There are many free resources out there for Photoshop, but free stuff for Illustrator seems to lag behind a little.
In this round-up we bring you a collection of patterns and swatches for Illustrator, some of which are highly ornamental, pretty and colorful, others should be extremely useful for some of your illustrations.
Vector Patterns for Illustrator
5 Free Seamless Vector Patterns
A set of 5 patterns with transparent background, in AI, EPS, SVG and PNG formats.
50 Astonishing Argyle Pattern Swatches for Illustrator
A huge set of 50 Argyle patterns in AI format.
25 Woven Plaid Swatches
In a similar style to the above pack, but this time the pattern is plaid – in AI format.
Ocean Waves Pattern Pack
A set of 20 patterns in JPG and AI formats.
1920s Waves Pattern Pack
Created by the same artist as the pack above, this is a set of 20 retro patterns in JPG and AI formats.
Pattern Set 1
A set of 20 geometric patterns in AI format.
Illustrator Vector Swatch Patterns
A set of 8 patterns with a retro feel. AI format.
Seamless Vector Patterns – Abstract Gears
A set of 3 patterns of stylized gears – in PNG and AI formats.
Vector Repeat Patterns – Gears and Cogs
A similar set of three to the above set, in PNG and AI formats.
Seamless Vector Perforated Metal Pattern
A single, but useful pattern in AI, EPS, SVG and PNG formats.
Vector Patterns – Mono Circles
A set of 3 black and white circle patterns in EPS and PNG formats.
Camouflage Patterns
A set of 4 patterns in AI and JPG formats.
Vector Repeat Patterns – Retro Set 2
One pattern in three colors in EPS and PNG formats.
Free Patterns
A set of 7 floral patterns for both Photoshop and Illustrator with PAT and AI files available.
Repeat Patterns – Leafy Set 1
A set of 3 floral patterns in EPS and PNG formats.
Vector Pattern – Antique Engraved
A rather intricate antique-style pattern in EPS and PNG formats.
Scandinavian-Style Simple Patterns
A set of 9 patterns – AI and PAT files available.
Black and White Peacock Pattern
A very nice black and white pattern in EPS format.
Geometric Patterns 2
A set of 7 patterns in EPS format.
Repeat Patterns – Diagonal Stripes Set 1
A set of 6 patterns with different diagonal stripe designs – EPS and PNG formats.
Wire Pattern
A useful wire fencing pattern in AI format.
Conclusion
There are many vectors available, but not really too many patterns and swatches, so hopefully this round up will save you some time looking for such files for Illustrator. If you don’t know how to use swatches in Illustrator, Colorburned have a short tutorial that you may find useful.