Looking for a creative outlet that’s both relaxing and fun. I’m excited to share my favorite easy doodle pattern ideas, perfect for scrap paper, journals, and more. As someone who’s passionate about doodling, I’ve found it to be an excellent way to unwind and express myself. Whether you’re looking to develop your artistic skills or simply enjoy the meditative process, these patterns are sure to inspire. And who knows? You might even discover a new hobby that brings you joy.
I’m often asked what materials I use for my doodling adventures. For this project, I relied on a few trusty tools: paper, a ruler, and a selection of pens and pencils. In the following sections, I’ll be sharing my favorite doodle patterns in groupings rather than individual images. The numbers will correspond to the squares from top left to bottom right, in ascending order.
If you’d like to see these designs come to life, check out my YouTube video, ’23 Easy Doodle Pattern Ideas,’ which features a visual demonstration of many of the patterns I’ll be sharing here.
Watch: 23 Easy Doodle Pattern Ideas
Looking for a creative outlet that’s both relaxing and fun. I’m excited to share my favorite easy doodle pattern ideas, perfect for scrap paper, journals, and more. As someone who’s passionate about doodling, I’ve found it to be an excellent way to unwind and express myself. Whether you’re looking to develop your artistic skills or simply enjoy the meditative process, these patterns are sure to inspire. And who knows? You might even discover a new hobby that brings you joy.
I’m often asked what materials I use for my doodling adventures. For this project, I relied on a few trusty tools: paper, a ruler, and a selection of pens and pencils. In the following sections, I’ll be sharing my favorite doodle patterns in groupings rather than individual images. The numbers will correspond to the squares from top left to bottom right, in ascending order.
If you’d like to see these designs come to life, check out my YouTube video, ’23 Easy Doodle Pattern Ideas,’ which features a visual demonstration of many of the patterns I’ll be sharing here.
1-4
To create a visually appealing design, start by filling the workspace with evenly spaced circles, even if they spill off the page. This will ensure the entire area is covered. Next, add another layer of rings, staggering them so that the previous negative space is now in the center of the new circles. You can then shade in any desired areas and add stars to the remaining holes. To create the wavy lines, begin at the bottom of the page and work your way up by drawing small arcs.
Start by dividing the surface into four equal sections, then add large ‘X’s to divide each square into four triangles within each triangle, draw small web-like lines pointing towards the center. Next, create soft, peaked arced lines that mirror the diamond shape just drawn, continuing until all negative space has lines. Color in the centers, even if it means filling only half of one area going off the page.
Repeat the process for all sections, then continue making the wavy line as you fill in the space, shortening it as you go.
5-8
Start by dividing your space into four sections. Draw an arc in each corner, creating a foundation for the flower-like design. Then, fill in the remaining spaces with curved lines that resemble petals. Repeat this process in each section until you’ve covered the entire area. Next, add three wavy lines that split the page into thirds, and fill each section with the petal shapes. Continue this pattern across the entire space.
Once you’ve completed the main design, go back and bolden the centerline and add small dashes to each rounded shape. Then, create a heart-shaped design at the bottom left of your page, building it up with leaf-like drawings that taper off as they reach the middle and then return to a smaller size towards the right side. Bring a line down from the top left corner of your page, creating an isosceles triangle.
Repeat this process on each side of the page, staggering the lines so that the angles get smaller as you approach the center. Finally, add a cloud or spider web-like design to the bases of each triangle, and then create another line above it that mimics the original shape. Fill in any remaining gaps with color, creating a cohesive and visually appealing design.
9-17
The first step is to create a series of angled lines that intersect or meet. You can experiment with different shapes and patterns to get started. Next, fill each triangle with as many lines as you’d like, varying the amount in each to add depth to your design. This image is all about having fun and being creative. Start by drawing a central set of lines that don’t overlap with the rest of the design. Decide on its boldness and placement to create visual interest.
The way you draw your lines will dictate the overall look of your picture. It’s a matter of grouping lines at different angles, with some being larger or smaller depending on the space available. For another variation, try using wavy lines instead. Begin this doodle by drawing four sets of two wavy lines from top to bottom, with one line being bolder than the other. Space these out to your liking and then start adding rounded arcs that alternate in direction once you’ve got those in place.
Next, draw two smaller arcs at the base of each shape, followed by coloring one arc. Add more prominent hash marks to the blank spots and horizontal lines in the background to finish this design. Start another design by making a large ‘X’ on the page. Each section begins with one line that’s the whole length of a side. Follow this up with one line on the opposite side that intersects with the new line instead of the ‘X’.
Alternate this pattern until there isn’t enough room and repeat it three more times for a highly customizable design. Start by creating a series of angled lines across the page however you see fit. When you’re satisfied, draw smaller triangles wherever they work for you and dot the exterior angles. Add spirals of any size close together, including half ones that lead off the page. Finally, fill in the background.
18-26
Begin by creating a repeating pattern of shapes on your page: Start with a curved arc and repeat it until the entire space is filled. Then, add mirrored lines to each shape and fill in the top band. Next, draw any shape you like – perhaps a circle – and then go back to fill in the background. Divide the space into smaller sections by creating an 8×8 grid. Draw a series of circles, one per four squares, and add a diagonal web-like line in each cell.
Once you’ve completed the diamond shapes at the intersection of each circle, use leftover crosses to create additional patterns. You can then color these in to add depth and interest. Alternatively, start by drawing diagonal lines that cross-hatch as they go. Trace over the entire design, making the center points bolder. This will help create a sense of depth and dimension.
To add more complexity to your design, stagger diamonds across the space, following them with soft lines that connect each shape and alternate sides as you work. Repeat this process on both sides of the design if you prefer a more structured approach, grid your paper 4×4 and then add diagonal hashes that alternate by row, creating an ‘M’ or triangular pattern. Add vertical lines to all squares except where the triangles are, and taper these lines to fit within the given space.
For a more intricate design, repeat this process on an 8×8 grid, adding simple angled lines in the bottom left of each square and then doing the same in the opposite corner. Fill in the next square by drawing small horseshoe shapes at any angle you like, anchoring each shape to the previous one. Finally, create a natural-looking cross-hatch pattern and add wavy rainbow lines inside each square.
These doodles can be used to decorate your DIY journal cover or as inspiration for future circle drawing projects.
27
Begin by sketching an isosceles triangle, placing its midpoint at the top center of your page. Don’t worry about completing the shape – simply stop drawing once you’ve reached the desired height. Next, create a smaller, slightly angled triangle within the original shape, taking care not to overlap any previously drawn lines. Repeat this process line by line until you feel comfortable with your ability to maintain proportion and balance.
Then, apply the same technique to each side of the triangle, building upon the foundation established in the initial steps.
28
To create this unique design, begin by drawing a small spiral with your pen, but maintain contact with the paper and guide the line up to the top left corner. As you continue adding lines, stagger them slightly to ensure that the larger spiral starts at the edge of the page. Next, add a series of strokes from the center of each swirl outwards, gradually filling in the space as you go.
29
Start by creating a single asterisk or snowflake on your page. For each triangle, use the tilted triangle method we discussed earlier to create eight distinct shapes. With this simple yet effective approach, you’ll be well on your way to crafting unique and captivating doodles. I’ve included some of my personal favorites and most visually appealing designs – I hope you find inspiration in them as much as I do.
If you’re ready for even more adorable illustrations, feel free to explore the world of cute animal drawings and get creative.