When you begin your redecorating journey, it may seem like there is an endless variety of different pattern styles to choose from. From curtains to quilts, sheets to shower curtains, or even for sewing, you are likely to come across plenty of print names – some of which you may not know. While plaid and stripes are easy to remember, other designs like ikat and toile might not ring a bell. Read on to learn about the basic types of fabric patterns, so you can confidently update your home and create just the mood you are looking for.

In this guide:
Types of Fabric Patterns: Simple Patterns
Frequently Asked Questions

Types of Fabric Patterns: Simple Patterns

Chevron

Chevron is a fun fabric pattern made up of large zigzag stripes. The stripes are often made of two contrasting, alternating colors like white and bright red. It is a versatile pattern that works with a range of styles, from traditional to modern, and its sharp, geometric lines provide a great contrast to more organic patterns. Try decorating your outdoor seating area with chevron throw pillows to add some lively fun.

Polka Dot

Polka-dot patterns consist of same-size, evenly spaced dots on a solid background. The dots can be very big or very small, and they are usually white on a colored background. Polka dots are typically very cheerful and can serve as a great accent piece in almost any-style home. Polka dots also look great in a child’s bedroom – try a polka-dot bedspread for a cheerful expression.

Striped

The striped fabric pattern is one of the most basic decor elements, consisting of long, parallel lines next to one another. Some striped patterns include simple stripes of the same width, while others incorporate stripes of differing widths to add visual interest. Stripes look great in any home and pair well with different patterns. Try upholstering your kitchen nook with a striped fabric and accenting the space with throw pillows of a different pattern.

Plaid & Checkered

Plaid: Originating in Scotland, plaid is a type of pattern consisting of overlapping horizontal and vertical stripes, commonly found in clothing as well as Christmas ornaments. These stripes form a distinctive checked pattern, usually punctuated with thin stripes in a bright color. Plaid works well in a rustic, traditional, or country-cottage home. For instance, try plaid valances above your kitchen windows to add some cheer to the space.

Checkered: Checkered patterns consist of side-by-side squares in alternating colors, creating a simple yet striking effect. Like plaid, checkered fabric suits with many styles, particularly country-cottage, rustic, and transitional homes. For a mix of both styles, try a gingham tablecloth to transport you and your family to an Italian cafe for dinner!

Houndstooth

Houndstooth is a popular pattern type that is also known as "pied de poul" or "foot of the chicken" because of how it resembles one of the bird's claws. It is an eye-catching textile pattern made by alternating bands of four dark and four light threads in both the weft and warp of the fabric. The design features two over and two under the warp to create the jagged check shape houndstooth is renowned for. The most common color combination of this pattern is black and white but there are many other two-tone options available to choose from.

Tip!

Since you have access to our many different pattern styles and types, you may find ourself are interested in getting into sewing, read our guides How to Use a Sewing Machine: A Beginner's Guide and Your Guide to the Types of Sewing Machines, to delve into the world of tailoring.

Types of Fabric Patterns: Detailed Patterns

Paisley

The vintage-style paisley fabric pattern consists of embellished, floral teardrop shapes, usually in springlike colors. Paisley can make a big difference in your decor – try using this retro pattern to add texture to a contemporary living room, or a bold paisley shower curtain to add character to a bathroom.

Geometric

Geometric prints involve the use of simple and abstract shapes to create a pattern. These types of patterns involve shapes that can be mixed or matched, overlapped or spread out, and placed regularly or randomly. Geometric patterns tend to work best in contemporary, art deco, and mid-century modern homes. Try a cool geometric-patterned bathroom rug to bring bathroom decor in line with the rest of a modern home.

Animal Print

Animal-print fabric depicts animal fur and skin patterns. Some common patterns include snakeskin print, tiger print, zebra print, and cow print. These pattern types are found in natural hues and brightly colored variations. Animal-print fabric works well in a glam or rustic home (especially if you have an African-inspired theme) – for example, silver-and-white leopard-print accent pillows will glam up your living room, while a cow-print throw may be exactly what your rustic bedroom needs.

Graphic Print

Graphic prints tend to involve the repetition of a small illustration or text, forming a pattern. These prints range greatly in style, and tend to suit kids bedrooms (patterns involving trucks, puppies, fairies, etc.), glam-styled homes (patterns involving the Eiffel Tower, cursive text, etc.) and rustic homes (patterns involving log cabins, horses, wildlife, etc.).

Types of Fabric Patterns: Intricate Designs

Damask

Damask is a thick woven fabric pattern with a repeating floral pattern visible on both sides. Damask has Chinese origins and has long been viewed as a luxury fabric. While technically not a pattern, damask-style patterns can be printed onto fabric or wallpaper for an affordable alternative to woven damask. Damask fabric is typically traditional in style (even found in medieval dress), but modern updates with bright colors can work well in a transitional or contemporary home. An example of damask’s versatility is damask wallpaper, which makes an elegant statement in homes of both styles.

Floral

Floral patterns vary greatly in style – from monochromatic to colorful, and from repeated patterns to abstract designs. Whatever your style is, you will likely find flowers to match your home. Most floral patterns fit easily into traditional and country-cottage styles, but can also be used to introduce texture and pops of color to contemporary homes. Try floral curtains in your bedroom to brighten and feminize the space.

Ikat

Ikat is a traditional Indonesian fabric patterned by tie-dyeing threads before weaving begins. Ikat fabric patterns vary, but most involve the repetition of ornate diamond shapes. Ikat fabric is very difficult to produce and can be quite costly – if you like the look of ikat, you can also buy fabric with a printed ikat pattern. Ikat is commonly found in traditional homes, but can be adapted to contemporary styles as an accent piece or in bright colors. Try two ikat-patterned chairs in your living room to add unexpected texture to the space.

Toile

Toile is a French design pattern that consists of a detailed scene in one color printed several times on a plain background. The most common color scheme for toile art is blue illustration on a white background. This pattern works extremely well in traditional and French-country homes, and can also add an unexpected twist to a transitional home. For example, try using toile to wallpaper an accent wall in your bedroom.

Tip!

For more decorating advice, check out our guide Color Palette Ideas for Living Rooms, Bedrooms, & More.