The Knitting Pattern Writing Handbook How to Write Great Patterns that Knitters Will Love to Make

by McGrath, Kristina; Walworth, Sarah; Danoy, Francoise

• ISBN13: 9781635866247
• ISBN10: 1635866243
• eBook ISBN(s): 9781635866254
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2023-10-31
• Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC
• More Book Details
• Purchase Benefits

Summary

Take your knitting knowledge to the next level with this helpful guidebook from two professional knitting tech editors that sets much-needed standards for writing clear, accurate instructions—perfect for those interested in writing and selling original patterns.

Knitting patterns are notorious for inaccuracies in measurements and confusing directions—but no more! The Knitting Pattern Writing Handbook sets new standards for clear, accurate pattern writing, walking aspiring and experienced designers alike through each must-have component of a thorough, well-written pattern, including how to devise and present gauge, charts, and sizing information that is correct and easy-to-follow. With a focus on how to make patterns accessible to contemporary knitters—especially beginning knitters—this much-needed reference book is destined to become a classic in an industry that is beginning to professionalize after decades (even centuries!) of informal and home-based instruction. With 90,000 patterns being sold annually on the popular knitting community site Ravelry, there's a burgeoning group of indie knitwear designers eager for this guidance, provided by authors Kristina McGrath and Sarah Walworth, who host a monthly live broadcast on the technical aspect of knitting design.

 

Author Biography

Kristina McGrath discovered knitting in 2007. Combining her enthusiasm for the craft with being a word geek, she started a knitting tech editing business in 2017, editing books and working with over 75 designers as well as multiple yarn companies. She writes articles on her website about pattern writing, tech editing, and design for knitting designers. She can be found online at www.kristinamcgrath.com.
 

Sarah Walworth has been knitting since she was a child. Since 2016, she has worked with more than 80 independent knitwear designers and yarn companies. She is the owner of the Tech Editor Hub (www.thetecheditorhub.com), which offers online courses for fiber designers and technical editors. She is active in her local knitting guild in Dallas and teaches knitting classes at a local yarn shop. She can be found online at www.sarahwalworth.com.
 

Table of Contents

Foreword by Francoise Danoy
Introduction

1  Foundations of a Good Knitting Pattern
Ensure It Is Correct
Be Clear
Be Concise
Ensure It Is Consistent
Establish Your Style
Checklist
Questions and Answers

2  Components of a Pattern
The Essential Elements
Formatting Your Pattern
Accessibility Guidelines
Checklist
Questions and Answers

3  Gauge
Understanding Gauge
Swatch Large, Swatch Smart
Communicate Gauge Effectively
Checklist
Questions and Answers

4  Charts
Know Your Knitters
Make It Accessible
Make It Clear
Include a Key
In the Round and Flat
Check Stitch Counts
Number Consistently
Make It Fit
Match the Sample
Right-Side View
Ensure the Chart Is Readable
Checklist
Questions and Answers

5  Sizing
Good Designs Start with Good Sizing
Ensure Accurate Measurements
Practice Size Inclusivity
Checklist
Questions and Answers

6  Common Sweater Pitfalls
Necklines and Shoulders
Armhole Depth
Body and Sleeve Lengths and Girths
Upper-Arm Measurements
Cuffs That Fit
Checklist
Questions and Answers

7  Working with a Tech Editor
What Is Tech Editing?
Your Relationship with Your Tech Editor
The Hiring Process
Checklist
Questions and Answers

Glossary 
Further Reading
Resources
Appendix A: Sample Style Sheet
Appendix B: Pre-edit Pattern Checklist
Appendix C: Tech Tip Talk Sizing Standards
Acknowledgments
Index