#pattern maker

Patchwork Babydoll Dress Knit and Crochet Pattern

Etsy

Hey texture explorers! 💫

You know that moment when you're staring at your pattern design thinking "why doesn't this look like the ones I love on Pinterest?" Yeah, we've been there too (like, a lot 😅). After countless hours of trying to figure out why our designs felt... flat, we finally cracked it: TEXTURE.

We're not talking about those overwhelming, over-the-top textures that scream "I just discovered filters!" We mean those subtle, gorgeous details that make digital patterns feel alive. You know the ones!

Here's what we've learned on our texture journey (and we're still learning!):

→ Sometimes the smallest grain makes the biggest difference

→ Abstract textures aren't as scary as they look

→ Gradient textures? Total game-changer

→ Those "happy accidents" with mixed media often turn out to be the best designs

We've put together everything we wish someone had told us when we started - all the trials, errors, and tiny victories that got us here. Because honestly? We're all figuring this out together, and that's what makes it fun!

✨ Check out our full guide here: https://design2repeat.com/texture-in-digital-pattern-design

I’ve been wanting this program for a while. From using the free Pattern Maker Viewer I’ve come to realize that this program does just about everything I want to do. So when tax season came around and we had a little extra money, I asked my husband if I could get it (he keeps track of the finances) and I got the green light.

Then I go to the website to find that the company that makes it (Hobbyware) shut down in December of 2019. There was no way to purchase a copy from them. There was a note on their site that mentioned they were trying to decide whether to make the software opensource at some point, so kept checking back, hoping that was the case.

Imagine my surprise when I stumbled across the software, available in CD format, on Amazon!

OMG!!

I’m guessing there was a supply of the physical program at a warehouse or something and they’re just selling the leftovers.

Anywho, if anyone has been wanting a copy of Hobbyware’s Pattern Maker for cross stitch, it’s available at Amazon for about $45 US. After installing there are updates still available on the Hobbyware website.

“John Wood” acrylic on wood by Bianca Green