Share your tips on how you create a flowing track

The title pretty much explains it all. I'm having trouble trying to make my tracks NOT sound like they are made of just looped patterns :/

Usually I'll start with a chord progression, create some subtle variations, then come up with a few riffs and basslines. Add in effects, pads, drums, etc. but by the end, you can tell that it is really just pattern after pattern after pattern...

So how do you guys overcome this problem? I'd really like to hear your methods!

Thanks