Software Patterns are important whether you know you are using them or not... by definition.
A design pattern is simply a generalized, reusable solution to a commonly occurring problem.
You can either hack around until you re-invent the solution of every problem you encounter or you can learn the "patterns" that that programmers have been utilizing for generations. If you formalize your knowledge of most common, named patterns, you will have a common vocabulary to discuss and apply the solutions.
