Welcome Zentangle Zealots and Newbies. I love Zentangle®. And I love to see what others are doing with this particular art form. Thus this site was born with the lofty goal of providing an index and guide to the best tangle patterns found online, and how to draw them. A one-stop reference if you will, for those of you who are like me and need to know “how to do it”.
Please visit the How to Use this Site page if you’re the type who likes to read “The Manual” (I am).
Allow me to introduce myself
I’m Linda Farmer, and I run this site. This is my hubby of 38-and-counting years, Robert, and this photo was taken a few years ago at my Mom and Dad’s 50th Anniversary bash. So now we both look a tad older. But I love this photo of us so this will do until I find a better one. Expect grey hair – and yes, my hair really is that short and I’ve worn it like this for forever, nearly. 
Join the Zentangle Zealots
If you subscribe to the site, you won’t have to visit each day to see if there’s something new. Then provided you confirm the email you receive, Google will do the rest quite well and your email will present the most recent updates to you.
Please feel free to leave your suggestions, questions etc. in the comments on this (or any) page. I sincerely welcome them.
Check out the Submit Your Pattern page too – I invite your contributions to make this site a great resource!
Philosophy for TanglePatterns.com
I feel compelled to explain my selection process for the tangle patterns included on this site.
As more and more pattern instructions are posted online, I found myself in a dilemma. I didn’t want my own preferences to affect inclusion, but neither do I want to stray from the spirit of the originators of Zentangles, Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas.
On their “Theory of Zentangle” page, here, is outlined what I am adopting as the guiding principle for tanglepatterns.com (emphasis below is mine):
Abstract
You always succeed when you do a Zentangle because you always create a pattern. A Zentangle has no up or down and is not a picture of something, so you have no worries about whether you can draw a hand, or a duck. You always succeed in creating a Zentangle.…
Meditational Artform
Zentangle’s non-verbal language of patterns and proportions can open doors to insights which seemed locked before. Creating Zentangles opens those doors, not because they were locked, but because those doors swing on non-verbal hinges. When you create a Zentangle you can enter a meditative state in which intuitive insights flow freely. Get inspirations, ideas and answers unhindered by expectations or worries.
Tangle patterns are intended to be abstract, non-objective designs that can be created in just 2 or 3 simple strokes, repeated.
This helps me enormously in the selection process for TanglePatterns.com. While many patterns posted are creative, they are not “tangle” patterns because they are pictures of some recognizable natural or actual object, figure, or scene. Or they’re just way too complicated and do not reflect the Zen, non-verbal, unplanned, meditative nature of the Zentangle.
And it is my intention on TanglePatterns.com to respectfully honor the original intent of this art form’s creators.
For Inquiring Minds Who Want to Know
TanglePatterns is my major hobby. And on infrequent occasion you can find me here. But here is where I spend my 9-5: our business (my hubby, Robert and I). I’m on Twitter as Linda_Farmer, and tanglepatterns.
And here’s my beautiful (inside and out) Mom, my three wonderful (ditto) sisters (Beverly, Carol, and Karen), and moi. Everyone should be as blessed as I.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Today I discovered your site. I love it!
Thank you SO much for creating it and for organizing various patterns. I’m new to tangling and this helps more than I can tell you.
Mary
Thanks, Mary! This is exactly what I intended for tanglepatterns.com, so I’m gratified that it works for you. There are a lot more patterns to come …
Cheers, Linda
I came across your site whilst surfing and renewing my interest in Zentangles, it has come a long way in such a short space of time, and I have found your site to be very inpspiring, so I shall crack out me pens and pencils and start zentangling again!
Welcome, Vicki! I’m so pleased you find tanglepatterns.com inspiring. There are many more patterns to draw and post, so keep coming back for more ideas. Happy tangling!
Love this site! I have learned so many new patterns. I was wondering if there was any way to tag the patterns in the band of patterns you have at the top of each page. Sometimes I will see a pattern I really want to do, but since I don’t know it’s name, I have no idea where to find the directions for drawing it! Thanks!
Hi Sarah, this is my sneaky way of getting you to look at more pages! I shall put this request on my list, however, and give it some thought. Thanks for visiting, and happy tangling.
Linda. I’m new to Zentangle and can’t get enough. Thank you for all this great information. I also checked out your other websites and just wanted to say what your husband is doing at Third Planet is great.
I just discovered zentangles yesterday. This site is fabulous. Does one need to subscribe to this site to use it? What is the benefit/purpose of subscribing.
Thank you for this site!!
Hi DeJa! You are entirely welcome to use the site without subscribing. However the benefit of subscribing (and it is free) is that you get an email notice of the new posts delivered to you when they happen. So, you do not have to visit the site all the time. Saves you time, because you know WHEN to visit. Very efficient! And heaven knows, every second counts these days. And welcome too, to the healthy addiction. Things can only get better. Cheers!
Finally discovered that CZT meant certified zentangle teacher … Linda are you also a CZT? Curious about how you discovered this amazing art/craft.
You can read about how I got started here. And no, I’m not a CZT but I’d love to take the certification course when time and $$ allows.
Thanks for the response. Great story. I learned at a demo and your site has been a tremendous find for a newbie like myself … THANK YOU!! I agree with you on the time and money (especially) aspects of becoming a CZT!! We will get there I am sure of it.
Hi Linda, it’s me again. I have seen a pattern called buttercup* in the banner at the top of the page but when I click on the “b” the pattern is not listed. Is it listed under a different name among the pattern directory?
Thanks, DeJa
Hi Dawn, there are several asterisked patterns in the banner and the asterisk means there are no instructions on the site because there are no online drawing instructions posted yet. Mostly they are official patterns found in Sandy Bartholomew’s Alphatangle, but Buttercup is from her book, Totally Tangled. It’s one of my favorites and that’s why I included it.
Thank you Linda … I think I will like it too.
I wanted to let you know Linda, how much I appreciate this site. I peruse it nearly daily and have shared it with all those I have “corrupted” into Tanglers, the lastest is my turning 13 years old great niece. She has just moved near me from across the country. I brought her paper and a pen and showed her the basics – it really broke the ice. I have a dance studio and Tangling has been introduced there – my goodness some talented young artists there!
Thanks again
Elise
Thanks Elise, and what a wonderful story about your great niece! Love it.
Linda, once again I want to send appreciation for your efforts on this fabulous site. It has been a great inspiration and has had a lot to do with my continuing tangling. Seeing so many basics turned into beautiful pieces of art is just inspiring. I do not consider myself an “artist” but am slowly feeling more talented with tangling. It has been a great therapy helping a damaged hand recoup some control and movement and has given me the confidence to try knitting again – with success!
Thank you, Thank you
Elise
I agree Elise … doing zentangles does make you feel rather artistic. I usually refer to myself as a crafter. I have only been tangling for a month and people are surprised at the outcome of the few that I have done. Truth be told, so am I!!
HI Linda,
I discovered Zentangles quite by accident while doing a search on something else 2 days ago. I have since put together my own kit. I have a question though – after you create your string, is it about creating your own tangles or using other peoples to fill the tile?
Thanks. I’m intrigued…
Linda
Hi Linda, welcome to the passion! Easy answer: feel free to do whatever you like, of course. However, I would suggest when you’re starting out it’s really helpful to draw some of the original patterns (click on the tag “zentangle” in the left sidebar under “Find Patterns By Tag” for a list of them) because they are generally two or three repetitive strokes and 4 or 5 steps and you’ll more readily get the feel for the “one stroke at a time” method, if it can be called that. Others have created patterns that for me are complicated to draw, and I find I end up focusing on the “how to do it”, rather than the doing, or the process. When the patterns are simple, they are much more conducive to the meditative Zen quality that I believe is behind Zentangle. All personal opinion! I may be certifiable, but I’m not yet certified.
The main thing: just go for it and have fun!
I’m new to this fab way of making art and am sooo glad to have found it. Thank you so much for this lovely website and the brilliant resources you have given us all.It’s always interesting to see what others have to say. This year I put a selection Zentangle goodies on my Christmas wish list and was lucky enough to have had Zentangle Kit and a lovely collection of books including Alphatangle, Totally Tangled, Zentangles 2 and 3, for pressies this Christmas all of which help enormously. Santa kindly put a copy of Zentangles Basics in to the childrens stockings. I have found so many great websites along the way too. My two children,aged 10 and 12, are also loving the fun and feel good factor they get from creating such amazing results with out the worry of ‘what if I go wrong’to discourage them. The other positive side of Tangling is the great interest it attracts when other people see the finished tangles.
We would all like to say a BIG THANK YOU for your wonderful website and the wonderful information it offers to our new found addiction.
Warmest best wishes,
Su Ward ‘n’ Co.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
This is my new favorite form of expression and has been an amazing tool to help me battle my anxiety & panic attacks. My worries can’t invade my brain when I’m focusing on my Tangles! Thank you for this amazing website and your book reviews…your hard work hasn’t gone un-noticed!
Linda,
I am so thrilled to have found your website! Since I was a little girl I have been dissappointed at my inablility to draw. Two days ago while looking for Mary Elizabeth Martin on the web I discovered Zentangles and am officially hooked. I am a beading instructor and have always been dissapointed that my sketch books did not live up to my vision. With just a few days of practicing Zentangles I have discovered a new art form while elevating my old one. For the first time in my life I really feel like I can draw. Your website is so amazing and the directions sent to my email are an ongoing inspiration. I could only send a small donation at this time but I hope it helps in keeping this awesome site up and running. Thanks for all the time you put into it!
Thank YOU, Erin! It’s people just like you that make this all worthwhile for me. Namaste.
Hello! I found your site yesterday. I am still awaiting my Zentangle kit from Rick and Maria, so surfing zentangle stuff on the web is helping me bide the time…I think your site is excellent, and I am glad I found something more official than the randomness I’ve found elsewhere. Your site seems true to the concept and as a newbie, who likes instruction and guidance, I appreciate it. Thank you! Can’t wait to start “tangling”…
Thanks Else, and welcome. My intent from Day One was to remain, as you have put it, “true to the concept” so I’m delighted to hear you appreciate TanglePatterns for that. Cheers!
Just found your site today and I have to tell you, it’s awesome. I am very new to Zentangle and am looking for more related material to go with what came in my kit. Your site is VERY well organized and meshes so well with the Zentangle philosophy. Thanks for making a cool website that is functional and fun to peruse!
I just love to do Zentangles. I even created a few of my own And I went through the whole website and not one of them are like the one I made so you’ll see it soon. Big fan, I have created more than one Zentangle. They are my inspiration.
Welcome, Nicholas! Have a look at the “Submit Your Pattern” page for the guidelines and a blank form to submit your tangles. Look forward to seeing what you’ve come up with, and happy tangling!
Hi Linda,
Just got the email from Rick and Maria. I assume you are a CZT and will be selling the new ATC Tangle cards in White and Black? Please let me know how I can order them from you…I feel like I owe you the business as you are Sooooooooooooooooooooooooo wonderfully dedicated to keeping the tanglepatterns site going and Soooooooooooooooooooooo very helpful with other things and well, just NEAT!
Thanks so much!
John C.
Hi John, THANKS so much for your lovely compliments. It’s wonderful to get good feedback, that’s for sure. I really appreciate your consideration in asking about purchasing the Zentangle products from me. I am registered for the CZT class in October so I’ll be able to sell their products then. Until then, I suggest you try Sandy Bartholomew’s etsy shop (be sure to tell her I sent you!) – and then come back to me for your refills
Cheers!
I have done drawings like these since High School and I had an art teacher actually tell me “you are wasting your time on these doodles. This is not art.” So I ignored her, continued my “doodles”, and earned a degree in Art Education! I love this site. Doodles can you believe that!! BEAUTIFUL!
Linda,
I visit this site pretty much on a daily basis and always find something new. I love the huge and accessible resource of patterns! I hope to meet you at the October CZT training, as I will be attending. Thanks for all you do to provide this site for all of us who love to tangle!
Ever since I started this Zen thing, I’ve been hooked!!!
I love it. I’ve seen some in color, but my choice is the black and white or white and black.
hello ,
i just startet to do zentangle, because my friend showed me the om youtube “how to draw beetweed” . i loved that pattern at the time and now i dont have a day without drawing – and that is a miracle, because i never thought, that i could “draw” or ” paint” .
i wpuld really like to get a class – but i am living in berlin – germany and i cannot find anyone who knows something about zentangle or give classes.
can anyone help me?
oh – and thank you for this site – it helps and inspires me soooooooo much.
Hi – I’m new to tangling – got inducted by girlfriend in Alaska who sent me a couple books for Christmas. So I’ve been playing some by copying designs/tangles onto graph paper until I can get me a tablet of ‘good paper’.
LOVE your site here! I’m not an artist but love making things – so tis a learning experience for me to ‘allow mistakes’ and opps and such – grin. Nancy B
Thanks for this wonderful site and for taking your time to help all of us learn how to create new Zentangles. I am hooked, Diann
Linda, I visit your site about once a week and have been receiving email patterns for several months. THANKS for what you have done and continue to do. My quilting friend turned me on to Tangles. Longarm machine quilting seems to be a bit of a crossover artform! I recently “subscribed” via $$$. I hope my small contribution helps. If possible, I would greatly appreciate a copy of your recently mentioned free pdf. How great to have tangles organized for us!!! Keep up the great inspirational art. Leigh
Thank you for your website, lots of things to look and and great ideas
I have a question about the tangles that aren’t shown in your tangle guide (2012 – another great thing from you 
, are they in the zentable beginners kit, or only available through a CZT?
Hi Natalie, please read page 2 of the Guide – your question is answered there. Thanks!
Hi Linda,
I’ve been visiting your site since discovering Zentangle and subscribed pretty much right away… though I’m still here almost daily and decided I had to donate this morning, mostly due to a personal tragedy that has really opened my eyes to the need for community support.
I was wondering if you had a badge that I could put on my blog. Currently your website is the only one I have as a “Featured Link” on my links page with no need for reciprocity, but I would really like to do more to promote your site to the few visitors I have who don’t know about it.
Hi Becky, thanks very much for the badge suggestion. I have this on my “to do” list but haven’t got it together yet. I’ll elevate it to a higher priority and let you know when it’s ready. I appreciate you asking, and hope everything is well with you. You have my best wishes.
I’ve been enjoying TanglePatterns for a few weeks now. I decided to make ZIA as part of my Lenten practice this year, so I created Lentangle. Since I link to your site from there, I thought I’d invite you to take a peek.
Thank you for all the work you put in to making tangling easier and more fun for all of us. I only wish there was a CZT near Tulsa I could visit for real, official training!
Linda, it possible to print these designs? I would like to do so if at all possible.
Thank You,
Gloria
Hi Gloria, I’ve made it very easy for you to print out the tangles – please see the FAQ page for my Tanglepatterns.com TANGLE GUIDE. Enjoy!
(BTW – be sure to read the note at the bottom about comcast email addresses.)
Hello Linda, love your website. I have just recently discovered Zentangle. I came upon the concept when I was looking for some quilt designs to finish a quilt for one of my grandbabies. I was totally hooked. Your website really makes it easy for a newby like me to get instructions on how to do the different tangles. One question I have, what happened to the video section? I find the videos very helpful. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for that heads up, Mimi! Must have been another left-over from last week’s excitement. Gremlins!! Restored now though. Phew.
Hi Linda!
You have got me hooked for sure!! I’m anxiously waiting to be able to buy some supplies from you….was wondering when the items that are coming soon will be available.
Thanks so much for all you do. The other day a co-worker was having a terrible day and was incredibly stressed. I took a 3 x 3 post it note, drew some strings on it and told her to take a minute to fill in each section with whatever struck her fancy. She came back to me later to tell me how much it helped! Not really zentangle but the premise is the same. This is such fun and I need to buy stuff from you!
Thanks again…you rock!
And for those of you who haven’t yet made a donation and gotten a copy of the Zentangle guide, you have to do it! It’s a tremendous resource, very easy to use and helps support Linda’s efforts. A win-win deal for sure!
Sue
Sue Brailey
Hi Sue, I keep saying I’m working on this and I REALLY am, I hope to take enough time to get this sorted out this week – I actually have the inventory in stock. With the international and Canadian orders added into the mix, this turned out to be more complicated that I expected and I think I’ve finally figured out how to handle it. Fingers crossed that I can get this going in the next day or so. THANKS so much for your encouragement, and for the promo
(PS – You’ll be the first to know when I’m ready – I’ll send you an email.)
Good morning!
Linda was true to her word and let me know that her store is now good to go! So my Easter gift to myself was some pre-strung tiles (I need some inspiration right in front of me!) both black and white of course and the WAY cool Mandela tiles set!
I can’t wait to get my supplies. Many thanks Linda. I can’t imagine how much time you spend doing all this for us…the web site, answering all our questions and now the store! I’m so happy to give you my business.
Have a fabulous day all!
Sue Brailey
Hi Linda – a friend in Belgium put me on to Zentangles during an Easter break with her and being a compulsive doodler I was immediately hooked. I’m a expat Brit, presently working in Italy but living in Mexico. I’m due to return home at the end of the month. I dabble in all sorts of art forms and I have a 10 year old son who seems to be going the same way. I’ve already tried out some tangles and can’t wait to also teach him to join in the fun.
Btw – I just bought a Sony ereader to read books on the long haul flights I regularly take. I can now see that I’ll be drawing tangles on it instead!
Thanks for putting up an excellent resource with this site which I’m happy to donate too. I’m also eagerly looking forward to the Guide
Have tangles will travel!!!
Welcome, Jim! And your son too. You’ll enjoy tangling your way around the planet, it’s such a great way to relax and travel. Great to have you aboard.
I have a friend in the Milliande Art Community that saw this art form and said that it was “so me”…. and after ordering my kit, she is SO RIGHT!!! Thank you for your generousity..