Top 5 website providers for Textile & Surface Pattern Designers

Over the years, James and I have had our fair share of adventures building websites for our business. Recently, we thought we’d try one of those fancy new AI platforms. Let me just clarify—not me. I’m not the “technical one” in this duo. That’s firmly James’ department. My role is more along the lines of “team motivator and energiser.”

At first, the AI builder seemed amazing—like, wow, it actually understood us! But once we asked it to handle multiple actions and pages… well, let’s just say it got a bit stroppy. James compared the whole thing to working with web developers: lots of backwards and forwards until you finally get on the same page. Except in this case, the developer never had coffee and went on strike halfway through.

What we learned is this: it really helps to have a solid structure from the start—a clear place to put everything you want in. Platforms like Squarespace are brilliant because they’re simple, logical, and don’t require you to have a secret degree in coding. And honestly, we’re big believers in not reinventing the wheel. No one wants to build an accounts system from scratch when there are perfectly good bits of software that do it better and can integrate seamlessly.

So here are our top tips: if you’re not particularly “computer technical,” start simple. Get a website that works, grow into it, and when you’re ready—invest in the right help and add-ons to build the kind of website your business really deserves.

1. The Pattern Cloud

The Rolls-Royce of textile websites. Not just a site, but the whole business toolkit: invoicing, CRM, file delivery, sales tracking—you name it. Even has AI image search and an iPad app for offline presentations. Used by over 100 studios worldwide, so yes, it’s legit.

We can also give you a discount to buy into this system.

2. Wix

Drag-and-drop magic. Perfect for creatives who want a shiny portfolio up in an afternoon without crying over code. Think of it as digital Lego for adults.

3. Squarespace

Sleek, modern templates that make your site look like it was designed by a Vogue editor. Great for selling products directly too. Basically the Instagram filter of website builders—everything looks instantly better.

4. Webflow

For the brave. It’s got all the power of custom code without actually needing to write it… unless you want to. Perfect if you love fiddling with details and want animations that make people go “ooooh.”

5. Showit

This one’s for rebels. Total visual freedom, no boring grids, just drag-and-drop until your site looks like an art magazine. Ideal if you want your website to scream “designer!” the second it loads.

Quick Comparison

Platform

Best For

Ease of Use

Why It Works for Designers

Pattern Cloud

Business + sales + portfolio

Moderate (setup)

All-in-one solution for studios

Wix

Quick, flexible portfolios

Very easy

Fast drag-and-drop, great for starters

Squarespace

Polished branding + selling

Easy to moderate

Gorgeous templates, built-in shop tools

Webflow

Scalable, advanced design

Moderate to hard

Custom layouts, animations, dynamic content

Showit

Editorial-style storytelling websites

Easy

Unlimited creative freedom, very visual

✨ Key Takeaway:

• Want business tools + portfolio in one place? → Pattern Cloud

• Need a simple, visual portfolio? → Wix, Squarespace, or Showit

• Craving something more advanced and custom? → Webflow