How to Make Check Pattern in Illustrator
Creating a check pattern in Adobe Illustrator can be a fun and rewarding project, whether you’re a graphic designer, artist, or simply someone looking to add a unique touch to your work. Check patterns, also known as plaid patterns, are a classic design element that can be used in various applications, from fashion to home decor. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of creating a check pattern in Illustrator, step by step.
Step 1: Set Up Your Workspace
Before you start creating your check pattern, it’s essential to set up your workspace in Illustrator. Open a new document, and make sure the units are set to pixels or points, depending on your preference. The size of your document will depend on the intended use of the pattern, but a standard 800×800 pixels or 6×6 inches is a good starting point.
Step 2: Create the Check Pattern Shape
To create the check pattern, you’ll need to draw two shapes that will serve as the basis for your pattern. These shapes should be simple and symmetrical. Start by drawing a rectangle and a square, both with a stroke and no fill. Make sure the rectangle is slightly larger than the square to allow for the overlap that creates the check pattern.
Step 3: Arrange the Shapes
Once you have your shapes, arrange them on the artboard. You can use the Align panel to ensure that the shapes are perfectly aligned. For a classic check pattern, place the square in the upper-left corner of the rectangle and then duplicate the square to the right and below it, maintaining the same alignment.
Step 4: Create a Pattern Brush
With the shapes in place, select both shapes and go to the Brushes panel. Click on the New Brush button and choose “Pattern Brush.” This will create a new pattern brush based on the selected shapes. Illustrator will prompt you to define the pattern brush, so click “OK” to proceed.
Step 5: Edit the Pattern Brush
After creating the pattern brush, you can edit it to fine-tune the check pattern. Double-click on the brush to open the Pattern Brush Options dialog box. Here, you can adjust the spacing between the squares and the overall size of the pattern. Experiment with different values to achieve the desired effect.
Step 6: Apply the Pattern Brush
With your pattern brush ready, you can now apply it to any object in your Illustrator document. Simply select the object, click on the pattern brush in the Brushes panel, and the object will be filled with the check pattern.
Step 7: Save Your Pattern
Once you’re satisfied with your check pattern, save it as a separate file for future use. You can also export the pattern as an image file for use in other design software or applications.
In conclusion, creating a check pattern in Illustrator is a straightforward process that can be easily customized to suit your design needs. By following these steps, you’ll be able to add a classic and versatile design element to your projects in no time. Happy designing!
