Connective tissue is a factor of great importance in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine because it has a limited life but complicated mechanical properties. In this study, we present a reinforcement method of hydrogel using patterned nanofibers to mimic native connective tissues with selective engagement of load carrying constituents. We incorporated a three-dimensional nanofibrous frame fabricated using direct-write electrospinning with a hydrogel matrix. Three types of nanofiber-reinforced hydrogel composite were fabricated and their dual aspects of mechanical properties for compressive load were identified. It was demonstrated that the constructed composite had sufficient biocompatibility as well as connective tissue-like mechanical properties. (C) 2013 AIP Publishing LLC.