30 Easy Doodle Pattern Ideas You Can Really Sketch Anywhere!

Doodling is a fun and delightful way to express yourself and let your creativity flow.

Whether you’re doodling in the margins of your notebook during a class or spending a lazy Sunday afternoon with a sketchpad, it’s a simple form of art anyone can enjoy, regardless of artistic skill.

If you’re looking for some inspiration, you’re in the right place.

Below are 30 easy doodle pattern ideas to get you started!

Doodling is More Than Just Idle Sketching

We’ve all been there – daydreaming in a class, zoning out in a meeting, or stuck on a never-handing phone call, and our hand starts to wander.

Out pops a pen, and before you know it, your notebook is covered in squiggles, swirls, and all kinds of shapes.

But hold, don’t dismiss those doodles as just mindless time-wasting! Turns out, this seemingly idle activity has some pretty amazing benefits for your brain and well-being.

That’s right – doodling is a boss stress-buster.

If feeling overwhelmed, doodling can be like hitting a mental reset button.

The repetitive motions and focus on creating something, even if it’s just a bunch of lines, can help quiet the chatter in your head and ease tension.

Take it as a mini zen session; only with a pen instead of fancy incense.

Plus, doodling can actually boost your focus.

It might sound strange, but sometimes letting your hand go free can help you stay present in the moment.

Numerous studies have shown that doodling while listening to information can improve memory recall.

Your brain takes a little break while still being semi-engaged, allowing you to come back to the task feeling refreshed and ready to absorb more.

Then there’s the creativity side of things. Doodling is a great way to tap into your right brain, the part that thrives on imagination and free association.

It allows your mind to wander and explore new ideas visually.

You might start with a simple line, and next thing you know, you’ve doodled your way to a brilliant solution or a whole new artistic concept.

Doodling isn’t just something to do when you’re bored – it’s a powerful tool with some amazing benefits.

So next time you find yourself with a pen in hand, don’t feel guilty.

Embrace it! You might just be giving your brain a much-needed boost.

Plus, you might end up with some pretty cool notebook art at the end!

30 Easy Starter Doodle Patterns

Doodling is a chance to unwind, not win a prize.

So, put on some chill Lo-fi music, get yourself comfy, and let the good vibes flow through your pen!

Below are 30 easy starter patterns to kickstart your scribbling session:

1. Zigzag Lines

Just like the heartbeat monitor lines, zigzag patterns are a classic and easy to start with.

Draw a series of connected zigzag lines across your page, with varying thickness and spacing to create different effects.

2. Flowers

Simple petal shapes around a centre dot can mimic a garden on your page.

You can make them realistic or stylised, depending on your artistic style.

3. Waves

Wavy lines can represent water, wind or just a sense of calm.

Draw gentle waves rolling across your page. Add details like foam and seagulls for a seaside vibe.

4. Leaves

Sketch various leaf shapes for a natural, organic feel to your doodles.

Scatter them around your page or draw them along a vine.

5. Clouds

Fluffy shapes floating across the sky on your paper can be quite soothing.

You can vary their shapes and sizes to create depth.

Also Check:

6. Stripes

Vertical, horizontal, or diagonal stripes can create a neat, orderly design.

Doodle a pattern of straight lines running parallel to each other. Like zigzag patterns, you can achieve different effects with varying thickness and spacing.

7. Chequerboard

Alternate filled and unfilled squares to create a 3D chequerboard pattern.

Some shading will be necessary.

8. Squiggles

Credits: Shumi Perhiniak | Yes I’m A Designer

Draw curly, loopy lines that twist and turn across your page.

Experiment with various sizes and shapes to make your squiggles unique.

9. Stars

Whether you draw traditional five-pointed stars or just little twinkles, they’re perfect for adding a dreamy effect. You can make them pointy or rounded as per your tastes.

10. Polka Dots

Small or big, polka dots can fill up space and give a retro vibe to your doodle.

You can make them evenly spaced or scatter them randomly.

11. Spirals

Draw twisting and turning spirals across your page. Start from the centre and let your lines spiral outward.

You can tighten or loosen the coils, but the results should look mesmerising.

12. Honeycombs

Draw rows of hexagons connected like a honeycomb.

You can fill them in with patterns or leave them empty for a minimal, geometric look.

13. Circles

Overlapping circles provide depth and dimension.

Draw concentric circles nested within each other. Fill them in with patterns or leave them empty – it looks neat either way around.

14. Bricks

Sketch rows of rectangular bricks stacked on top of each other.

Some texturing is required to give your doodles a rustic feel!

15. Hearts

Hearts always add a sweet touch to your doodles. They’re the universal symbol of love after all! Draw rows of tiny hearts or scatter them randomly across your page.

16. Diamonds

Draw rows of overlapping diamonds.

Fill them in with patterns for a jewel-like design or leave them empty for a minimalist look.

17. Maze

Doodle a simple maze for a pattern that’s also a puzzle. You can add dead ends and shortcuts for an extra challenge.

18. Triangles

Create an abstract pattern with interconnected triangles.

Once again, feel free to fill them in with patterns or leave them empty, whichever you prefer.

19. Paisley

This teardrop-shaped pattern with a curved upper end is a classic in doodling.

20. Faces

Even with just a few lines, you can express various emotions through simple faces.

21. Radial Lines

Radiating lines from a central point can represent sunburst or energy.

Great addition to graphic diaries and journals!

22. Chevron

Draw rows of V-shaped chevron patterns and alternate their directions.

They can get quite visually interesting if done right!

23. Eyes

Eyes are captivating and can be drawn in numerous styles, from life-like to cartoonish.

They’ll bring life to your doodles!

24. Lightning Bolts

Draw sharp, jagged lines with zigzag patterns resembling lightning bolts.

You can vary their thickness and length for dramatic effects.

25. Lattice

Crisscrossing lines can create a lattice effect, perfect for filling larger areas.

26. Arrows

Have arrows pointing in various directions to achieve a dynamic pattern in your doodles.

27. Scales

Draw overlapping scales in rows like those on a fish. We suggest using different marker colours for vibrant results.

28. Mountains

Sketch jagged mountain peaks rising across your page. Add details like trees and snow caps for a scenic view.

29. Tribal Pattern

Create bold tribal patterns with geometric shapes and symbols.

You can fill them in with intricate designs for extra flair.

30. Gears

Draw interconnected gears like those in a machine.

Add cogs and spokes for further complexity.

Doodling Tips for Newbies

Feeling a little intimidated by all those fancy doodle patterns? Well don’t – doodling is all about letting yourself loose, and anyone can do it. Here are some tips to get you started:

First and most importantly, keep it simple! Don’t jump straight into complex patterns.

Circles, squires, and squiggles – start by doodling these basic shapes in different arrangements and sizes. Once you feel comfortable, try combining them to create your own unique patterns.

If you’re feeling stuck for inspiration, there’s no shame in using a reference guide.

You’ll find tons of resources online to get your creative juices flowing. Besides, you could flip through a magazine or even peek at your friend’s notebook for some pattern inspiration.

As mentioned earlier, doodling is all about relaxation.

If you’re feeling tense, take a few deep breaths and some quick hand stretches to loosen up. Don’t worry about making mistakes; no such things exist in the doodling realm.

After all, you’re the only one who gets to decide what looks good.

Accept the imperfections and have fun with the process.

Just like everything else in life, the more you doodle, the more comfortable and creative you’ll become. Don’t fret to experiment and try new things.

Pin For Later

Doodlelicious!

Doodle patterns are a great way to enhance your drawings, diaries, and journals and make them more interesting.

They can be as simple or as complex as you want them to be. With these 30 easy doodle pattern ideas, you can fill your sketchbook with endless possibilities.