Pattern Art Projects For Kids

Pattern art is awesome! We’ve shared over 40 easy pattern art activities to complement all seasons and occasions. They’re always a big hit with our readers.

Here are some favourites, along with why we love them so much.

See all our pattern art projects here

Pattern art activities and printable crafts for kids

Pattern art, also known as zentangling and doodle art, has always been a favourite here at The Craft Train.

Why, you ask? It’s fun for a start, but that’s not the only reason.

Why Pattern Art is Awesome for Kids

#1: Anyone can do it

Pattern art is easy! You don’t need to be talented or even an adult to create beautiful artwork. All it takes is repetition, patience and a steady hand. Granted, many kids lack patience, which is why most of our doodle art projects are targeted at ages 8+.

This doesn’t mean younger kids can’t pattern. Many can if you keep it simple, but it depends on the individual, so use your discretion (you know your kids best).

#2: Patterning builds basic skills

Patience, perseverance, and fine motor skills, to name a few.

A simple patterning activity for beginners is our Apple Doodle Art project. Glue coloured apples to a page, then fill each shape with a different pattern.

Pattern art apple drawing activity for kids

More projects for beginners

Check out our free set of pattern art swatches for ideas and practice.

#3: Patterning promotes mindfulness

Doodle art has a soothing, meditative effect. It helps put us into a ‘flow’ state—that magical place where you become so immersed in a task that the rest of the world fades away. I always feel more relaxed after designing a new pattern art activity!

Our Ocean Pattern Art collection combines the zen of the marine world with the zen of doodling.

pattern art ocean animals printabl activities for kids. Includes turtle, seahorse, shells and hermit crab

Ocean Pattern Art Activities

Get all the Ocean doodle art projects in our Value Bundle here.

#4: Patterning helps with other forms of learning

Pattern art is a STEAM activity (an activity that combines two or more elements of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math). It’s both creative and mathematical, helping kids learn about symmetry, sequencing, spatial awareness, line and shape.

With Positive Negative Pattern Art, shapes are glued to a page, highlighting positive/negative space. Patterns are drawn in the blank (or negative) space only.

Pattern art flower positive negative art idea for kids

Positive Negative Pattern Art Projects

#5: Patterning develops attention to detail

Look around, and you’ll see patterns everywhere. In buildings, pavements, nature, everyday objects and more.

These 3D Budgie Artworks incorporate patterns found on real-life birds.

Pattern art budgie 3D art activity for kids

#6: Patterning promotes creativity

While our patterning activities produce a polished item kids can be proud of, they still have plenty of room to get creative. Experiment with colour, line, shading and other details. With our 3D projects, kids can experiment with depth, too.

Here is the same 3D bunny template with 3 completely different results!

Doodle art bunny craft with 3D element. So cool for Easter or Spring

3D Doodle Art Animals

Another way to create a 3-dimensional effect is by folding, like in our Doodle Bug craft.

Projects with a 3D effect created by folding

#7: Patterning is not just for art displays!

While Doodling produces art worthy of hanging on any refrigerator, it’s far more versatile than this. We incorporate patterning into papercrafts, too.

Our Spinning Egg Craft is one example.

More Pattern Art Papercraft Ideas

#8: Patterning produces unique results

Our Mother’s Day/Father’s Day explosion card is one example. No two finished cards look the same.

Pattern art explosion Mothers Day/fathers day card idea

We also have a Doodle Heart Art card for Valentine’s Day.

#9. Occasions are extra special with pattern art

DIY Bunny ears are cute any time, but how adorable are they when decorated in pattern art?

Pattern Art for Special Occasions

Get A Free Doodle Art Swatch Sheet

Practice your patterning technique with our doodle art swatches. The printable includes two pages of hand-drawn pattern examples, plus a blank sheet.

Enter your details in the form below, and the swatches will be sent via email.

Pattern Art Projects For Kids