Pattern Fill

 An object can be filled with a pattern. You can create your own pattern or use an existing (pre-set) pattern.

How to use

Select the object with the Selector Tool and open the Fill and Stroke dialog. Go to the Fill or Stroke tab and click the pattern fill icon.

You can choose the pattern you want from the selection box (path-based, such as stripes, dots, polka dots, checkboard, wavy, camouflage, and ermine, or bitmap-based, such as sand, clothes and old paint).

Object to pattern

To create your own pattern, select the object from which the pattern will be created.  Then select Object > Pattern > Object to Pattern or pressAlt+I. Your object will dissapear from the canvas and appear on the list of patterns.

To do the reverse, select Object > Pattern > Pattern to Object or press Shift+Alt+I.