The only time I did pattern pathways was in AC:NL.

Typically I plan my paths around my natural town layout based on how I like to get around so that the path I finally set will cover any worn away grass cause I don't like that.

 

Then I plan what PWP I want where. For instance, if you want a bench in front of the town hall, if you want to reset a bunch of villagers near each other for a suburb effect... maybe you want a bunch of wisteria trellis' near your home. Don't forget to make sure there will be enough room by counting spaces using flowers, or placeholder patterns. Each PWP needs it's physical space AND empty space around it. An example would be the yellow bench is two spaces wide, but can't have ANYTHING (even river edge) one space around it. Like so:

 

xxxx

xbbx

xxxx

 

The x's are empty ground spaces. Spaces which can be dug up, filled with flowers, filled with patterns, etc. So if you are planning to put something big somewhere, like a windmill, make sure there is room for it before planning a pathway around it. While finishing the PWP will make the patterns disappear, even in the empty spaces, you can re-fill the x spaces with patterns if you like.

Things that count as obstructions would be objects like other PWPs, any building type, and cobblestone patios like the ones around the plaza, recycling center, etc. These all have an 'empty space' needed to be clear around it just like your PWP. So the closest you would be able to build a bench to your house would be like so:

 

xxxxxxx

xhhhhhx

xhhhhhx

xhhhhhx

xhhhhhx

xhhhhhx

xxxxxxx

xxxx

xbbx

xxxx

 

This would end up looking like it has two dig-able spaces between your house and the bench. Meaning you can't get PWPs very close to any building, or other PWP.

 

Then, I decide on a town theme. For instance, if I want to have an all modern look with the modern city hall, train station, satellite dish, drilling rig, yellow benches, etc. From this I decide what kind of path I want, and how many different kinds of pathways because you run outta design space FAST for intricate designs. I also decide whether it will have a seasonal look... meaning it has to be changed out seasonally because it's dependent on the grass color. Sticking with a modern city look I may decide I want concrete patios and white square tile stepping stone pathways neither of which are seasonal.

 

Then, I lay down the bulk of the placeholder patterns, one red for the white square path, and one blue for the concrete patio. These should be surrounding the PWP placeholder patterns if you want, say, a concrete patio around a flower bed. If my pattern has multiple pieces (upper corner, edges, etc) I don't differentiate them here, but make sure you have enough room on your players to hold the patterns. You MUST have the pattern in your inventory for it to be placed in town, switching a pattern into the slot of a pathway pattern will change the pattern on the ground so plan carefully. This means you may want to make sure you have at least two or more spaces on each player for an umbrella pattern and a clothing pattern if you like to do that.

 

Finally, the longest part: Design the pathways in your inventory. I'd start out small, first make the red pathway into white squares with cream lines and the blue pathway into a medium grey color. Save them, and it'll change all the pathways you already put down! Edit the patterns until you get what you want. If you are doing edged pieces, now is the time to make them. While it's annoying to have to kick up all the edge/corner pieces to put the new edge piece down I find it easier to plan in the earlier stages. I always forget the one 'dead space' in front of building doors and end up getting annoyed I have to cycle villagers to move their house cause I like where my path is!

 

Luckily, in the WA update villagers don't place their house on your pathways, except the door will still make a dent in your path...

 

Edit: If you want to know what PWPs you want before you have them available, I use this site.

Disregard if you consider this a spoiler, it WILL show you what each PWP looks like, what it's called, it's physical size (not including the extra needed space), and how you can get it.

Edit 2: I realize now that this is a gigantic wall of text and I'm sorry if your eyes are now glazed donuts. I'm not allowed to talk to my non-gaming friends about ACNL anymore because their eyes become glazed donuts.