28 Jan Best Zentangle Patterns of 2025: Tangles, Inspiration & Free Tutorials
As a Zentangle artist and teacher, I spend a lot of time exploring patterns in a very small format. I love drawing on tiny Bijou tiles (that is: 5×5 cm) and document the tangles I use most. Over time, I gradually build a personal library of patterns I can return to again and again.
This post is a look back at the Zentangle patterns I drew in 2025, with a selection of my personal favorites. This is not meant as a “best of” competition, but as a source of Zentangle inspiration to spark new ideas. You’ll find tangles that stayed with me and links to free tutorials so you can try them yourself.
1 | How I chose my favorite Zentangle patterns of the year
When choosing my favorite Zentangle patterns of 2025, I looked for variety above all. You’ll find a mix of different tangle types: borders, radial tangles, geometric patterns, and more organic designs (you can learn more about tangle categories here).
Versatility was another important factor, since I’m drawn to tangles that can be adapted to different tile sizes and strings. I also tend to favor beginner friendly tangles, even if some of them can become more intricate. And of course, the meditative quality matters a lot too (that’s why I love geometric and repetitive Zentangle patterns).
Finally, my students’ responses played a key role: patterns that resonated during my workshops and classes naturally earned a place in this selection.
2 | The best Zentangle patterns of 2025 (with tangle tutorials)
I selected 60 different tangles I drew in 2025 in tiny Bijou tiles:
I’ve put together a FREE PDF including all 60 Zentangle patterns, with links to the authors and available tutorials to explore at your own pace. This button below will take you to my Pattern School, where you’ll be able to log in for free and download the PDF right away:
That said, but for the sake of clarity I decided to focus here on my 9 absolute favorite Zentangle patterns of the year, in no particular order. Let’s jump right into it!
🎨 AUSEKLIS: a Zentangle pattern tutorial
▶️ Tangle by Rita Nikolajeva.
Auseklis is the perfect mix of a mandala-like structure with a geometric twist. Growing from the center, it can resemble a flower, a star, or even a snowflake. A few light pencil guidelines can help at the start but the calm, rewarding result makes it so worth it.
Check out the tangle tutorial here:
🎨 ACHI: a Zentangle pattern tutorial
▶️ Tangle by Mario Patterns (me 😚).
Achi is a bold geometric border tangle, and one of the first Zentangle patterns I ever created. Built from simple squares and straight lines, it’s easy to draw yet visually effective. With a bit of shading, it comes to life with a beautiful woven effect.
Check out the tangle tutorial here:
🎨 ARABEL: a Zentangle pattern tutorial
▶️ Tangle by Elena Hadzijaneva.
Arabel starts with a simple square grid, but once decorated all the pieces merge into an intricate, seamless texture. It took me a few tries to fully understand it, but its elegance and rhythm quickly made it a favorite of mine.
Check out the tangle tutorial here:
🎨 FRUNKY: a Zentangle pattern tutorial
▶️ Tangle by Conzentric.
Frunky is a timeless Zentangle classic I never get tired of. Its whimsical, landscape-like feel makes it perfect for relaxed and playful drawing sessions. A favorite of my students in beginner Zentangle workshops!
Check out the tangle tutorial here:
🎨 TUNDRA: a Zentangle pattern tutorial
▶️ Tangle by Mario Patterns (me 😚).
Tundra is one of my most loved original tangles. It grows organically from a focal point and quickly becomes addictive, encouraging a free & meditative drawing flow.
Check out the tangle tutorial here:
🎨 BOSCH: a Zentangle pattern tutorial
▶️ Tangle by Maria Vennekens.
Bosch is a graphic border tangle with a clear step-by-step structure and a bold final look. It’s very eye-catching and perfect for Zentangle beginners that are just starting out.
Check out the tangle tutorial here:
🎨 OLIO: a Zentangle pattern tutorial
▶️ Tangle by Valentina Thor.
I discovered Olio at the end of December and it became love at first sight. It’s a radial tangle that feels like a mix between a snowflake and a botanical form. It’s so satisfying to draw that once you start adding “branches” around the center, it’s hard to stop!
Check out the tangle tutorial here:
🎨 EOLO: a Zentangle pattern tutorial
▶️ Tangle by Mario Patterns (me 😚).
If you like grids but wanna make things a bit more playful, then Eolo is for you! The curved triangular shapes add so much movement and flow. Inspired by wind turbines, it’s named after the guardian of the winds in Greek mythology.
The full Eolo tutorial is only available inside my Pattern School, with in-depth Zentangle tutorials and monthly exercises for only $5. Discover the Pattern School here:
🎨 WHEELZ: a Zentangle pattern tutorial
▶️ Tangle by Joyce Block.
Wheelz is a simple, versatile Zentangle pattern that’s ideal for backgrounds and large areas. It grows organically in all directions and always creates a beautiful, consistent texture.
Check out the tangle tutorial here:
3 | What these Zentangle patterns taught me about mindful drawing
These Zentangle patterns taught me something important about mindful drawing: the format that I truly enjoy is simple monotangles on tiny Bijou tiles. At times, I compare this approach to the more elaborate and complex tiles I see online, wondering if what I do is “enough”. But I have to remember what matters is not meeting others’ standards, but enjoying the process. There’s also something powerful about this way of working: over time, these small tiles become a growing library of inspiration.
Looking back, I’ve noticed a clear connection between my stress levels and my drawing habits: the periods when I felt most overwhelmed were often the ones when I wasn’t drawing at all. This is why I believe so deeply in creative routines. Mindful drawing doesn’t need to be grand to be effective: even a tiny practice can become a source of calm and creative confidence.
FREE DOWNLOAD: 60 Zentangle patterns to inspire your drawing practice!
If you enjoyed exploring these tangles, I’ve put together a free PDF with the full list of all 60 Zentangle patterns I drew in 2025. Inside, you’ll find links to the authors and step-by-step Zentangle pattern tutorials.
Simply click the button below and it’ll take you to my Pattern School, where you can log in for free and download the PDF right away:
