diff --git a/mods/ITEMS/mcl_banners/init.lua b/mods/ITEMS/mcl_banners/init.lua
index 541a69c9f6..49af2de639 100644
--- a/mods/ITEMS/mcl_banners/init.lua
+++ b/mods/ITEMS/mcl_banners/init.lua
@@ -193,7 +193,8 @@ minetest.register_node("mcl_banners:standing_banner", {
 	_doc_items_entry_name = "Banner",
 	_doc_items_image = "mcl_banners_item_base.png^mcl_banners_item_overlay.png",
 	_doc_items_longdesc = "Banners are tall colorful decorative blocks. They can be placed on the floor and at walls. Banners can be emblazoned with a variety of patterns using a lot of dye in crafting.",
-	_doc_items_usagehelp = "Use crafting to draw a pattern on top of the banner. Emblazoned banners can be emblazoned again to combine various patterns. You can draw up to 6 layers on a banner that way. You can copy the pattern of a banner by placing two banners of the same color in the crafting grid—one needs to be emblazoned, the other one must be clean. Finally, you can use a banner on a cauldron with water to wash off its top-most layer.",
+	_doc_items_usagehelp = [[Use crafting to draw a pattern on top of the banner. Emblazoned banners can be emblazoned again to combine various patterns. You can draw up to 6 layers on a banner that way. If the banner includes a gradient, only 3 layers are possible.
+You can copy the pattern of a banner by placing two banners of the same color in the crafting grid—one needs to be emblazoned, the other one must be clean. Finally, you can use a banner on a cauldron with water to wash off its top-most layer.]],
 	walkable = false,
 	is_ground_content = false,
 	paramtype = "light",
diff --git a/mods/ITEMS/mcl_banners/patterncraft.lua b/mods/ITEMS/mcl_banners/patterncraft.lua
index 8d202c78c4..2858b3d23e 100644
--- a/mods/ITEMS/mcl_banners/patterncraft.lua
+++ b/mods/ITEMS/mcl_banners/patterncraft.lua
@@ -5,6 +5,9 @@
 -- Maximum number of layers which can be put on a banner by crafting.
 local max_layers_crafting = 6
 
+-- Maximum number of layers when banner includes a gradient (workaround, see below).
+local max_layers_gradient = 3
+
 -- Max. number lines in the descriptions for the banner layers.
 -- This is done to avoid huge tooltips.
 local max_layer_lines = 6
@@ -386,6 +389,16 @@ local banner_pattern_craft = function(itemstack, player, old_craft_grid, craft_i
 	if #layers >= max_layers_crafting then
 		return ItemStack("")
 	end
+	-- Lower layer limit when banner includes any gradient.
+	-- Workaround to circumvent bug #340 (gradients are likely to cause transparent pixels).
+	-- FIXME: Remove this restriction when bug #340 is fixed.
+	if #layers >= max_layers_gradient then
+		for l=1, #layers do
+			if layers[l].pattern == "gradient" or layers[l].pattern == "gradient_up" then
+				return ItemStack("")
+			end
+		end
+	end
 
 	local matching_pattern
 	local max_i = player:get_inventory():get_size("craft")