40+ Easy Zentangle Patterns for Beginners and Kids

I am always updating and adding to this epic collection of easy zentangle patterns for beginners.

Are you a doodler? If you are, then you probably already know how to zentangle you don't realize it. We shared a great introduction to zentangle as a meditative art project for kids, and I wanted to expand on that original piece. So, I'm sharing a bunch of easy zentangle patterns that are great for beginners and kids of all ages. You can also check out my YouTube video where I share 4 easy patterns.

collage of easy zentangle patterns for beginners to draw

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If you haven't read my companion post - Zentangle Art for Kids - I suggest you read that piece too. I have all kinds of great information about the benefits of Zentangle art for kids. How it helps not only with fine motor skill development, but is great for anxiety relief and mindfulness.

What is Zentangle?
What supplies do you need to zentangle?
18 Easy Zentangle Patterns for Beginners or Kids
More Easy Sets of Zentangle Patterns for Beginners

image of a zentangle meditative art square drawn by kids

What is Zentangle?

Zentangle is more than doodling. The zentangle method is a trademarked process based on a theory developed by founders Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas. Basically, creating a zentangle involves drawing a "tangle" of lines that are then filled with repetitive patterns or designs. Each zentangle is unique...as you are the one making the tangle of lines and choosing the patterns to fill the voids with.

What supplies do you need to zentangle?

You could use any piece of paper or any pen; however, for a true zentangle, you will want to work with a few easy-to-obtain supplies. A thin, black pen - the ultra-fine-tipped Sharpie or the Sakura Micron pen is a great option. Since you are using a fine-tip marker, your paper should be smooth and work well with the marker. I use white cardstock when I zentangle. For a zentangle, the paper you use should be square - 4 inches square...that is an ideal size. However, you could totally make a different square size for your design. You can actually buy zentangle pads of paper, called "tiles", in various square sizes. I've created a post where I detail a full list of zentangle art supplies for beginners.

18 Easy Zentangle Patterns for Beginners or Kids

print out of easy step-by-step zentangle patterns with ultra fine tip sharpie pen

Once you have the supplies and you've drawn your tangled lines, it's time to fill in the zentangle patterns. I'm sharing a few easy zentangle patterns to spark your creativity. To give you a little inspiration for you to hopefully expand and create your own patterns. As I've said before, there are endless design and pattern options, it all depends on how you choose to fill the voids.

I've shared a number of zentangle designs that include circles, curves, straight lines, wavy lines, and swirls. Which designs do you like? Experiment with these designs on our printable blank zentangle pattern square page.

easy zentangle designs for kids broken down into steps

I've broken down four of the more difficult zentangle patterns into step-by-step instructions. You will find the breakdown of 4 challenging patterns in our zentangle pattern progression printable. In this printable, I take you through how to start a zentangle design and then how to move through to the completion of the design.

You can see the step-by-step creation of the zentangle designs. Which one will you start with? Again, use our blank zentangle pattern square page to experiment with different designs.