D2 Tutorial #4 - How to Make a Plaid Pattern by Kaylie Blackwell

In this tutorial, I will show you how to make two different kinds of plaid patterns: horizontal and diagonal. The choice is entirely up to you. I will also show you how to add a plaid pattern to the Swatches Panel. Plus, a plaid pattern would be a great idea for if you want to create a background.


1. Create a rectangle.

2. Duplicate the rectangle you've just created or create a new one. Adjust the opacity. You can use an entirely different color as well.

3. Create another rectangle and fill it with white. Adjust the opacity.

4. Repeat Step 3 expect fill this next rectangle with black.

5. Select the last three rectangles you created. Go to Object > Group to combine them.

6. Duplicate the grouped rectangles. Rotate them to a 90-degree angle.

7. Group ALL of the rectangles you created to create your base pattern. Drag the base pattern ALL the way to the Swatches panel.

8. Create a new bigger rectangle and fill it with your pattern.

And there you have a horizontal plaid pattern!

But what if you wanted to tilt the pattern a bit? . . .

I'll show you how!

9. Rotate the pattern at a 45-degree angle.
IMPORTANT TIP: Be sure to only have "Patterns" checked. Leave "Objects" unchecked or you will screw it up!

And now you have a nice diagonal plaid pattern!