The Beginner's Guide to Writing Knitting Patterns: Learn to Write Patterns Others Can Knit

by Kate Atherley

Overview

Create custom knitting patterns to share and sell!

Writing clear, easy-to-follow knitting patterns is easier than you think! In The Beginner's Guide to Writing Knitting Patterns, knitting expert Kate Atherley provides everything you need to know to share your projects with fellow knitters. This one-stop guide includes concrete guidelines with lots of examples on everything from pattern writing basics, to schematics and charts, to handling multiple sizes, establishing a personal style sheet, and more. The book addresses the details of how to create complete, clear and easy-to-use knitting patterns, for any type of design, and for any level of knitter. You'll also find details on:

 • Pattern structure and elements
 • Formatting and layout
 • How to go from test knitting to a final publication
 • Online platforms, processes, and good business practices
 • An introduction to important copyright laws
A basic pattern template and resources are also provided. Whether you're looking to share a project with a close friend or your growing online customer base, The Beginner's Guide to Writing Knitting Patterns is the comprehensive guide that can help you translate your project into a set of instructions that any knitter can follow.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781632504340
Publisher:	Penguin Publishing Group
Publication date:	04/11/2016
Pages:	128
Sales rank:	511,778
Product dimensions:	8.20(w) x 10.70(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

The Managing Technical Editor of Knitty.com, Kate Atherley is the author of Custom Socks and Beyond Knit & Purl, the latter of which was praised as the 21st century's answer to Knitting for Anarchists. Kate regularly teaches at stores and events across North America, including Interweave KnitLab, Yarn Fest, and Vogue Knitting Live. Her work has appeared in many books and magazines.

Editorial Reviews

"Everything a knitter needs to complete a project. An insider's view of pattern design, presented in a surprisingly readable package. There's an abundance of information here, and designers of all skill levels who are interested in improving the structure and presentation of their knitting patterns will gain much from Atherley's expertise." —Library Journal, Starred Review

"Kate provides everything you need to know to share the designs for your knitted creations. All steps are clearly laid out and broken down, and include writing basic patterns, schematics and charts for all types of design and all levels of knitter." —Let's Knit

"A good reference for any knitter who wants to better understand the language of patterns and the experienced designer looking to improve pattern-writing skills." —Yarn Market News

From the Publisher

★ 06/15/2016
As the managing technical editor of the popular online magazine Knitty, Atherley (Custom Socks) knows a thing or two about knitting patterns. Thanks to websites such as Ravelry and Patternfish, it's now possible for fledgling designers to publish their own patterns, often without the benefit of working with an experienced technical editor. This guide provides best practices for structure, writing, and charting knitting designs, with tips for writing instructions that are thorough yet concise, developing charts that are easy to read, and presenting introductory and informational material that contains everything a knitter needs to complete a project. Grading is covered briefly (Atherley refers designers to several in-depth resources for further information), as is graphic design, selling finished patterns or pitching patterns to editors, and copyright. To support her perspective and provide additional opinions, Atherley solicited feedback from a number of knitters, editors, and designers who share their knowledge about knitting-related topics. The result? An insider's view of pattern design, presented in a surprisingly readable package. VERDICT There's an abundance of information here, and designers of all skill levels who are interested in improving the structure and presentation of their knitting patterns will gain much from Atherley's expertise.

Library Journal