The element pattern reconstruction method is proposed to calibrate the mutual coupling effect of adaptive arrays. The new method is characterized by the wide adaptability for element structures and high accurate calibration of mutual coupling effects. In the development of the new method, the relationship between the element patterns in the isolated state and those in the embedded state is established, and the calibration matrix is obtained by transforming the element patterns of the array. Two compact arrays composed of dipoles and microstrip antennas are designed to testify the effectiveness of the new method. For both arrays, more accurate DOA estimations are obtained due to the element pattern reconstruction method.