How tissue patterns form in development and regeneration is a fundamental issue remaining to be fully understood. The integument often forms repetitive units in space (periodic patterning) and time (cyclic renewal), such as feathers and hairs. Integument patterns are visible and can be tested experimentally, helping us reveal pattern forming processes. Phenotypic differences can be in different regions and different physiological stages. Here we explore some cellular/molecular reasons that establish skin patterning. (1) Localized cell behavior (proliferation, rearrangement, apoptosis, differentiation) transforms organ primordia into specific shapes. Combining these behaviors at specific locations can generate diverse and complex organ forms. (2) Competitive equilibrium between activators and inhibitors of skin appendage (hair, feather, beak, nail, etc) regeneration controls the cyclic quiescence or activation of their stem cells. This can be influenced by dynamic interactions between stem cells and their adjacent niche which can also be modulated by outside factors (present in the dermis, body hormone status, and external environment). In vivo skin imaging and lineage tracing unveils new insights into stem cell plasticity. Principles of self-assembly obtained from the skin model can be applied to restore appropriate patterning during regenerative wound healing and to rebuild organs through tissue engineering.