurred designs created with resist-dyeing techniques. Read more about the art of Ikat weaving. (Category: Ethnic Patterns – Asian)
- Illusion Patterns: Optical art-inspired designs that create visual depth or movement. (Category: Geometric Patterns)
J
- Jacobean Patterns: Stylized floral and bird motifs inspired by 17th-century designs. (Category: Artistic and Specialty Fabric Patterns)
- Kente Patterns: Ghanaian woven cloth with symbolic stripes and vibrant colors. Read more about the history of Kente Cloth.(Category: Ethnic Patterns – African)
- Kilim Patterns: Geometric woven designs from the Middle East. (Category: Ethnic Patterns – Asian/Middle Eastern)
L
- Lattice Patterns: Crisscross designs resembling a trellis. (Category: Geometric Patterns)
M
- Majolica Pattern: Vibrant patterns inspired by Italian and Spanish ceramics, featuring florals, vines, and mythological themes. (Category: Artistic and Specialty Patterns)
- Mandala Patterns: Circular spiritual motifs symbolizing balance and unity. (Category: Ethnic Patterns – Asian)
- Medallion Patterns: Central motifs surrounded by symmetrical elements. (Category: Artistic and Specialty Patterns)
- Mexican Talavera Patterns: Bold ceramic-inspired floral and geometric designs. (Category: Ethnic Patterns – Central America)
- Moire Patterns: Ripple or wave effects creating a water-like texture. (Category: Miscellaneous Patterns)
- Mudcloth (Bogolanfini): Malian patterns created using fermented mud dyes. (Category: Ethnic Patterns – African)
N
- Navajo Patterns: Native American geometric motifs with earthy tones. Read more about Navajo rugs and blankets. (Category: Ethnic Patterns – American)
- Neon Abstracts: Bold, vibrant, modern designs with abstract shapes. (Category: Artistic and Specialty Patterns)
O
- Ombré Patterns: Gradual shading transitions between dark and light hues. (Category: Artistic and Specialty Patterns)
- Paisley Patterns: Teardrop-shaped motifs with intricate detailing. (Category: Artistic and Specialty Patterns)
- Peranakan Tile Patterns: Colorful floral or geometric motifs from Southeast Asia. (Category: Ethnic Patterns – Asian)
- Peruvian Patterns: Geometric and symbolic designs from Andean textiles, often in bold colors. (Category: Ethnic Patterns – South America)
- Pinstripes: Thin, closely spaced vertical stripes. (Category: Striped and Checked Patterns)
- Pixelated Patterns: Designs inspired by digital pixel grids. (Category: Modern and Digital Patterns)
- Plaid Patterns: Overlapping horizontal and vertical stripes. (Category: Striped and Checked Patterns)
- Quatrefoil Patterns: Four-lobed shapes resembling a four-leaf clover. (Category: Geometric Patterns)
- Rococo Patterns: Decorative, asymmetrical floral motifs from the 18th century. (Category: Artistic and Specialty Patterns)
- Scale Patterns: Overlapping arcs resembling fish or snake scales. (Category: Miscellaneous Fabric Patterns)
- Scandinavian Patterns: Simple, minimalist motifs such as rosemaling or nature-inspired designs. (Category: Ethnic Patterns – Northern Europe)
- Suzani Patterns: Vibrant Central Asian embroidery featuring floral and sunburst motifs, symbolizing health and prosperity. (Category: Ethnic Patterns – Central Asia)
- Swirl Patterns: Dynamic, flowing circular designs. (Category: Miscellaneous Patterns)
- Tattersall Patterns: Thin, evenly spaced checks in alternating colors. (Category: Striped and Checked Patterns)
- Toile de Jouy: Scenic and floral prints, often in single-color designs. (Category: Artistic and Specialty Patterns)
- Tree of Life Patterns: Stylized tree designs symbolizing growth and unity. (Category: Organic Patterns)
- Trellis Patterns: Interconnected geometric shapes resembling trelliswork. (Category: Geometric Patterns)
- Turkish Tile Patterns: Intricate geometric and floral motifs inspired by Ottoman art. (Category: Ethnic Patterns – Middle East, Artistic and Specialty Patterns)
- Wave Patterns: Repeating ocean-inspired motifs. (Category: Organic Patterns)
- Windowpane Patterns: Large square checks resembling window panes. (Category: Striped and Checked Patterns)
- Zigzag Patterns: Angular, continuous lines forming sharp turns. (Category: Geometric Patterns)
P
Q
R
S
T
W
Z
As we’ve explored, fabric patterns are a universal language that transcend cultures and time, shaping the way we see and experience the world. Let this encyclopedia of fabric patterns serve as a springboard for your creativity, helping you draw inspiration from the artistry and heritage they embody.
We would love to hear from you! Do you have a favorite pattern, a story about how patterns have inspired your work or home, or know another pattern that’s not in this list? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation!