Procreate is going to change everything about door hanger making for you. If you’ve never heard of the app, or you’re not sure how you can use it to design or edit door hangers, go back and read the post here. I’ll tell you everything you need to know about the BEST design app! Then, come back here and continue on with this slightly more advanced tutorial.
One of my favorite ways to feel calm and confident before I ever touch paint is by using Procreate to test patterns in my designs. Instead of guessing whether buffalo plaid, polka dots, or leopard print will look right, I can see it first.
It takes the pressure off. It removes the what-ifs. And it helps you trust the process before the paint even comes out.
Today, I’m walking you through exactly how to use pattern fills in Procreate for door hanger designs, step by step. You do not have to be a tech expert to do this! I’ll show you how.
Let’s jump in!
Why Use Procreate to Test Door Hanger Patterns?
When you preview your pattern digitally:
- You eliminate guesswork
- You reduce fear of “messing it up”
- You make painting feel calmer
- You can adjust the size and color instantly
- You build confidence by having a little bit of clarity before you begin painting
This is especially helpful if you’re adding patterns to:
- Bows
- Backgrounds
- Mason jars
- Lettering panels
- Any shape that needs extra visual interest
We’re visual people. We need to see it first! And using Procreate to do it makes such a difference.
How to Add a Background to a Door Hanger Design in Procreate
Let’s start with the simplest method — adding a background design. For this tutorial, I use buffalo plaid, since we’re working with our Expectant Mother template, but you can apply these techniques to any background pattern you want!
Step #1: Insert Your Design
Import your black and white JPEG template into Procreate. It helps if you think about it like a coloring page! It will help you keep the pattern where it needs to be.
Step #2: Select the Background Shape
Locate the oval background layer. Turn on Alpha Lock by tapping the layer and selecting Alpha Lock.
Step #3: Fill with a Dark Base Color
Choose a darker blue shade. Then, drag and drop the color into the oval to fill the entire shape. Always start darker because your plaid pattern will go on top in white when you’re creating buffalo plaid.
Step #4: Select the Free Buffalo Plaid Brush
For the buffalo plaid pattern, I used a custom brush I created specifically for this pattern (grab it for free here!). Choose your color (here we’re using white).
No matter what pattern you use, make sure:
- Your oval layer is Alpha Locked
- The buffalo plaid brush is selected
Now drag your Apple Pencil across the entire shape.
Important tip: Do not lift your pencil until the whole area is filled. Keep even pressure so the pattern does not look transparent.
Step #5: Make Adjustments as Needed
If you want a distressed look, add a distress brush on top and lower the opacity slightly.
And just like that, you’ve previewed your buffalo plaid background before ever painting it! This is exactly how we design many of the templates in our shop. It really is that easy once you know how to do it!
How to Add a Pattern to a Bow in Procreate
Now, let’s add visual interest to a smaller detail like a bow. No matter what design you use, you can apply this technique anytime you want to add a pattern to a specific object.
Step #1: Select the Bow Layer
Make sure the layer with the blue bow is Alpha Locked.
Step #2: Select Only the Colored Area
Use the Selection tool in Automatic mode. Tap inside the blue portion of the bow. If it does not select everything:
- Hold your pencil down
- Slide left or right to adjust the selection threshold
This keeps the black outline from getting filled with your pattern.
Step #3: Choose Your Pattern
Buffalo plaid adds bold visual interest and pulls your eye to the center.
- Select white
- Adjust the brush size to be smaller, around 15 to 17 percent
- Fill the bow without lifting your pencil
If buffalo plaid feels intimidating, polka dots are a great beginner option!
- Select a polka dot brush
- Adjust the size to be smaller
- Fill the bow
You can do this with any pattern, just be sure to choose a pattern you feel confident replicating when you sit down to paint.
How to Add Leopard Print to a Background in Procreate
Leopard print is one of my favorites! It adds personality without overpowering a design if you do it right. Let’s preview it on a circular background.
Step #1: Alpha Lock Your Background
Select your circle layer and turn on Alpha Lock.
Step #2: Choose a Neutral Color
Select a very light gray. It adds interest without competing with lettering or florals, where a darker tone might make it harder to read.
This is why adjusting in Procreate first is so helpful! You can experiment quickly and pivot just as fast.
Step #3: Adjust Your Leopard Brush Size
Start around 75 percent. If it feels too big, undo and dial it back. Around 55 to 60 percent is usually a sweet spot.
Step #4: Fill the Background
Keep your pencil down and fill the entire circle. You’ll instantly see whether it enhances the design or feels too busy.
When It’s Time to Paint Your Finished Design
Once you’ve finalized your digital preview, you have options:
- Freehand with a filbert brush
- Use a stencil
- Simplify the pattern
- Adjust scale slightly
Because you’ve already tested it digitally, you’re not guessing anymore. You’re walking to your craft table feeling prepared instead of overwhelmed. And that confidence shift will transfer to your door hanger as you paint.
Tools like this really make a huge difference!
Where You Can Find More Procreate Tips
I have a course, Procreate for Makers, that will teach you all the ways you can use Procreate for door hangers! It shows you more tutorials like the one we covered today, plus takes you even deeper through each topic so you can really master the basics!
Or you can join the Painter’s Clubhouse, our monthly door hanger painting group, and get access to more tutorials like these, PLUS monthly door hanger projects!
We use the same mindset from this tutorial — we break down designs, plan ahead, and then paint together step by step in the most encouraging environment!
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