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

Just fabulous! This book is an absolute beast! Photos are high quality and easy to study closely for inspiration. I adore the geometric pattern section especially.

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.

This is a very comprehensive book, full of wonderful pattern designs. Great value for money too.

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.

Had it been titled "1500 Textile Patterns from Many Ages and Cultures" I wouldn't have ordered it. In one sentence buried deep In the introduction, the author admits the title is just a bit of harmless publisher-speak. More regrettable is that the actual focus really is on fabric designs, with a bit of wallpaper, tiles, etc. If you are looking for architectural, graphic arts or other kinds of patterns, this isn't your best source. My copy arrived in great condition. It is, however, a thick heavy book. The publisher did right by using sewn signatures, so it would be easy for a middling amateur to rebind it into two thinner volumes when it begins to fall apart. I say "when" because, caveats aside, the book is beautiful and makes for pleasant if not compulsive browsing. The spine -will- break if you open it abruptly anywhere near the middle, so search online for "how to open a book" (I'm serious). I got this for half off, so will keep for inspiration and ideas.

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.

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

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.