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Writer's pictureCarolyn Quan Design

Beginner’s Guide to Textile Print Design Layouts



Welcome to the world of textile design! Whether you’re a budding designer or brand new to the industry, understanding the different types of print layouts is essential. This guide will introduce you to the most commonly used print layouts, helping you create beautiful and practical designs for your projects.



1. One-Way Layout:


In a one-way layout, all motifs face the same direction. This type of layout is ideal for designs where orientation matters, such as directional prints.


Example: A pattern with palm trees facing upwards.

One-Way Repeat Layout


2. Two-Way Layout:


In a one-way layout, all motifs face the same direction. This type of layout is ideal for designs where orientation matters, such as directional prints.


Example: A pattern with palm trees facing upwards and downwards.


Two-Way Repeat Layout


2. Multidirectional (or Tossed) Layout:


Motifs in a multidirectional layout face various directions, making the design versatile and easy to use in different applications.


Example: A pattern with palm trees pointing in all directions.


Multidirectional (Tossed) Repeat Layout


3. Placement Print:


Placement prints are designed to be placed in specific areas of the fabric, rather than repeating across the entire surface.

Example: A single plam motif is placed on the centre of a square pillow.


Placement print


4. Border Print:

Border prints feature motifs along the edges of the fabric, and they are often used for hems, cuffs, necklines, and other border areas.

Example: A dress with a floral border along the bottom hem.

Border print on bottom hem

Example: A dress with a floral border along the sleeve hem.


Border print on sleeve hem

Example: A dress with a floral border along the neckline.


Border print along neckline

5. All-Over Layout:


In an all-over layout, motifs are distributed evenly across the entire fabric, creating a seamless and continuous pattern that looks pleasing no matter how you cut it.


Example: A polka dot pattern covering the entire fabric.


All-over spot design


6. Block Repeat:


Block repeats involve motifs repeated in a grid-like fashion, either horizontally or vertically.


Example: An Indian-inspired, paisley block print pattern

Vertical paisley block print pattern


7. Half-Drop Repeat:


In a half-drop repeat, motifs are staggered vertically, creating a more dynamic and less rigid pattern.


Example: A pattern with vertically staggered rows of flowers.

Half-drop repeat pattern


8. Brick Repeat:


Brick repeats are similar to half-drop repeats but stagger motifs horizontally, resembling a brick wall.


Example: A pattern with motifs arranged like bricks in a wall.


Brick repeat pattern


Conclusion:


Understanding these basic print layouts will give you a solid foundation in textile and surface pattern design. Experiment with these layouts to find the perfect fit for your projects, and let your creativity shine!


Are you a surface pattern designer in need of technical guidance? I offer 1:1 coaching sessions and can teach you a few industry tricks in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. I also offer portfolio reviews and website or social media audits to help optimise your marketing presence.


Are you a fashion or lifestyle brand that needs help with textile prints and patterns? Get in touch here and ask about my textile design services, or shoot me an email at hello@carolynquan.design



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