The Complete Pattern Directory: 1500 Designs from All Ages and Cultures

If you create patterns for graphic design this is the book for you. This book covers so many different types of designs, styles and time periods. This is one of my favorite books for pattern making, I always find inspiration in this book. I can't recommend this book enough, not to mention it's a beautiful book.

If you’re on the fence about this book, I say go for it! It’s a beautifully printed book, filled cover to cover with color pictures of patterns both traditional and modern. While its title says it’s complete, as other reviewers have noted it’s not a tremendously multi-cultural book. That said, for the price point especially, it’s a very worthwhile spend for a pattern enthusiast or artist looking for inspiration. I am an artist and know I will return to this reference book again and again seeking inspiration for color combinations, motifs, etc. It’s just a lovely book and a useful reference.

I am a new surface pattern designer and I wanted to have a reference to look at for inspiration and ideas and this has been amazing. I reference it daily. Not only is this book HUGE and heavy it must weight 10 pounds, (you can get a nice workout with it for sure) but it is filled to the brim with information about the history of surface patterns and beautiful historical art. I love flipping thru to see color choices and motifs and usually can create something of my own after spending a few minutes feeling inspired by others work. I love that it is organized into categories like animals or abstract which can be helpful if I am looking for an idea in a specific area, but most of the time I just randomly will pick a page a start reading and flipping. It is a beautiful book worthy of a space on your coffee table or desk. My boyfriend loves it too, we both enjoy looking thru it regularly and keep it handy. We haven’t found a true home for this book yet because it is always out and being used. If you are looking for a reference guide this is it.

Fantastic broad collection. Couldn’t ask for more! I’ll be using this book for reference & inspiration for the rest of my life. Excellent photography & historical background. Images large & clear enough to be truly instructive.

While this book does have 1500 patterns. And there is good variety amongst them. The patterns are mainly from the United Kingdom. There are about 10% patterns from other countries but 90% I would say are UK patterns. So this is a very British book and if you want a sample of patterns from around the world this is not the book. Many of the "UK patterns" are clearly from other cultures. Still, for $25 I think it was worth it and there are some wonderfully designs. The title is a misnomer tho.

Amazing book and amazing price for the content 😍 Great for people who make various art projects: mixed media, collage ,art journal, paper crafts, mark making…etc

Wow, a real encyclopedia of patterns. Can’t wait to flip through every page for palettes and sheer inspiration…. Just what I wanted for my art library. My only issue is how heavy the book is. Like crazy heavy. But oh well. It is loaded with pattern choices. And I can use it to flatten artwork. A bonus, haha

OMG. This book is over the top! After getting The Handbook of Regular Patters which I love, but is in black and white, then I get blasted with color! This book takes it to a whole different level! Wow! I have an interior designer friend. I will suggest this book. It might be hard to find the exact matches tho since many come from years ago. Many designers are highlighted too. This book is a thrill. Have Bitten By Witch Fever which mainly shows wallpaper made with arsenic. It’s much more limited. This book spans the entire globe. It is a virtual trip around the world telling when and where the fabric swatches were obtained. It’s just fascinating. I am just an artist looking for design ideas. I need a sabbatical to have time to get through this book! Highly recommended. I’m so sorry photos are not coming up. Just buy it. You will see.

Beim zweiten Anlauf hat es funktioniert und ich bekam ein schönes Buch. Das erste war leider völlig auseinandergefallen und bestand tatsächlich nur aus losen Einzelteilen, was typisch zu sein scheint für dieses Patterndesignbuch. Auch andere Leser haben schon davon berichtet. Aber Ende gut, alles gut und das Weihnachtsgeschenk macht viel Freude. Der Umtauschdienst von Amazon war serviceorientiert, freundlich und schnell, einfach topp. Das Buch hätte ich mir im lokalen Buchladen lieber gekauft, weil ich gern local support mache, aber da war es leider nicht lieferbar. Nun zum Buch selbst: Die Fülle an Bildern, Informationen ist begeisternd, inspirierend, schlauer machend. Einfach nur genial!

Se lo compré a mi amiga pintora y le gustó mucho.

Pour ma culture personnelle superbe livre superbes couleurs et images

Diretório visual riquíssimo. O livro pesado, que conta com impressão de altíssima qualidade, possui uma luva que protege a capa dura original texturizada. Com certeza um item obrigatório para profissionais das áreas de moda, design, estamparia e têxtil, principalmente para buscar referências e aumentar o repertório. Recomendo!

bel volume fotografico da collezione per chi ama le carte da parati.