Inkscape

A free software for editing vector files. One of the free alternatives to Adobe Illustrator.

How to turn an image to a symbol

Import the image into the canvas. We will use the image to trace the lines on it. As a personal preference, reduce the opacity of the image to make it easier to see your work in progress.

Then it's all free from here. For a start, you can use the calligraphy and the bezier curve tool.

Repeating patterns on a shape or path

• you need two things: the object (e.g., a shape, a single line) and a pattern to stamp all over the object

• select the object and apply the "Pattern along path" effect on it

• configure the effect to repeat the pattern

• copy the pattern

• paste and link the pattern into the object

• to finalize the effect, convert the object into path

• the new object is a group composed of the pattern tied together, you can break it apart to change each individual pattern