Illustrator help: Making seamless pattern repeats

I spent most of this weekend working on starting to work on a portfolio of repeat patterns. These are patterns I wouldn't use for Rifferaff, but I would try to sell to agencies. It's fun to work in a different style and color palette than what I try to do with my own line. This whole world is very new to me, so new in fact that I need help on how to make a pattern! When I make patterns for silkscreening I know that my screen will be 18 x 24 so I just arrange the images on an 18 x 24 artboard in Illustrator and call it a day. When making patterns for sale, I have to make a repeating swatch that can be repeated infinitely and potentially be applied to products of any size. I know in theory how making a pattern repeat should work, but after much trial and error I just can't get my seams to line up. They're always off by a hair and it's making me crazy because when I tile the swatches there are always visible lines. Is there a magic step? Am I supposed to be using the grid and my math skills to measure? Or is there a special command in Illustrator for this purpose? Or does it just take lots of trial and error? Help in the comments section please!

Comments

[hollye]

Hello there.
I have a particular way of making patterns in Illustrator, but I've never written it out! I'd be happy to help, though.

In the meantime, I did find this link which has a suggestion on how to do it: http://www.bittbox.com/illustrator/how-to-make-a-perfect-seamless-vector-pattern/

Good luck!

[hollye]

Ps. I've also noticed that sometimes when I tile a swatch in Illustrator, on-screen it will look like there are visible lines between the tiles. But when I zoom in as much as possible on the supposed "line" and/or print it out, there really is no line. Its just a display/screen thing.

[rifferaff]

Hollye, thanks for the tip about zooming in on the seams. How frustrating if some of the patterns I trashed actually had been fine!
The link you sent looks like it would only work for a repeating geometric pattern (i.e. not a more complicated floral or paisley), but maybe not, I'll take another look.

[daisy janie]

Hi Shannon--
I would be happy to help you with your repeat issue. Just shoot me an email jan[at]daisyjanie[dot]com. Too much to write out in a comment box - plus I'm at the wrong computer in my house. :)

Did your software come with an instruction manual - I know that's a great starting point in the meantime.

Talk soon.

[Diana @ PleaseSir]

Hello - not sure if my last comment went through...I think it was too long! So, I'm going to send you an email. Biggest pattern dilemma to look out for - make sure the pattern doesn't stripe or form lines. I know in textiles we are fully warned of that! Sending some tutorial links your way...

[mommy]

http://suzanhill.files.wordpress.com/2007/02/seamlesspattern.pdf

Shannon Marie-
Read thru the steps posted on this site.
It may offer another approach.

[Diana]

Hope you received my email - also found this link today:

http://www.digitalartsonline.co.uk/features/index.cfm?FeatureID=1675

good luck!

[Maria]

You could check out this tutorial from Computer Arts mag in the UK (it is in my 'to read' pile).
http://www.computerarts.co.uk/tutorials/2d__and__photoshop/getting_printed_all_over
The pdf. tutorial is at the bottom.

[Liz]

The key to the repeat is the Bounding Box in Illustrator! Once you get that it's all lovely! Looks like you got plenty of offers for help, but feel free to e-mail me as well!

[rifferaff]

Diana, great link! Thanks, I didn't get your email though. I'm at shannon [dot] riffe [at] gmail [dot] com.

[Diana]

Just checking back and saw you didn't get the email - I re-sent it - hope it gets through this time!

[lala]

I have this exact same problem, it seems imposible for real seamless patterns on illustrator, and as you say theres always a tiny little line messing everything. I found a wonderful illustrator plug-in that might help you: SymmetryWorks. Its easy to use and very powerful, hope this helps.

[lala]

I have this exact same problem, it seems imposible for real seamless patterns on illustrator, and as you say theres always a tiny little line messing everything. I found a wonderful illustrator plug-in that might help you: SymmetryWorks. Its easy to use and very powerful, hope this helps.

[lala]

I have this exact same problem, it seems imposible for real seamless patterns on illustrator, and as you say theres always a tiny little line messing everything. I found a wonderful illustrator plug-in that might help you: SymmetryWorks. Its easy to use and very powerful, hope this helps.

[Air Jordan 9]

Don't save the date because you're not invited, that made me LOL:)

That's a good idea if ever I get married I'm going to borrow it. I can't see me spending loads of money on a wedding at this age so just a few close people in a setting we'd both enjoy would be great.

[shazia]

Hi i want your help to make seamless repeat pattern in illustrator. kindly help me. thanks. shazia