Help, how do I fill my line vectors with images or patterns?

[redfox6]

I have tried making clipping masks and made my vectors compound paths but can't seem to work out how to fill them with images or patterns. How would you suggest to fill a complex vector with an image or is it not possible?

[Monika Gause]

You need to first create the shape, because I assume that this piece of garment currently is just a bunch of open paths?

[redfox6]

How would I do this?

[Monika Gause]

You need to select all the paths that define the outer shape of what you want to use as a mask.

Copy them

Then it will be best to create a new layer and lock the existing obne.

Paste in place

Use the shapebuilder tool to create the shape

Make the clipping mask.

[redfox6]

Now I have made it into a shape it only fills the outlines with my mask and not the background of the shape as shown, is there any easier way to fill my other garments with the background pattern/image as they are all paths turned into shapes.

[Monika Gause]

When strokes are outlined what you can do is first Object > Compound path > Release and then in the pathfinder panel click on "Unite" (top left button)