Read more
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.
List 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
About the author
Kristina McGrath worked in the fiber arts industry as a knitting technical editor and consultant, championing designer voice, the power of consistent pattern style, and fat-positive and size-inclusive design.
She co-authored
The Knitting Pattern Writing Handbook with Sarah Walworth; together they created Tech Tip Talk, a platform for knitting designers with videos and resources to elevate the art of pattern writing and garment fit.
She is committed to clear and honest patterns that deliver on their promise to the knitter, which is the central focus of her work.
https://kristinamcgrath.com/
Sarah Walworth is an expert knitting technical editor, pattern grader, and ghostwriter. She runs The Tech Editor Hub, a collaborative educational community for yarn pattern editors, and co-authored
The Knitting Pattern Writing Handbook with Kristina McGrath. Sarah is completely enamored by the endless creative potential in fiber and textiles, and she firmly believes every pattern should fit every size body and fit them well.
When not knitting, you'll find her wandering outside or on the couch with a dog, working through a large stack of books and several cups of coffee. She almost always writes in the margins.
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.
Foreword
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.
