How to make overlapping pattern filled objects transparent (w/o under object showing through)

[Alanna5ED9]

Hello!

These patterns are filled with custom pattern swatches. The background needs to be transparent so that only the gold linework will be printed. However, I do not want to see the pattern from one object under the other where they overlap. Is there a specific tool or efficient way to do this?

Thank you!

[Jacob Bugge]

Alanna,

As I (mis)understand it, I believe you will like the Knockout Group way.

1) Create a fill (if not already) that hides the underlying artwork, then in the Appearance palette click the Fill to select (only that), then in the Transparency palette set the Opacity to 0,
2) Also select the artwork to be hidden, then Ctrl/Cmd+G to Group,
3) In the Transparency palette tick Knockout Group.

[Alanna5ED9]

Hi Jacob,
Thank you so much! I meant to add that to my post. I had tried the Knockout
Group but was unsuccessful because it was a pattern. Do you have any tips
for using it?

Thanks!

[Jacob Bugge]

Alanna,

My thought was to give the relevant cloudy shape(s) the fill in 1).

But you can work with the shapes in other ways, as the one suggested by Ton; or Divide followed by Unite.

[Ton Frederiks]

You could use the Pathfinder Minus Front option to subtract the shapes from each other to remove the parts where they overlap.

Fill the result with the patterns.