This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we may earn commission for qualifying purchases. See our disclaimer for more information.

The argyle pattern, with its distinctive diamond shapes and intersecting lines, has captivated fashion enthusiasts and design aficionados for decades. Originating from the tartan patterns of Scotland, the argyle pattern has evolved into a timeless classic, seamlessly blending tradition with modernity.

Its symmetrical and structured design exudes sophistication, making it a popular choice for a wide range of applications, from clothing and accessories to home decor. Whether adorning a cozy sweater or adding a touch of elegance to a room, the argyle pattern’s rich history and visually pleasing aesthetic continue to make it a beloved symbol of style and refinement.

In this guide I will walk you step by step on how to create an argyle pattern in Photoshop.

How to Make an Argyle Pattern

Open Photoshop and click to create a new document. For this tutorial I use the dimensions 400 x 400 px with resolution set to 300 dpi, RGB color mode and transparent background.

The Argyle Pattern involves combining to two patterns to create an overlapping effect. The first pattern we will create is a solid diamond pattern.

Start by using the rectangle tool (U – keyboard) and holding shift to draw out a square. Make sure fill color is set to black and stroke is set to no stroke.

Switch to the move tool (V – keyboard) hover at the bottom of the square and you will see the icon that lets you rotate. Start rotating the square and then this will bring up the transform options in the top menu where you can type in 45 degrees.

With it rotated drag on the corner and size it up until the values read 400 x 400 px. Next we want to center it on the canvas. You have the option to drag and center it, but I like to use the align tools. First access the marquee tool (M – keyboard) and select all cmd/ctrl + A. Change to the move tool (V – keyboard) and the align tools will appear at the top. Click to center it both vertically and horizontally and the deselect the pixels (cmd/ctrl + D).

To save this diamond pattern go to Edit > Define pattern.

In the layers panel click to add a new layer and turn the visibility off of the original diamond shape.

Next we will create our second pattern using the line tool. Starting in the bottom left corner hold the shift key and draw a line until you reach the top right corner to create a diagonal line. Holding the shift key allows you to maintain a 45 degree angle since we are working with a square 1:1 ratio document.

With the line tool make sure fill is set to none and that the stroke is set to black with a stroke width of 10 px.

Make sure you center the diagonal line by accessing the marquee tool (M – keyboard) and selecting all (cmd/ctrl + A). Next use the move tool (V – keyboard) and use the align options at the top to center it both vertically and horizontally and then deselect the pixels (cmd/ctrl + D).

In the layers panel right click to duplicate layer (cmd/ctrl + J – keyboard). Go to Edit > Transform Path > Flip Vertical. That way the two lines cross each other in an X – shape.

Now define this second pattern by going to Edit > Define Pattern.

To test your pattern open up a new document the size of digital scrapbook paper – 3600 x 3600 px, 300 dpi with transparent background.

In the layers panel create a pattern fill layer and select the original diamond pattern. To be able to change the color of our pattern we are going to add a solid color fill layer and right click to create a clipping mask. Select the pattern layer and then holding shift + click select the color fill layer so both layers are selected and then right click to duplicate layer (cmd/ctrl + J – keyboard). For the top pattern select the crossing lines pattern and you can choose a new color.

Finally add another color fill layer to the bottom so you can change the background color of your pattern.

For this example we used a square document, but you could easily repeat the process if you want to change up the ratio of your diamond and argyle pattern.

To export and save your pattern as digital scrapbook paper go to File > Save a Copy. Give you file a name and then change the file type to JPG.

CLICK TO LEARN MORE

Looking for more Pattern Design Tutorials?