We consider a simple problem that provides insight into the building blocks of friction for topographically patternedsurfaces and fundamental understanding into the general friction of coatings. The problem focuses on the effect of a line defect, such as a pattern’s edge, on the lateral force of a sliding soft interface. The line defect presents a discontinuity in the stress at the sliding interface, changing the lateral stiffness and decreasing the sliding force. We relate the decrease in sliding shear force to the changes in lateral stiffness through relationships that account for contact splitting and lateral confinement effects.