Be sure to explore all the tabs at the very top of the page, there’s a lot of great information in there. Some suggestions for articles you might have missed were recently posted here.
Tangle patterns can be found simply by …
- clicking on a letter of the alphabet in the pink bar above
- then,
- a page will come up with the entire list of tangle patterns that begin with that letter
- click on the “Continue reading” link OR
- click on the Title of the tangle pattern you wish to view
- either will take you to the post about the pattern and links to illustrated instructions on how to draw the pattern.
Tangle patterns can also be found by their tag in the Find Patterns by Tag section on the left side of the page …
- click on the tag you’re interested in and all the tangle patterns tagged with that name will come up on a single page
- click on the “Continue Reading” link OR
- click on the Title of the tangle pattern you wish to view
- either will take you to the post about the pattern and its links to illustrated instructions on how to draw the pattern.
Pattern Identifier in the Page Headers
As patterns are added to the site they are added to the scrolling images at the top of the page.
Patterns designated with an asterisk (eg. tortuca*) need an explanation: these do not have online instructions so they do not have a page on TanglePatterns. Usually they are official Zentangle® patterns (I think Buttercup is the only exception – it’s from the book Totally Tangled). I’ve included these patterns for identification purposes – and because I enjoyed drawing them. When and if online instructions become available, they will be added to the site just like the rest of the patterns.
Tangle Pattern Tag Definitions
Here’s what some of the pattern tags mean:
- zentangle = patterns created and illustrated by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas. These are “official” Zentangle® patterns
- mollyh = patterns created by Molly Hollibaugh, CZT® (usually illustrated by Maria Thomas)
- sandyb = patterns created and/or original designs illustrated by Sandy Bartholomew, CZT®
- dianel = patterns created and/or original designs illustrated by Diane LaChance, CZT®
You can also find tangle patterns tagged by type as well as its creator or illustrator. For example: circles, dots, spirals, squares, those based on a grid and so on. Those tags are also in the left sidebar.
If you have any suggestions or requests, please feel free to add them in the comments.
I would like to be able to find the names of zentangles illustrated at the top of the site…is that possible?
thanks
Hi Carolyn, you are not alone in making this request and I do recognize the need. Right now it isn’t possible, the only way is to page through the patterns alphabetically until you see the one you’re interested in. But there’s good news: I am working on adding a slideshow feature that will allow you to click through to the pattern page. Should be ready in the next couple of weeks – it takes a lot of programming time to set it up because of the total number of Zentangle patterns I have on the site.
UPDATE: October 2010 – pattern names have been added to the images at the top of the page. Confession: I gave up on the slideshow, it was taking way too long to create.
Is there an easy way to draw a five pointed star that is open in the middle?
Dayle Mathis
December 31, 2010 at 1:00 pm · Reply
Just wanted to share some things. I figure I am not the only one here on a very strict income. Well, I have found a way to make the most of my Zentangling. I bought a SMALL spiral, lined notepad (5×7), at the dollar area of Target, or at any dollar store. Each page can break down into 4 squares, 6 squares, even 8 squares. I use this for the step-by-step instructions on each design. I put the name of the pattern and designer on each page. There are 50 sheets, so that’s 50 patterns. I don’t use both sides, because I do the instructions just as they are done originally, with colored pens and all. I also bought a small (5×7) hard cover, string binded, plain sheet journal, also 50 pages, also at any dollar store, or clearance bin almost anywhere. I use this for my designs, using the patterns I have learned in my spiril notebook. These are both small enough to fit into my Zentangle Kit. I was able to get a set of Extra Fine Tip permanent marker pens (Precise V5 from Pilot, rolling ball), at Walmart, for less then Amazon. I paid under $5.00 for a package with black, red, green, and blue. They are perfect for the step-by-step patterns, don’t bleed, dry almost immediately, (so when your in the zone drawing, you don’t end up with ink all over the side of your hand), and the tip is high quality, no feathering at all. I use these every day, and can’t believe how good they are! Whenever I go out, I throw my pens in the side pocket of my bag, grab my two pattern books, throw them in my bag, and I’m on my way. Sometimes I’ll take my Kit, depending on how long my day will be. I also make designs of things I see throughout the day that look like a Zentangle pattern, on the opposite end of my spiril journal. So, to get started with my own work, or studying new patterns, I spent about $8.00. A small plastic ruler is nice to have as well, and although mistakes don’t exist, I carry a pencil size eraser, usually less then $1.00 anywhere you can get pencils, pens, etc. Like many others I enjoy preparing my spiril notebook with the squares and dots, ready at any time to start a new pattern. I try to draw a quick Zentangle after I have done the instructions for each pattern I learn, the more you use the patterns, the better you get at them. I always keep my Zentangle tools by my computer, and mess around each morning while I am reading my emails. So when I get to the new emailed pattern, I’m ready to go.
I do keep a wish list on Amazon. It includes books, journals, pens, felt tips, pencils, anything I see or hear about that I’d like to try or research regarding my Zentangling. But I also keep a hard copy in my bag. I have saved tons this way. I found an entire set of ultra fine point, permanent Sharpie’s for quite a bit less then Amazon, and snapped them up. There are 24 colors in the pack, and it was a little over $11.00. What a deal! They don’t bleed outside your pattern, and even with my inexpensive little $1.00 journal there is no bleeding through to the next page. This month I was able to order some of my wish list products from Amazon, and can’t wait for delivery. Even then, I scored. I ordered “Totally Tangled” by SSB, a Moleskine Large Sketchbook, and Sakura Glaze Pens, 10-pack, all for $33.60, free shipping!
OK, one more thing to share. I do a lot of crafts, or I should say I have a lot of craft material and books. When I am stuck for an idea for a pattern, or just need some inspiration, I look through my craft books. My polymer Clay book is great for that, as are the Altered books I have. And it works in reverse too, some Zentangle patterns give me inspiration for beadwork, hemp or string patterns, the possibilities are endless. I also have a program on my computer that is visualization with music, it is called SoundSpectrum. What a magical door to Zentangle patterns! You can download free trials of these visualizations, they are fun to watch with music, and form great ideas for Zentangle patterns. Check it out. So, if you love Zentangle, but can barely rub two cents together, check out some of my ideas. You’d be surprised at what treasures you can find. Hope I helped to break some of you out of your “spending” comfort zone. Art Saves Lives!
Best Regards,
Dayle Mathis
Thanks Dayle- I was just thinking that you really don’t need to buy the Zentangle ™ kit to get started, but the DVD part of it might be very helpful. I wanted to mention that I’m getting good results from Pitt pens, just the basic set of four. My journal is Bienfang, 100 sheets 11 x 14, very reasonable price & good paper.
Thank you Dayle for the information on the pens and notebooks… I am just starting and need all the tips and hints I can get… thank you again
Thank You DAYLE! I WANT the Zentangle kit but my husband has been unemployed over eighteen months – I have been doodling – floundering – thinking I had to have the kit before I could start – so with your frugal suggestions I will start! Thank you very much.
I’m wondering what the asterisk means by some patterns and why they are not available for drawing? Please advise. Thank you very much. This website is absolutely phenomenal…appreciated. I’ve taken a certified class which gave me a great start. Your site is much better than taking a book and knowing nothing at all… THANKS!
Hi Carol, thanks so much and glad you love the site! The asterisks are explained here: http://tanglepatterns.com/about#comment-1841
DAYLE where did you get the sharpie’s 24 color from thank for the help. P.S. I think I’m male that likes to tangle. And how about a little help $$$$$ for LINDA.
Jerry
Hi, I’m new here and to zentangles and have been playing around filling in shapes, leaves, fish etc, and been having fun.I’m wondering if I’m allowed to show what I’ve done seeing it’s not tiles and where I go to do this if allowed. I’m rather enjoying this different kind of art form and find it’s addictive.
Lyn
Welcome Lyn, many people share their creations in the Zentangle group on flickr. In the beginnings of that group it was mostly Zentangle tiles being posted, but now you’ll hardly ever find an actual Zentangle. There’s a ton of Zentangle-inspired drawings.
I confess that with some postings I don’t see the Zentangle connection at all, but it’s not a moderated group so anything can be posted there. From that perspective it can be a bit misleading for people new to Zentangle if they’re looking to learn about the art form by example. But the creative enthusiasm is certainly there!
Hi LInda!
Wonderful site – so wonderful, that I just donated, and now have the fantastic 2012 Tangle Guide, which is fantastic, thank you.
I just wondered why there are some blank spaces? I counted about 55 that are labelled squares, but are completely blank?
All good wishes from a very happy tangling family in the UK
J x
Hi Jane, please read page 2 of the Tangle Guide to answer your question. Thanks for your wishes!
I read page 2 of the Tangle Guide, and understand that you want the teachers to have some resources left to teach. However, sometimes there are no teachers in some parts of the country (or world) where people may live, which means those tangles are not accessible/able to be learned. I would love to take a class online if there are any available, as there are no classes in my area. What are the possibilities for this?
Cris
Hi Cris,
It is unlikely there will be online classes largely because the Zentangle® method is a very personal, interactive experience with the instructor and that interactivity can’t happen with a recording.
However, the next best thing is to get an Official Kit because Maria Thomas’s instructional DVD in it is very good. I describe the Kit in detail here.
I’m sure this is a little disappointing but in addition to the tangles included in the Kit, there are lots of official tangles that are available online and they’re all in my TANGLE GUIDE. Sandy Bartholomew’s AlphaTangle also illustrates several that you won’t find elsewhere, although there are no instructions.
Hi Linda, I have been trying to puzzle through this question, and finally decided to ask an expert
. I read that “if it is an identifiable object it is not zentangle.” Well…not that quote exactly, but you get the idea. So here is my question. I have seen amazing work using….a fish outline…birds…etc. Are these not considered Zentangle because “the string” is actually an identifiable “object?” Just curious. I’ll go back to my 3.5″ squares now 
. You have a fantastic site, by the way, and I love the pdf book of patterns!
Hi Cindy, hmmm tough question to answer but I’ll have a go strictly from my personal perspective, and I make no bones about the fact that I’m a Zentangle purist.
What you describe isn’t Zentangle as I understand it. The “identifiable objects” change Zentangle from a fine, meditative, abstract art, to conscious “picture-making” and it doesn’t appeal to me aesthetically.
But it honestly doesn’t matter what I think, it is completely a matter of personal taste and what makes the person creating it happy. If it brings that person satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment and it appeals to them, that’s great. The process is what it’s all about and we all have very different tastes.
For me, Zentangle isn’t art that “says something”. It is art that through its abstract beauty just IS.
That is a great answer. I am still (obviously) trying to put the pieces together, so to speak. Thanks!