Quick Tip: How to Create a Denim Pattern in Adobe Photoshop

Realistic textures and patterns are easy to make in Photoshop. They’re perfect for text effects and help make shape layers stand out.

Want that denim look yourself? Learn how to make a denim pattern in this quick tip!

Get inspired with incredible patterns and more from Envato Market and Envato Elements.

1. How to Create a Denim Pattern in Photoshop

Step 1

Create a New Document at 850 x 850 pixels.

Here are all the colors I’ll be using for this effect:

• Light Blue: 6279a4
• Dark Blue: 42516e
• Red: ff430e
  

Step 2

Set the Foreground Color to light blue and the Background Color a few shades
darker.

Then create a New Layer and Fill it with that darker blue using the Paint Bucket Tool (G).

Step 3

Now go to Filter > Sketch > Halftone Pattern and set the Size to 3 and the Contrast to 5.

Step 4

Keep the filter window open and add a New Effect Layer. Then go to Artistic > Smudge Stick, and plug in these numbers:

• Stroke Length: 2
• Highlight Area: 2
  
• Intensity: 10

Adding new effect layers like this can help you mix and match filters fast. Hit OK when you’re finished.

Step 5

Again, add a New Effect Layer. Then go to Distort > Water Paper, and plug in these numbers:

• Fiber Length: 8
• Brightness: 55
  
• Contrast: 81

Step 6

Create a New Layer and repeat the same steps as before, this time setting the Foreground Color to dark blue and the Background Color to white.

Fill the layer with the dark blue using the Paint Bucket Tool (G).

Then go to Filter > Sketch > Halftone Pattern and set the Size to 3 and the Contrast to 5.

Step 7

Keep the filter window open and add a New Effect Layer. Then go to Artistic > Sponge, and plug in these numbers:

• Brush Size: 7
• Definition: 11
  
• Smoothness: 1

Set the second layer with the new fiber texture to Multiply. Lower the Opacity to 75%.

Step 8

Create a third New Layer, and follow the same steps as before, this time setting the Foreground Color to dark blue and the Background Color to bright red.

Just like our previous steps, we’ll need to apply the Halftone Pattern filter first, followed by the Smudge Stick filter.

Step 9

Keep the filter window open and add a New Effect Layer. Then go to Artistic > Smudge Stick, and plug in these numbers:

• Stroke Length: 2
• Highlight Area: 3
  
• Intensity: 10

Set this third layer to Divide, and lower the Opacity to 40%. Study jean reference images to understand the general makeup of its thread and fabric.

Step 10

Create a New Adjustment Layer of Color Balance to correct the color scheme. Add the following values for the Shadows, Midtones, and Highlights.

Merge all the layers together. Here’s the first denim pattern texture.

2. How to Make Different Denim Colors

Step 1

For a few more color variations, try these quick steps.

Control-J the selected denim layer to create a Copy.

Cycle through the different Layer Blend Modes to apply this copy to the original denim texture. Each mode will give you a slightly different denim color. Here I set the Blend Mode to Exclusion.

This second layer will help us create a more realistic denim finish.

Then Merge the two layers together.

Continue to try out different Blend Modes so you can save a variety of denim colors.

Step 2

When you’re through, select it with the Rectangular Marquee Tool (M), and then go to Edit > Define Pattern to use it in future projects. 

Access your saved patterns at any time with the Preset Manager.

3. How to Apply the Denim Pattern

Using this pattern is just as easy as making it! If you need a quick refresher on how to install Photoshop patterns, check out this video:

• 
  Patterns
  Photoshop in 60 Seconds: How to Install and Use Patterns
  Melody Nieves

Test out your pattern with a cool shape by selecting the Custom Shape Tool (U). Try out different shapes to see your pattern in effect.

Just select the Pattern option from the dropdown menu and choose your new denim swatch (either of the last two swatches).

Show Us Your Results!

Remember, the best way to absorb this material is to try it out. Practice with different textures to perfect your custom patterns.

Most of the textures we find in our everyday lives can be replicated with design software. Experiment with Photoshop’s advanced filters, color adjustments, and more to improve your skills with time.

Check out these tutorials to learn more from design lovers like you!

• 
  Geometric
  Photoshop in 60 Seconds: How to Create a Simple Geometric Pattern
  Melody Nieves

• 
  Patterns
  How to Create a 90s Geometric Pattern Using Basic Shapes in Adobe Photoshop
  Mohammad Jeprie