How to Design a Pattern Collection (Without the Overwhelm)
Have you ever started a single pattern and thought, “This would make such a gorgeous collection…”?
Designing a pattern collection can feel exciting… until it starts to feel overwhelming. But don’t worry, you don’t need a giant 12-piece portfolio to get noticed. In fact, smaller collections can be even more impactful (and manageable).
Let’s walk through how I like to create collections, step by step, and why mini collections have become my go-to as a busy creative.
✨ Why Pattern Collections Matter (Even Small Ones!)
A well-thought-out collection:
Brings cohesion to your portfolio
Shows art directors you understand how collections work and how this can translate across products
Makes it easier to pitch, license, or upload to platforms like Spoonflower
But here's the thing: you only need large collections if you’re designing for fabric. Outside of fabric (think: stationery, wallpaper, home decor), a collection of 3–4 designs is usually plenty.
This smaller size is perfect for avoiding overwhelm, especially if you're still growing your skills, building your portfolio, or working in short bursts of creative time.
Step 1: Choose Your Theme + Colour Palette
Start with a simple idea:
Nature: wildflowers, ocean animals, garden bugs
Everyday magic: market day, slow mornings, rainy walks
A mood: retro optimism, neutral calm, playful colour
Then choose 4–5 colours to work with. Limiting your palette keeps the collection looking cohesive and helps simplify decision fatigue.
Step 2: Define Your Hero, Secondary & Blender Prints
Your collection doesn’t all need to be bold. In fact, variety is the goal:
Hero Print – your most detailed, eye-catching design
Secondary Print(s) – simpler or with fewer elements
Blender/Coordinate – a soft texture or shape-based print that fills space beautifully
Even with just 3–4 designs, this structure gives your collection balance and flexibility.
Step 3: Sketch + Build Around a Core Motif
I like to begin with the most exciting idea first, usually the hero print. From there, I pull smaller elements (like a leaf, texture, or motif) to create supporting prints.
Work in stages:
Sketch or paint your motifs
Digitise and clean them up
Build your hero pattern
Repurpose elements into new layouts
Step 4: Keep It Mini, and Manageable
Let’s talk real-life for a second: a 12-piece collection is a lot of work. Especially if you're:
Creating mockups
Uploading to Spoonflower or another POD
Sharing on Pinterest, Instagram, and email
That’s why I stick with mini collections, just 3 or 4 designs.
4 patterns x 3 colourways = 12 designs
That’s 12 designs to promote, license, and share, without burnout.
How I Preview My Collections
Once I’ve got my patterns made, I create a sell sheet to preview the full set together. It’s like a visual mood board, one page that shows:
The patterns side by side
How the colours flow
Whether the scales and styles feel balanced
This step is such a sanity-saver! It helps me spot gaps or tweaks before I start uploading or sharing publicly.
Real Talk: How I Do It (Nap Times + Bite-Sized Sessions)
When I first started building collections, I had a preschooler and baby at home and a product-based business to run. My art practice happened during nap times, late evenings, or 10-minute windows of “free” time.
Mini collections became my secret weapon. They:
Fit into my schedule
Helped me consistently add artwork to my portfolio
Made creative time feel doable instead of overwhelming
Your Simple Mini Collection Plan
Monday Pick a theme + colour palette
Tuesday Sketch your hero motif
Wednesday Build your hero pattern
Thursday Create 1–2 secondary/blender prints
Friday Make a quick sell sheet
Saturday Apply 3 colourways + export mockups
Before you know it, you’ve got a full collection ready to share, pin, pitch, or print.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a giant, fabric-sized collection to make an impact. Start small. Design with intention. Keep your process light and joyful.
A thoughtful mini collection can still tell a beautiful story, build your portfolio, and move your creative practice forward.
You’ve got this.
Tell me in the comments:
What theme are you dreaming of for your next mini collection?
Would a free sell sheet template help you? Let me know, I might just share mine soon. 😉
