Creating geometric patterns for fabric design

Some patterns, like geometric ones, withstand the test of time. Are you looking for a fabric pattern for a fashionable garment, or do you want to transform your home? You'll find a wealth of choices in every aspect of geometric design.

The geometric fabric pattern selection is a timeless source of branding and fashion inspiration. And with modern printing techniques becoming more sustainable, the selection of options for printing a geometric pattern on fabric is infinitesimal… and green.

If you’re feeling creative, you can combine different simple geometric shapes and produce a variety of innovative, exclusive patterns on fabric. At maake, we will print your geometric pattern onto your choice of fabric. We will transform your creation into personal branding and a magnificent reality. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, so it goes without saying that we print sustainably onto fabric, too.

Don’t think of a geometric design as old-fashioned. Feel free to experiment with different types of fabric patterns to your heart’s content. Come up with a unique geometric pattern for your fabric that tells a very modern story, a geometric pattern that works as well in interior design as it does on a fashion garment.

What is a geometric pattern?

Geometric patterns feature different mathematical objects, shapes or elements such as lines, squares, a triangle and a circle. These shapes are often repeated, either regularly or they are asymmetrical. Either way, they create a more abstract pattern. Cubism is an example of this type of design and the word 'Cubism' describes an early 20^th century art movement that used geometric cube patterns and shapes in art and design.

Geometry is a branch of mathematics that features different patterns with forms, angles, curves and lines.

There are 5 basic geometric shapes to use: 

• Circle
• Rectangle
• Rhombus
• Square
• Trapezoid.

Other geometric shapes that are used to create a form include rectangles, ovals, hexagons, octagons, diamonds and stars.

The history of geometric patterns

• The Greeks were one of the earliest civilisations to use geometric shapes on fabrics and in art and sculpture. 
• Muslim civilisations also used geometric pattern extensively. In fact, over 1,000 years ago, geometrics were often used in Islamic art vegetal pieces and architecture. In this period Islamic art included delicate decorative geometric motifs, often in a vibrant color that had specific meanings relating to the universe and its creation.
• In the Ottoman Empire (13^th century), architect and civil engineer Mimar Sinan used art to create geometrically shaped buildings including the famous Suleymaniye Mosque.
• Other buildings created in a geometric design were built around the world, from the Alhambra Palace in Spain and the Alhambra in Granada to Uzbekistan’s Samarkand Mosque.
• Later in the early 20^th century, the Dutch graphic artist Escher was famous for his pattern geometric styles featured in woodcuts, lithographs and other geometric masterpieces.
• Today, in the 21^st century, clothing and interior designers are creating minimalist geometric patterns that are modern, eye-catching and beautiful. These days, you can be completely individual in your fabric pattern choices, and create simple geometric pattern examples that are as individual as you are. 

Geometric fabric designs for interiors

It's believed that strong lines are mostly featured in interior geometric styles, but this is not the case. Geometric interior patterns can be extremely versatile. They can feature everything from angular squares and rectangles to hexagons and smooth arcs and circles. 

Geometric patterns can either be 2- or 3-dimensional (3-dimensional geometric design is currently very popular). 

These geometric styles include:

• Triangle patterns This dynamic geometric design is energising. It’s best to use different types of triangles sparingly in one space.
• Square patterns Squares appear in a lot of the furniture in a room and in homeware accessories – side tables, mirrors, carpets and cushions are often square or cube-shaped. If you add a square fabric pattern to soft furnishings, you can create unity with your geometric design.
• Hectagonal patterns A hexagon in a furniture or fabric pattern is still considered more creative and daring than regular geometric forms. Use this type of pattern in modern fabric design for an innovative effect and see how it changes the atmosphere in the room from drab to exciting.
• Circlular patterns Again, circular furniture and accessories (tables, carpets, mirrors, etc) can set the tone for another circular pattern to follow on fabric. You can even mix circular and other free geometric shapes for creating lots of interest. What works particularly well is strong-lined geometric styles blended with circular shapes that create a sense of balance.

Styling geometric shapes for interiors

• Keep the architecture in mind before you add geometric styles on décor pieces: Consider the floor tiles or carpet textures, walls, stairs, doorways and ceilings. These could all have geometric forms that you need to consider in the overall effect when you transform your décor.

• Keep the look cohesive: Don’t use too many different geometric forms. Rather select a simple and cohesive geometric pattern that will be eye-catching without being too busy.
• Try to stick to one type of geometric pattern shape: If you’re choosing squares or rectangles, for instance, keep to one geometric shape. Don’t mix them up a bit or you could lose the design thread. Keeping it simple always works best.
• If you do mix geometric pattern shapes, make sure the effect is subtle: Choose a soft color or a combination that works without looking too busy.
• You can mix geometric shapes with every type of décor: Think carefully about the style and placement of patterns on décor and accessories. If the geometric shape checks all the boxes, keep it. If it doesn’t work, discard it. 
• Remember: circular pattern shapes go well with traditional décor patterns and shapes: This is a great rule of thumb. In addition, arcs and circles are soft and simple to use.
• By nature, simple geometric pattern forms are more modern: But if you think out of the box, you can combine old and new geometric shapes together by using texture and soft, neutral colors.

5 ways to make this pattern design work in your home

Work out a balance of geometric and other types of patterns in your home décor. Then make sure the pattern adds the impact and atmosphere you’re after. 

maake’s creative experts show you some simple ways to do this:

1. Consider color and scale carefully in a geometric pattern. If you choose soft, muted shades and shapes for your geometric pattern you can produce a balanced, sophisticated look. If you prefer vibrant colors and a large-scale pattern, the result will be bold, even playful. The great thing about geometric patterns is that there are so many different ones to choose from, giving you a wide range of décor choices and themes. For some inspiration, read our go-to guide on colors for your fabrics here. Then order your handy ColorAtlas!
2. What is the function of the room? Depending on which geometric pattern you choose, you can produce symmetry, rhythm, calm or balance. So it all depends on what you’re trying to achieve with the décor. If you’re after a tranquil atmosphere for a study or reading nook, for example, don’t choose jarring geometric pattern forms or color templates. The same applies to an exuberant playroom or child’s bedroom: make it bold, bright, cheerful and fun. Don’t overpower the space with too many pattern shapes and colors – less is always more. 
3. Keep it balanced. Make sure to balance a geometric pattern or shape; this will make a room look great and also give it a distinctive personality. How to do this: balance the hard lines found in rectangular tables, carpets and paintings with soft shapes and circles. And don’t be afraid to be creative with ornaments, vases and flowers. Feel free to experiment – make a mood board on Canva or Illustrator, or choose a free image from Unsplash. You don’t have to stick to a simple template.
4. Use color creatively. It’s not just about the shape of ornaments, furniture and pattern. The color background also tells a story. A neutral background gives a room a seamless sophisticated look, whilst vibrant shades up the energy content. Check out our color guide for digital printing.
5. Think about the pattern scale. For a bold statement, go big. For a subtle effect, keep the pattern small and dainty. You can collect geometric prints and mix them, but remember to keep them in the same shades or color so that the geometric pattern doesn’t compete with another. Use highlights to create a statement, like an eye-catching centrepiece on a table, or an HD accent wall in a room.

Remember: whether you’re using geometric patterns in the wallpapers, on the fabric pattern for upholstery or soft furnishings, or in the furniture pieces themselves, you can produce a graphic quality that can be as modern and individual as you are.

Geometry in fashion design

Those in fashion design love playing with geometric styles and other types of patterns to add freshness to a new creation. Geometrics such as plaids, squares, checkerboards, tartan and gingham patterns appear again and again on the runways. These timeless patterns may change size and colour, but they show up every season in some manifestation or another.

Geometric patterns develop a completely different personality depending on the fabric you choose. Texture changes them and the way they drape on the body. You can print geometric patterns on any type of fabric. However, brocade is often used for fashion clothing to produce a luxurious look and feel. 

The design itself can depict different types of patterns and types of inspiration, depending on whether it’s simple or repeated. Squares, stripes, circles and rectangle patterns change the way a garment looks on different men’s and women’s body shapes. These patterns can also give the garment a traditional, modern or eclectic edge.

Think about it: you find geometric shapes in every clothing design… There are V-necks, scalloped or circular skirts, asymmetrical patterns, square collars – the list goes on and on. 

Whether they are eye-catching or understated, a geometric pattern can make the wearer feel confident.

Create geometrics in the fashion business

1. Keep it subtle: Don’t use too many different patterns together for business wear. Rather use geometrics as accent patterns, to draw attention to one part of the body or to a particular area of a garment, say the waist, or the collar.  
2. Think about your body shape: If you’re tall and skinny, you can choose a bolder, larger geometric print. If you want to look slimmer, choose a diagonal pattern. Emphasise a gorgeous décolleté or golden tan with a bold geometric pattern, and choose a soft colour for the lower half of your body.
3. A pattern choice for formal or workwear: For business clothing, choose geometric patterns in a soft colour for the office, or try square checks or dotted cotton fabric in summer for dresses and blouses.
4. When stripes look best: Vertical stripes and patterns on clothing will elongate your body and make you look taller and slimmer. Many women choose clothing with blue and white stripes to add a professional touch to business wear. This also elongates the look. Avoid horizontal stripes and patterns wherever possible, as they will make you look wider. 
5. Remember this rule when choosing geometrics in your studio: Always keep it simple when choosing these types of patterns. Don’t choose an entire business outfit that is sewin using a geometric pattern. Rather accentuate one garment (say, a skirt, pants or a blouse) with a pattern and keep the rest of the outfit in a plain fabric. And don’t go wild with accessories. Keep these to a minimum, too. Geometrics are busy enough.

Let’s get technical

Now it’s time to print your pattern digitally onto your fabric. Read our inspirational guide on digital fabric printing, then go ahead with your geometric pattern:

Choose your fabric before you design patterns

Order a fabric sample book to see what your fabric will look like when we’ve printed your patterns on it for you.

Create your own art patterns

At maake, it’s simple to produce your own geometric fabric patterns

1. Select Your File

Before you upload your design file, make sure it’s in an appropriate format for use. It needs to be either a TIFF, JPG, PNG or GIF. Also, the file must be less than 40MB (150 Dpi recommended). Remember: Your file will remain private and confidential unless you actively choose to produce a store and sell patterns online.

Button: Upload File

2. Confirm Copyright

We have to abide by the legalities, which is protecting the IP rights of designers. maake supports the creativity of individual artists and design practitioners. It is a violation of our terms of service to upload images of patterns that infringe on others’ Intellectual Property Rights. This includes copyright, trademarks and design rights.

Click the block that reads: 

I own the rights or have permission to use this image. I accept maake's terms of service.

3. Upload Your Pattern

Click below to upload your design to the site (a large pattern can take up to 5 minutes).

Button: Upload File

If you prefer…

You can also choose from a wide selection of 15,300 different patterns from independent artists that include a wide selection of geometric patterns and designs.

Browse our extensive design library free and download your choice of geometric patterns