A follower asked me recently:

How do I know which trends are now current in repeat pattern design and textile design? Where should I look for them?

This is an interesting topic so I decided to cover the 3 top ways that I use to research textile design and repeat pattern design trends in the video above.

Here are my top 3 methods of pattern design trend research that I use regularly:

Method 1: Shutterstock Trend Infographic 

Link for 2018 trends here. I am a microstock designer so knowing microstock trends are very important for me. One of my favorite microstock websites Shutterstock publishes their yearly trend forecast and they have a section on pattern trends. Important to note that Microstock trends sometimes differ from mainstream or high fashion trends.

Method 2: Websites of Manufacturers and Stores

I visit websites of a few different stores and look at their textile items to see current trends. Here are the two I suggest in the video, throw pillow sections:

Target throw pillows.

Anthropologie throw pillows.

You can customize the links to the section of the market that you are most interested in designing for (kids clothing, handbags, etc.)

Method 3: Pinterest search

I show you how I research current trends using Pinterest. I used “Home decor throw pillows” search phrase in this case.

home decor throw
pillows Pinterest pattern trend research

BONUS TIME! 🙂

I also created a PDF bonus list of my best Pinterest searches that in my experience provide the best, most current repeat pattern trend inspiration and ideas and I am sharing it with you below.

★ BONUS WORKBOOK: GROW YOUR PATTERN PORTFOLIO 15x FASTER: Want to learn my system for growing your repeat pattern portfolio 15x faster? Request my bonus workbook.

I hope this video has been helpful with your pattern design and textile design trends research and I now have a better idea how to research current repeat pattern trends.

Which pattern trend from the current year you enjoy the most? Please share in the comments below 🙂