Creative Ideas for Using Patterned Vinyl

Do you have a bunch of patterned vinyl but are stumped on what to use it for? Or have you wanted to buy that cute patterned vinyl, but hesitating take the plunge? Then you are in the right place! I have collected dozens of fun and creative ideas for using patterned vinyl – both patterned adhesive vinyl and patterned heat transfer vinyl! This post contains affiliate links, which help to support this site at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

I am seeing more and more cute patterned vinyls these days, and I thought it was high time I worked up a post showing all the ways you can put that cute patterned vinyl to use! I am sharing some of my favorite ways to use patterned vinyl, including some of my own projects as well as projects from some of my favorite creative bloggers. You will also find info on where to find patterned vinyl and even how to make your own down at the end of the post!

OH! Also, I just did a little Facebook Live over with Expressions Vinyl and showed off a few of these patterned vinyl projects in real time. If you want to watch that you can check it out right here (sorry about knocking the camera over toward the end ?).

Okay, let’s talk patterned vinyl!

Creative Ideas for Using Patterned Vinyl

There are probably an endless number of ways to use patterned vinyl, but I still thought it might be helpful (and fun!) to collect some of my favorite ideas here to help get you started on your patterned vinyl crafting journey!

Patterned Vinyl Monograms

Monograms are a great way to put that patterned vinyl to use and to add extra flair to you monograms! I recommend using a thicker letter or design to really show off the pattern well. For this little can koozie, I just cut a simple “A” from Expressions Vinyl’s Cactus Cutie heat transfer vinyl and ironed it onto a blank koozie. This will work well with both patterned adhesive vinyl and patterned heat transfer vinyl

Patterned Vinyl Monogram Projects:

• Monogram Mandala Mug from Simply Made Fun
• Patterned Monogram Pillows from PMQ for Two
• Patterned Mandala Monogram Decal from Jen’s Vinyl Decals

Patterned Vinyl Logos, Icons, or Characters

Patterned vinyl is the perfect way to add a little personality to a favorite sports team logo, character silhouette, or icon. I made myself a new Golden Knights tee using the Spring Berry patterned heat transfer vinyl, and I am so, so happy with the way it turned out! (Go Knights, Go!) Isn’t it fun? The floral patterned vinyl gives it something a little special. You could use this same idea with any simple logo – what would you try it with?

More Patterned Icons/Logos/Characters:

• Floral BB8 Shirt from Eclectic Momsense
• Little Mermaid Shirt from Simple Made Fun
• Daisy Castle Shirt from Butterfly Storm Design

Use Patterned Vinyl to Cover Your Stuff!

One fun way to use patterned vinyl (particularly patterned adhesive vinyl) is to apply vinyl skins to your stuff – tech, appliances, notebooks, whatever! I have already used a printable patterned vinyl to make a laptop skin, and when I was preparing for this post, I used Fyne’s Designs amazing post and cut file to make this fun skin for my instax camera. Isn’t it cute??? I am crazy about that Mermaid Wishes vinyl!

Other Ideas for Covering Your Stuff with Patterned Vinyl:

• Vinyl Covered KitchenAid from A Girl and a Glue Gun
• Silhouette Mint Wrap from Silhouette School
• Patterned Tray from Blooming Homestead
• Patterned Vinyl Cleaning Wipes for Teachers from A Girl and A Glue Gun
• Instax Camera Wrap from Fynes Designs

Pair Patterned Vinyl with Solid Colors

This may seem kind of obvious, but pairing patterned vinyl with some solid colors can really help to frame the pattern or make it pop. For this sign, I paired the cute cactus patterned HTV with Siser Easyweed and used my “Can’t Touch This” Cut File. I used the cut by color method and applied the vinyl to small painted piece of wood (yes, you can put iron on vinyl on wood!)

Other Projects that Pair Patterned Vinyl with Solid Colors:

• Mermaid Life Shirt from Silhouette School
• Garden Girl Zipper Bag from Whipperberry
• Layered Patterned Bag from Silhouette School

Mix Multiple Patterns Together

Image from Hey Let’s Make Stuff

I just realized I didn’t actually try this myself yet, but some of my favorite patterned vinyl projects mixed multiple vinyl patterns. It is so fun to see how different patterns work together, so you definitely want to check these out!

• Patchwork Heart Tote from Hey Let’s Make Stuff
• Patterned Rainbow Shirt from Love the Day
• Patterned Letter Shirts from Lemon Thistle

There are SO many possibilities when it comes to patterned vinyl, but I hope those few ideas get your creative wheels turning. If you are feeling inspired and need to get your hands on some patterned vinyl, check out some of my favorite sources below.

Where to Find Patterned Vinyl:

• Expressions Vinyl – Obviously I worked with a lot of Expressions Vinyl patterned vinyls for this post. They recently added a bunch of adorable patterns to their collection. They have lots of options for both permanent adhesive and heat transfer vinyl. You have already seen some of my favorite patterns, but I also adore Unicorn Dreams and Spring Plaid Coral.
• Happy Crafters – Happy Crafters is another wonderful source for patterned vinyl. They have a great selection of both patterned adhesive and patterned heat transfer vinyls. They have so many cute patterns, but there are some gorgeous marbled designs that I am particularly crazy about – check out the Coral Marble or the Watercolor Marble. I also love the Classic Serape pattern and Magical Rainbow.
• Swing Design – Swing Design has some beautiful patterned vinyls, both adhesive and heat transfer. There are so many good patterns, it’s hard to pick a favorite, but I really love Mermaid Scales and Starstruck Galaxy.
• SparkleBerry Ink – SparkleBerry Ink is a great source for beautiful patterned vinyls. I particularly like their watercolor collection – check out Painterly Doodles or Retro Girl Teal (it’s Saved by the Bell in Vinyl form!)
• Etsy – Etsy is a great place to find all kinds of patterned vinyls. Here are a few Etsy vinyl shops you might want to check out. Smashing Ink Vinyl has tons of unique patterns like Abstract Rainbow and Purple Galaxy. Another great Etsy shop to check out is Vinyl Hangout Designs, and you might like their Coral Tribal patterns or their Red, White, and Blue patterns.

How to Make Your Own Patterned Vinyl

So now that you know where to buy patterned vinyl, did you know that you can actually make your own patterned vinyl too?? It’s true! And super easy too with printable vinyl! I have a whole post and video tutorial explaining how to work with printable vinyl right HERE. Another option to try out is using alcohol inks right on glossy vinyl to create your own watercolor look vinyl designs.

Okay, that’s it for today! Drop any of your patterned vinyl questions in the comments.

Happy Making!

Check out more Vinyl Projects here: