FAQs & delivery

SketchTiles are textured tiles that go under your paper. Rub a pencil across the paper above the tile to bring its pattern into your drawing. Use the pattern to suggest a material, add shading or define a surface.

The Essentials Set and Complete Set each contain four textured tiles: Hexagonal Grid, Isometric Dot Grid, Diagonal Lines and Crosshatch. Every tile has its pattern in two scales, Fine and Coarse, one on each side. That is four patterns across eight textured faces. Explore the four tiles.

The four textured tiles, plus the Felt Carry Case to protect them and the Tiles Keyring to keep them together. The Essentials Set contains the same four tiles, with both scales of every pattern. Compare the sets.

You can buy individual tiles when they are in stock. Check current availability; out-of-stock product pages offer a stock-alert option.

A stencil guides your pencil around an opening. A SketchTiles pattern sits beneath the paper: you rub your pencil across the paper to pick up the raised texture. You choose which parts of the drawing receive the pattern. See the technique.

SketchTiles are for the pencil-and-paper part of your process. They provide a repeating pattern while you decide where it goes, how much to use and how strongly to make the mark. The texture stays part of your own hand-drawn sketch.

The current tiles are A6, 105 × 148 mm. To texture a larger drawing, reposition the tile in sections and check the alignment as you go. See how to extend a pattern.

The current range has four patterns, each in Fine and Coarse. You can also rotate, overlap or combine them to make other effects. If you are looking for a particular texture, tell us what you have in mind.

We tested prototypes with different patterns, scales and depths before choosing four versatile geometric patterns. Giving each pattern two scales lets you adapt it to different surfaces and drawing sizes. The current range does not include dedicated wood, leather or brick patterns. Read how the tiles developed.

Both. Designers, architects and illustrators can use the patterns to communicate materials and surface details. Hobbyists, students and people new to sketching can start with a simple texture swatch; formal design training is not needed.

The repeatable pattern gives you a starting point. You still control the composition, pencil marks and where the texture appears. Start with the basic technique.

Yes. Use them to demonstrate repeating patterns, compare Fine and Coarse scales, or explore how texture changes the same drawn shape. For a class or workshop, the Essentials Bulk Pack contains ten sets. Ask about a group order.

They can be used to introduce younger sketchers to textures and patterns. An adult or teacher should choose a suitable activity and supervise the use of pencils and other tools. If you are buying for a particular age group, ask us about the activity you have in mind.

Under the paper, with the pattern you want facing up. Hold the paper and tile steady, then rub a pencil across the paper above the tile to transfer the pattern. See the steps.

Start with a soft graphite or coloured pencil. Use light pressure, then build up the mark with another pass.

You can experiment with crayons and pastels. Pens and markers can give different results and may not pick up fine textures as clearly as pencils. Test your tool and paper on a small swatch first. The two-pass grid guide shows pencil texture with marker colour and finishing shading.

Start with smooth, thin paper such as printer, tracing or marker paper. Thin to medium-weight sheets, up to around 160 gsm, are a useful starting range, but the paper’s surface and thickness also affect the mark. Thick or heavily textured sheets can make the pattern harder to pick up.

Coloured paper is another option, particularly with white or metallic pencils. Test a swatch before working on the drawing. See the paper and pencil tips.

Work on a firm, flat surface and keep the paper and tile steady. Try a softer pencil, a different pencil angle or thinner, smoother paper before pressing harder. Build the mark gradually with even pressure.

If you are using a pen or marker, compare it with a pencil swatch. Fine textures may not transfer as clearly with every tool. See the placement and pressure notes.

Yes. Reposition the tile to continue the pattern, checking the alignment as you go. A ruler against the tile edge can help you keep its direction consistent. Practise the join on scrap paper first; moving the tile does not always produce a seamless repeat. See how to extend a pattern.

Yes. Rotate the tile between pencil passes, shift it slightly to offset the pattern, or combine two patterns. Each change alters how the marks overlap. Try the two-pass grid, or see the layering and offset examples.

Yes. The same pencil-rubbing technique can add patterned areas to journal pages, handmade cards and other paper projects. Choose paper that lets the texture come through, and try a small area first. The tile still goes beneath the paper.

Start with How to use SketchTiles, then explore the step-by-step sketching guides and techniques. You can also find drawing demonstrations on our Instagram page.

We do not currently offer workshops. If you are planning a class or workshop with SketchTiles, contact us with your location, group size and what you would like to teach.

Each tile is A6 size, 105 × 148 mm. Fine and Coarse patterns are on opposite sides of the same tile.

The tiles are made from rigid ABS plastic for repeated use. Protect the patterned surfaces from scratches and avoid bending the tiles.

Yes. Use the tiles again with fresh paper; rubbing the pencil on the paper does not use up the pattern. How long they last depends on use and care. Protect the textured surfaces in their original packaging or a case between drawing sessions.

The four A6 tiles stack together. Keep them in their original packaging, a pouch or the Felt Carry Case when putting them in your sketchbook or bag. The Tiles Keyring keeps the set together. Keep sharp objects away from the patterned surfaces.

Wipe them with a soft, damp cloth. Use mild soap and water if needed. Avoid abrasive cleaners and scrubbing tools, which can damage the textured surfaces.

Browse the sets, individual tiles and accessories in our shop. Product pages show each item’s availability. For a class, studio or shop order, contact us.

Yes. Delivery options depend on the destination. Contact us if you would like to check delivery to your country.

Delivery is estimated at 8–12 business days for the US. Other destinations are estimated at 8–12 or 12–15 business days, depending on location.

Look for the dispatch email and check your spam folder. If you cannot find an update, contact us with your order number and the email address used for the order.

Check the latest tracking update and confirm the delivery address on your order. If the parcel is marked delivered, check any safe place or reception area where it may have been left.

If you still cannot find it, contact us with your order number and the latest tracking status. Include a screenshot or a photo of any delivery notice that could help us understand what happened.

A pending bank entry is not the same as an order confirmation. Check for a confirmed order and contact us if the status is unclear before making repeated attempts. Include the time and the message you saw; never send card details.

Contact us within 24 hours of placing the order with your order number and corrected address.

Contact us within 14 days of delivery. Give the parcel to the carrier within 14 days of contacting us. Items must be unused, undamaged and in their original packaging with barcode labels and seals.

You pay return shipping for a change of mind or incorrect selection. If the item is defective or we sent the wrong item, we cover return shipping. No restocking fee applies.

Eligible refunds go to your original payment method within 7 days after we receive and inspect the return. We do not offer ordinary exchanges, but a defective or incorrect item may be replaced.

Contact us within 7 days of delivery. Include your order number and photos showing the problem. We cover return shipping and offer a replacement or full refund for defective or incorrect items.

It keeps the four tiles in an Essentials Set together for carrying and quick access. You can lay the tiles flat while attached or remove the tile you need. See the Tiles Keyring.

The keyring is 20 mm (0.8 inches) in diameter and is designed for the four tiles in an Essentials Set. View the keyring.

The Tiles Keyring is made from ABS plastic.

Keep the ring for your tiles. Sharp or heavy items such as keys can rub against the patterned surfaces and scratch or damage them.

The Essentials Set contains the four tiles. The keyring is available separately or included with the Felt Carry Case in the Complete Set. View the keyring.

The case holds a full set of four tiles plus the keyring. The soft felt helps protect them from dust, scratches and light knocks when stored or carried in a bag. See the Felt Carry Case.

The case measures 160 × 125 mm, approximately 6.3 × 4.9 inches. It is sized for a full set of SketchTiles plus the keyring.

Dense gray synthetic felt, with stitched edges and a debossed faux-leather logo patch.

Yes. The Felt Carry Case is sold separately, with tiles not included. It is also part of the Complete Set, together with the four tiles and keyring.