How do I create a pattern swatch using objects filled with a texture pattern?

[Jenn5E38]

I am relatively new to illustrator so bear with me.

I would like to create a repeating pattern by dragging over a design into the swatches menu. I set up my art board however some objects contain a texture pattern fill I previously created. It is my understanding that you cannot create a pattern with objects that contain a pattern. However, are there any work arounds to this? For example how do I "finalize" the object texture pattern so that they are individual editable shapes instead of simply a fill? 

[Mike_Gondek]

Hi Jenn,

You can not nest things like patterns inside pattern or symbols inside symbols. Do not even try the nested symbol as a test as I think that crashes your computer in the past.

Use  Object >> Expand on the pattern.

[Jenn5E38]

When I click on the texture and then go object>expand the art board disappears and none of my layers are visible. Any ideas?

[michelew83603738]

Is your texture pattern a vector or bitmap? If it is a bitmap, you may need to do an image trace. If it is vector, if you post an image so we can see what is happening, that would be helpful.