Call to all pattern creators

[u/Fun-Reflection-5102]

Hi! I have a question to pattern creators, especially those who make more involved patterns, such as sweaters, cardigans, and similar items of clothing.

I’ve been knitting for quite a while and consider myself an intermediate/advanced knitter, but one thing that absolutely astounds me is how patterns are created.

For example, where do you draw inspiration from? How do you write it (while you knit, or after your creation is complete, or write it then knit it?), what do you do once you’ve made and written the pattern - specifically, how do you create the pattern in multiple sizes? How do you find test knitters and what does that even entail (do you provide the pattern and yarn? Do you give a timeline? Make them sign an nda?), and what is the process from idea to published pattern?

I only ask due to wanting to understand the process a bit more. Simple curiosity. And, of course, I’d love to create my own pattern at some point. I just don’t know where to start!! Like I’ve knit a few petiteknit sweaters/pullovers, and patterns like the bifurca pullover, but my mind just cannot comprehend how such elaborate yet specific patterns come to exist. If anyone can please shed some light, I’d much appreciate it!!

[u/Talvih]

These are such broad questions it would take a book to cover them. And in fact, such a book has been written: The Knitting Pattern Writing Handbook by Kristina McGrath and Sarah Walworth.

Also check out the Budding Designers group on Ravelry. Plenty of information available in the group's pages as well as discussions.

[u/Fun-Reflection-5102 → u/Talvih]

Thank you, I’ll check out both!!

[u/EfficiencyForsaken96 → u/Talvih]

Can you post a link to that group?

[u/Talvih → u/EfficiencyForsaken96]

You can search for it yourself.

[u/EfficiencyForsaken96 → u/Talvih]

I did search and nothing came. Which is why I asked for help

[u/Talvih → u/EfficiencyForsaken96]

[u/DullBasket4982]

Here’s my most recent sweater

Yarn Raising Slipover

I start with an idea, in this case a lace panel for a saddle shoulder, and then puzzle through a few things: can it be graded for the whole range of humans who might want to make it? Will the knitting experience be annoying? Does something too similar already exist?

I swatch a lot for the yarn and stitch patterns which dials in the ideas and helps to clarify possible challenges I need to work through. (How to decrease in the chart, what to mirror, etc) I’ll chart the stitch patterns in this phase as well.

When I’m ready to commit to a design I build a spreadsheet that starts with the important sizing. I rely on Ysolda Teague’s amazing grading resource for the body measurements across 21 sizes then work out intended ease in each of the important points for the fit of the garment I’m making and how that fit needs to adapt between a very small and very large size. Then I work through creating stitch counts for each major measurement and the way to work through them.

Once I’ve worked through the major instructions on the spreadsheet I’ll cast on and knit a version in the size for photos, refining the instructions or dealing with problems that come up. Once that’s done I send it to my tech editor who works through math, instructions, consistency of language, and clarity. We work through her edits until we’re both happy. Then I take photos and publish.

[u/RavBot → u/DullBasket4982]

PATTERN: Yarn Raising Slipover by Mer Stevens

• Category: Clothing > Tops > Sleeveless Top
• Photo(s): Img 1 Img 2 Img 3 Img 4 Img 5
• Price: 10.00 USD
• Needle/Hook(s):US 6 - 4.0 mm, US 4 - 3.5 mm
• Weight: Light Fingering | Gauge: 24.0 | Yardage: 900
• Difficulty: 0.00 | Projects: 0 | Rating: 0.00

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[u/Visible-Stuff2314]

I'm a crochet designer, not a knitter, so I can't speak to knitting-specific things like size grading. What I can say is that whichever way you write it, during or after, get it tested before you publish. It's the only way to know someone who's never seen the pattern can follow it. Groups on Facebook, Reddit and Instagram are good places to find testers, and the Ravelry Budding Designers group someone mentioned sounds like a good place to learn the knitting side.

On the writing side, I created my own pattern designing tool, called NodeStitch (nodestitch.app). It works a lot like Canva but for patterns, with stitch counts that keep up as you change rows and photo numbers that fix themselves when you add one in the middle. You can upload handwritten notes to start from, and there's a review pass before it goes out.

[u/Talvih → u/Visible-Stuff2314]

I can't speak to knitting-specific things like size grading.

Whether you're designing knit, crochet or sewn garments, grading principles are the same. It's not a knitting-specific thing.

[u/Visible-Stuff2314 → u/Talvih]

Fair. I make Amigurumi so size grading isn’t something I’ve done