Hey, I know some code and am attempting to build a layout from scratch. What are some good websites with generic patterns for the layout codes for free with reference HTML?

The most common one that I see used it Colourlovers. :)

Colourlovers is definitely a favorite :D To put the pattern in the layout, I don't think they have the HTML available though. You'll have to use a CSS code like this:

background-image: url('colourloverslinkhere.jpg');
background-repeat: repeat;

To get the image link for the pattern, you have to click the "Preview" link under the Share This Pattern section to the left of the pattern ^^ (At least, that's the way I've been doing it for 6 years xD)

^^

Yeah, I couldn't get it to work on hp generator.