Getting Started with Pattern Builder

Welcome to Pattern Builder

Pattern Builder is designed to help you visually build decorative wrap patterns and turn your design into clear, step-by-step wrapping instructions.

Whether you're creating a pattern from scratch or exploring one of the included sample patterns, the Builder lets you see your design take shape as you work.

Pattern Builder Beta 0.9.1

You're using a Beta version of Pattern Builder. Features may continue to change as we test and refine the program. If something doesn't behave as expected, your feedback is incredibly helpful.

Installing Pattern Builder

If you haven't installed Pattern Builder yet, this video walks through the complete installation process for Beta 0.9.1.

A Quick Look at the Workflow

Most patterns follow the same basic process:

  1. Build your pattern using Crosspoints, Single Threads, End Wraps, Multi-Thread, and other Builder tools.
  2. Choose your thread colors using custom colors, the Thread Library, or Packs.
  3. Adjust your design using selection and editing tools such as Mirror, Inverse, and positioning.
  4. Review the automatically generated Pattern Steps to see the progressive construction order of your pattern.
  5. Review the generated instructions, including the arrows and thread colors for each step.
  6. Save your Pattern Builder file so you can return to or modify the design later.
  7. Generate a PDF when you're ready for a printable set of step-by-step wrapping instructions.

Getting Familiar with the Builder

Before building your first pattern, take a few minutes to get familiar with the Pattern Builder workspace and the controls you'll use most often.

The Builder includes tools along the left, right, and top of the workspace. You'll use these controls to build, select, edit, color, save, and generate instructions for your patterns.

You can also use your mouse to move around the workspace:

  • Zoom — scroll the mouse wheel to zoom in and out.
  • Pan — click and hold the mouse wheel, then drag to move around the workspace.

Explore the Sample Patterns

Pattern Builder includes seven Sample Patterns that you can use to explore the program and see how completed patterns are constructed.

You can find them in:

Documents → Pattern Builder → Sample Patterns

You can open a sample using Open Pattern in Pattern Builder or by double-clicking the .hmpb file.

Tip: Before making changes to a Sample Pattern, use Save As and give your copy a new name. This keeps the original Sample Pattern unchanged so you can return to it later.

Try Your First Pattern

When you're ready to experiment, start simple. Add a few Crosspoints, Single Threads, or End Wraps and watch how the pattern changes as you build.

Don't worry about creating a finished design right away. The easiest way to learn Pattern Builder is to experiment with the tools, move things around, change colors, and see what happens.

When you're ready to learn a specific feature in more detail, continue through the Pattern Builder Help Center or visit the Training Videos page for the complete video library.