This often occurs in floral, dot, striped and abstract patterns. Pass on any pattern that appears to jump, wave, wiggle or vibrate. Look for a pattern that lets your eye move smoothly. Vertical stripes carry your eye up and down in a continuously rhythmic movement. Avoid picture-like patterns.
Balance is important.
The subject matter or theme needs to be pleasing flowers, geometric and abstract patterns are suitable motifs on fabric. A poor quality clothing pattern often tries to look like an exact copy of something, almost like a photograph. Patterns should be stylized, rather than realistic. Printed words don't work, either. The eye is distracted and the mind becomes preoccupied with trying to read the words.