diff --git a/pygmt/params/pattern.py b/pygmt/params/pattern.py
index 33c83a569cd..7740352c35d 100644
--- a/pygmt/params/pattern.py
+++ b/pygmt/params/pattern.py
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ class Pattern(BaseParam):
         The pattern to use. It can be specified in two forms:
 
         - An integer in the range of 1-90, corresponding to one of 90 predefined 64x64
-          bit-patterns
+          bit-patterns. [Default is 1].
         - Name of a 1-, 8-, or 24-bit image raster file, to create customized, repeating
           images using image raster files.
     dpi
@@ -69,7 +69,7 @@ class Pattern(BaseParam):
     >>> fig.show()
     """
 
-    pattern: int | PathLike
+    pattern: int | PathLike = 1
     dpi: int | None = None
     bgcolor: str | None = None
     fgcolor: str | None = None
@@ -80,7 +80,10 @@ def _validate(self):
         Validate the parameters.
         """
         # Integer pattern number must be in the range 1-90.
-        if isinstance(self.pattern, int) and not (1 <= self.pattern <= 90):
+        if not (
+            isinstance(self.pattern, PathLike)
+            or (isinstance(self.pattern, int) and 1 <= self.pattern <= 90)
+        ):
             raise GMTValueError(
                 self.pattern,
                 description="pattern number",
diff --git a/pygmt/tests/test_params_pattern.py b/pygmt/tests/test_params_pattern.py
index 713503bb008..51d768693ea 100644
--- a/pygmt/tests/test_params_pattern.py
+++ b/pygmt/tests/test_params_pattern.py
@@ -35,8 +35,10 @@ def test_pattern():
 
 def test_pattern_invalid_pattern():
     """
-    Test that an invalid pattern number raises a GMTValueError.
+    Test that an invalid pattern value or number raises a GMTValueError.
     """
+    with pytest.raises(GMTValueError):
+        _ = Pattern(None)  # Value that is neither int nor PathLike
     with pytest.raises(GMTValueError):
         _ = str(Pattern(0))
     with pytest.raises(GMTValueError):