Patchwork tattoos differ from traditional sleeve tattoos because they are not one huge tattoo but a collection of many different tattoos in one place. Every “patch” of a tattoo can be a different design, style, color, symbol, or whatever you want!
The best thing is that patchwork tattoos allow you complete freedom and that’s exactly why no two people on Earth have the same designs. All of this makes them really unique to each person.
If you are thinking of starting your own collection of body art, these 21 patchwork tattoos will definitely inspire you and give you many ideas!
1. Full Sleeve Patchwork Tattoo
There are no rules when it comes to patchwork tattoos, you can have as many of them as you like! This is a good example of how an arm full of tattoos can still look pretty delicate because of all the spaces between individual tattoos.
2. Patchwork Tattoo On Legs
Legs are also a popular spot for this type of tattoo, and it looks really cool! Each one of these tattoos can tell a whole different story, but you can also choose to have some purely because they’re aesthetic.
3. Blend Of Different Styles
Many think patchwork tattoos will only look good if you use the same style and similar designs, but as I said, there are no rules! Do you want realistic tattoos combined with linework? No problem at all! You are the designer so you can go for whatever you like.
4. Floral Patchwork Tattoo
If you’re a nature and flower lover, you’ll adore this design! Floral patterns look really beautiful in patchwork tattoos and you can add as many flowers as you like!
5. Old School Design
If you decide to go for the old-school or traditional design, the results won’t disappoint you! This style is often characterized by bold lines, black and white colors, or a limited color palette. It also often has famous imagery like skulls, roses, snakes, eyes, or other similar traditional symbols you can never go wrong with!
6. Simple Patchwork Tattoo
Some people are not fans of big, eye-catching tattoos so they opt for more minimalist designs like this one. It’s so simple and yet you can tell many different things with each piece of tattoo you choose to have.
7. Black & Red Ink Patchwork Tattoo
A combination of black and red ink will always look bold and cool! This is a really funky design across the whole arm that surely gets a lot of attention.
8. Half Sleeve Botanical Garden
A tattoo artist behind this piece of art said these are botanicals from Hamlet’s verse. How creative is that?! It’s a really good example of nice shading and precise lines, and it looks beautiful!
9. Sticker Sleeve
Some people like to call this a sticker sleeve, which is usually a collection of random, mostly small tattoos. They don’t have to make any sense or have any meaning, but you can also choose a combination of different elements that are all somehow connected to each other.
10. Ocean-Themed Patchwork Tattoo
If you are an ocean lover, stop scrolling! Just look at this pretty design with so many different details. I’m sure you’re already getting some ideas for your art piece!
11. Fingers Patchwork Tattoo
Patchwork tattoos look really cool on fingers. They can be your best and prettiest accessory. Add some jewelry on top of that and it will look amazing on anyone!
12. Drawings Combined With Scripts
Don’t think this style is reserved for drawings only, you can add scripts too! Imagine pairing your favorite quote with something symbolic. That would be really meaningful!
13. Medieval Patchwork Tattoo
You’re a fan of medieval illustrations and mythological creatures? Then look no further! A skeleton and tree at the top serve as a reminder that you can’t escape death and should thus live a meaningful life. Other parts of the tattoo are mythological creatures which are often associated with protection and strength.
14. Fine Line Patchwork Tattoo
Fine line style is very popular when it comes to patchwork tattoos. They are very precise and simple and suit people who like minimalist designs. But be careful because people who usually start with a few simple tattoos, end up with a lot more!
15. Unified Style And Color Scheme
While some love different styles, others would rather have a unified style when it comes to their patchwork tattoo. And I totally understand because it looks awesome! It almost looks like a sleeve tattoo because everything is so nicely connected even though these are all individual tattoos.
16. Forest Patchwork Tattoo
When people think of patchwork tattoos, they usually imagine them on arms or legs, but you can definitely have them on other parts of your body as well! These nature-themed elements tattooed on the chest look truly amazing! All of these symbols symbolize growth and transformation.
17. Symbolic Designs
The first word that came to my mind when I saw this was storytelling. The open book, castle, and nature elements look like something someone who’s a book lover and very creative person would have tattooed on them. And of course, let’s not forget the cute design honoring their pet.
18. Random Patchwork Tattoo
Random designs are great because not all patchwork tattoos are done in one go. Some people do them over a couple of years and tattoo different elements that they like or associate with something. This will make a beautiful collage-like appearance in the end!
19. Colorful Piece Of Art
If you think all patchwork tattoos are plain and simple, you’re wrong! Don’t be afraid to add some color to your design! Trust me, it will look amazing and you won’t regret it!
20. Delicate Patchwork Tattoo
If you like delicate designs, this might be perfect for you! This patchwork tattoo is a combination of text and different drawings made with clean, fine lines. Although these individual tattoos may seem like they’re not connected they actually tell a story about an exciting journey of life and transformation that’s inevitable.
21. Patchwork Half-Sleeve Tattoo
Each patchwork tattoo is a piece of art and reflects the personality of the person who has it. As life unfolds and you go through different experiences and gather new memories, you can now cherish each one of them with a small tattoo you can add to your collection!