How to Create and Edit Linear Sketch Patterns in SOLIDWORKS

A linear sketch pattern repeats selected sketch entities in one or two directions. It is useful for holes, slots, teeth, vents, layout geometry, and repeated sketch features that should stay evenly spaced.

Create a linear sketch pattern

1. Edit the sketch.
2. Select the sketch entities to pattern.
3. Choose Linear Sketch Pattern.
4. Set direction 1, spacing, and number of instances.
5. Add direction 2 if needed.
6. Accept the pattern and rebuild the sketch.

Choose pattern directions

The pattern direction can follow an edge, sketch line, axis, or horizontal and vertical sketch directions. Use a real reference when the pattern needs to follow design intent instead of screen direction.

If the pattern should stay parallel to a part edge, select that edge or a construction line tied to it. This keeps the pattern stable if the sketch orientation changes later.

Edit an existing sketch pattern

To edit the pattern, right-click the sketch pattern relation or pattern feature in the sketch and choose edit. Change the spacing, number of instances, direction, or selected entities, then rebuild the sketch.

After editing, check the first and last instances. It is easy to change spacing or quantity and accidentally push patterned geometry outside the intended boundary.

Keep the sketch stable

Fully define the seed geometry before creating the pattern. If the original entity is under-defined, every patterned instance can move or rebuild unpredictably. Add dimensions and relations that lock the seed in place.

Also define the pattern spacing and direction. A sketch pattern should not depend on a loose drag position if it controls a manufactured feature.

When to use a feature pattern instead

Use a sketch pattern when repeated sketch geometry is genuinely needed. If you are repeating holes, cuts, bosses, or other finished features, a feature pattern may be easier to edit and more robust.

Feature patterns are often better for 3D model features because they keep the sketch simpler. Sketch patterns are useful when the repeated geometry must exist inside one sketch, such as a layout or shared profile.

Troubleshooting

If the pattern over-defines the sketch, remove conflicting relations or reduce automatic constraints. If the wrong entities pattern, edit the selection set and choose only the seed geometry that should repeat.

If performance slows down, reduce unnecessary sketch detail or move repeated solid features into a feature pattern. Very large sketch patterns can make sketches harder to edit.