To Create A Four-Way (Full) Repeat - Photoshop

This works best with a design that has been created in a square file (eg 2000 x 2000) pixels

• Duplicate the Image File

• Name and Save (Tiff format if used for Digital Fabric Printers)

• Go to Image Size and ensure the Pixel Dimensions (width and height located at the top of the dialogue box) finish with an even number (eg. width 3224 height 3222) – this is important if the Repeat is going to work accurately.

• Select All > Edit Copy but do not Paste

• Make a note of the Pixel Dimensions before proceeding

• Use the Offset Filter to create the Repeat, go to Filter > Other > Offset

• Refer to the Pixel Dimension recorded previously and now divide each number in half > enter the numbers in the width and height dialog boxes respectively and ensure the Wrap–around option is ticked > click OK to complete the action.

• The Image has now been divided both horizontally and vertically, leaving a seam in the centre which now needs to be filled and blended to complete the design. To do this either:

A - Copy and Paste selections from the rest of the design or the original image to build over the seam.

B - Edit Paste the original copy made previously and apply a Layer Mask (Layer > Layer Mask > Hide All) which can be painted in using a soft brush and the default back and foreground colours of Black (paints in) and White (erases)

Whichever method applied care must be taken not to go to the outer edges of the file as this will alter the repeat

• The repeat is now complete. Select All > Edit > Define Pattern to make a Swatch of the Repeat.

• To test the Repeat, create a new blank file and Edit > Fill > select Pattern Swatch.

Creating smooth, seamless (and interesting) repeats requires time and patience!

To Create A Simple Motif Repeat (e.g. Polka Dot) - Photoshop

• Go to File Menu > New > Custom > Set Values to 1cm x 1cm 300dpi > click OK

• Select a Colour from the Colour Swatch Palette

• Go to Edit Menu > Fill

• Go to the Layers Menu > New Layer > Click OK

• Choose a contrasting colour from the Colour Swatch Palette

• Go to the Toolbar and click on the Ellipse Tool

• Begin to draw a circle or dot. Note: hold down the Shift Key as you draw to keep the object in proportion - a perfect circle rather than an ellipse. Take care not to draw up to the edges of the File - the space around the dot is going to make up the background colour for the repeat).

• Use Rulers and Guides and centre the dot allowing equal areas of colour all around.

• Go to Layers Menu > Flatten Layers

• Select All > Edit > Copy (but do not Paste)

• Go to Image Menu > make a note of the pixel dimensions (for a 1cm x 1cm file this should be 118 x 118) this figure will need to be divided in the next step.

• Go to Filter Menu > scroll to Other > Offset

• Set the Horizontal Value to 0

• Set the Vertical Value to 59 (half of 118) > click OK

• The file should now appear with equal halves at top and bottom (this is the first stage of the Repeat)

• Go to Image Menu > Canvas Size

• The canvas size is going to be extended to the right only to allow completion of the repeat

• Change the Horizontal value option from CM to Percentage and type in 200 (the vertical value remains unchanged)

• Before clicking OK set the position of the Canvas by clicking on the Centre Left box on the centre row > now click OK.

• Go to View Menu > check Snap is set to ON

• Go to Edit Menu > Paste

• The original copy will be pasted into the extended canvas

• Use the Move Tool to align and position if required

• Go to Layers Menu > Flatten Image

• Go to Select Menu > Select All

• Go to Edit Menu > Define Pattern name as DOT1

• Create a new file eg. A4 size

• Select All > Edit Fill > Pattern > scroll to find Pattern DOT1 click OK

• The file should now be filled with your repeat tile.

Practice with other colour-ways and simple motifs to create your own pattern resources.