There are many ways to adorn the body with artwork. Some people choose to create large, cohesive pieces of art that can cover large areas like their arms or back. Meanwhile, there are also art lovers who have many different ideas making it difficult to settle on one big concept.
This is where patchwork tattoos come into play. You can start an interesting patchwork collection if you have a few small tattoos on your arms or legs.
Patchwork tattoos are a collection of small tattoos placed close together with a bit of empty space in between, similar to an iron-on patch on a denim jacket. These tattoos don’t require a specific theme that ties them together and there is usually no background to fill in the empty spaces. Each tattoo almost looks like a sticker or patch stuck on the body.
A patchwork tattoo is not a specific type or style of tattoo. It is rather a method of tattoo placement. When most people get arm tattoos, it’s usually either a large cohesive tattoo or several medium to large sized tattoos designed to harmoniously fill the space.
At first, there may not be many people who have the idea of getting a patchwork style tattoo. Usually, they start with a few small tattoos on different parts of the body and then realize that there is still a lot of empty space around the tattoos.
These empty spaces sometimes look unbalanced, especially if the tattoos are too far apart. With these small tattoos, the area for larger tattoos is also limited as there is already a lot of skin covered.
If the small tattoos are difficult to put together into one large design, they will continue the patchwork concept by adding other small tattoos until the whole area is filled up perfectly.
Many people choose to leave empty spaces between their patchwork tattoos. However, if you want to fill them in, choose a design that won’t clash with your existing tattoos.
Some people fill the area with a smoky or fog effect. You can go for colors or shades of gray, depending on which one goes best with your tattoo-the choice is entirely yours.
Another option for filling the negative space is with small designs or simple patterns like stars, swirls, or spider webs. Some people create contrast by filling the entire negative space with black, which can accentuate their patchwork tattoo.
If this choice won’t obscure the border of your tattoo, the end result can look interesting. However, it’s best to discuss with your tattoo artist for a professional opinion.
If you love the look of patchwork tattoos, you can start designing a tattoo sleeve in this style right from the start. This will make the design process easier and the final result will be more to your liking.
When each tattoo is carefully planned, you can create harmony in terms of symmetry, size, and spacing between each element. You can also fill in empty spaces gradually, bit by bit.
The design process starts with deciding what elements you want to include in the patchwork tattoo area. Your tattoo artist can help create a design that fits and blends. You don’t have to add all the tattoos at once; you can start small and add slowly over time. For example, you could add a new tattoo every few months, following the initial design concept. For those who are passionate about tattoos, this will provide an interesting experience that can be enjoyed in the long run-little by little without rushing.
Remember, your patchwork tattoo sleeve is a work in progress until most of the space is filled. Granted, it might look a little odd while it’s still in progress, but the end result will be worth it. In fact, some like the look of tattoos that are similar to variegated stickers.
As much as possible, avoid the urge to impulsively fill an empty space just to cover it up. Take time to consider each element and the meaning you want to achieve.
Patchwork tattoo styles can vary, but it would be best if you maintain a consistent style. This stylistic congruence is even more important than theme alignment in many cases. If each tattoo is in a different style, the end result may look less organized (although some like this look). However, by choosing one particular style, you can create harmony in the diversity of designs.
If you like the watercolor tattoo style, use watercolor for all the designs. Neo-traditional is also popular for patchwork tattoos. If you choose colored tattoos, make sure that the colors blend well. Alternatively, choosing black and grey for the entire motif can also be an interesting choice.
Are Patchwork Tattoos the Same as Embroidery Tattoos?
Patchwork tattoos are sometimes mistaken for embroidery tattoos, which actually resemble embroidery or patchwork. Embroidery tattoos are a specialized style that looks like embroidery because they are made up of fine lines that resemble threads. Each line looks like a strand of thread that forms a specific image.
Embroidered tattoos are very pretty, but this technique requires high skill to make the result look neat and charming. If you are interested in the embroidery style, choose a tattoo artist who is experienced in this technique. Before deciding, it’s worth looking at their portfolio to ensure the quality of their work. This is because embroidery tattoos have a lot of details that if not done properly, may be less than optimal after the healing process is complete.
With good planning and patience, your patchwork tattoo style will be a unique and meaningful piece of art.
