03 Jul How to Draw CRIPTEX (Tangle Step by Step)

Would you like to learn how to draw a geometric Zentangle pattern? CRIPTEX is a border tangle with a 3D effect, here’s the step-by-step tutorial:

What is the tangle CRIPTEX?

CRIPTEX is a geometric Zentangle pattern with angular shapes and an architectural 3D feel to it. Originally designed as a border tangle, it’s very easy to make it grow by stacking blocks along the edge of a tile.

If you enjoy geometric border patterns, check out my tangle ACHI in my free tangle library.

The inspiration behind my tangle CRIPTEX

Photo from mastercubestore.com

So, where did the name CRIPTEX come from? You might have read the word in the famous book “The Da Vinci Code” by Dan Brown. It’s a fictional puzzle box used to hide something inside, and trying to force it open breaks a vial of vinegar that destroys the object. This mysterious artifact was the inspiration for my tangle.

As someone who’s recently rediscovered a love of reading after years away from books (adult life, am I right?) it felt especially good to turn a literary idea into a Zentangle pattern.

How to draw a Zentangle tile with CRIPTEX, step by step:

If you feel like exploring CRIPTEX beyond its original border design, I’ve created a guided PDF tutorial inside my Pattern School, Zentopia.

In this exercise, we take the tangle in a new direction. Instead of growing along the edge of a tile, CRIPTEX radiates from a center resembling an explosion of geometric forms.

Join my Pattern School Zentopia and besides this step-by-step PDF tutorial you’ll also get:

✏️ New tangle exercises every month (100+ and growing!)
🔁 Real-time video tutorials.
🫂 Access to an inspiring Telegram community of tanglers.
💪🏻 Support to keep drawing consistently.

Only for $5/month + taxes! You can also explore the full library of tutorials with a 7-DAY FREE TRIAL before deciding: