This is my second class on the new Pattern Preview Tool in Photoshop. In the first class, The New Pattern Preview in Photoshop 2021, I showed you all the ins-and-outs of creating a standard grid repeat pattern using hand drawn motifs. It turned out fine, but I really wanted to be able to do a half drop, so I put my thinking cap on, and I have figured out the best way to get around it! I covered the basics in the other class with the Pattern Preview, and I talked about the similarities to the now defunct Adobe Textile Designer. Now, in this class, Seamless Half Drop Repeat and Exploring Colorways, I will show you my strategy to create the half drop, but that’s not all.

Firstly, while Selective Color layers allow you to adjust to the same range of hues, they also allow you add color to white, gray and black areas. Secondly, while Hue/Saturation only allows you to switch hues and then adjust the saturation and lightness, Selective Color allows you to add and subtract color values, giving a finer control over the resulting hue. I give you a test document and walk you through the experimentation that gives you the fundamental skills you need in order to use Selective Color effectively. And, I give you the use of the motifs I have prepared for these classes. By the end of the class, you should have 3 viable colorways. 

The last step in the process is preparing the file for clients, uploading to POD sites, and creating Sell Sheets. I am saving this for another class that will complete this series of 3. In that class, I will explain how to extract the single tile for the half drop repeat in a format suitable for professional use and I will show you how to upload to Spoonflower and POD sites. Watch for Seamless Repeat Swatch Export Using Pattern Preview in Photoshop 2021 (coming soon).

Thanks so much for being part of this epic process of planning and executing a 3 part series.

The key concepts I will include:

• laying out a pattern using a bunch of loose motifs


• how to watch for design problems like banding and inconsistent spacing


• discovery and adventure in creating a half-drop


• approaches you can take in adding interest and variety to your pattern design

This is a great course for you to take no matter what the purpose for the pattern you create. Approach this course with an open mind and heart, and you will create something striking!