Resources for designers

When I started designing, I had no idea how patterns are created. Sure, I have knitted from them, I knew the basic structure, also I was aware that each designer has his (her) own style. I followed the path I always take - I checked if there is a book about it. Sure thing, I quickly found one (see it below). I read it and several first patterns were born (shawls).

Then I decided to move from shawls to children garments - new missing piece of info - how do you write pattern for several sizes? How do you select sizes to write about? Where do you take measurements (it was obvious for me from the beginning that it cannot be done by proportional scaling)?

As I’m progressing as a designer and now also as a technical editor, I find more and more useful resources on my way. So I decided to put them all together - for you and for myself too. Feel free to share with your knitting and designing friends.

knit_mitts_book

All of these resources share one common trait - I tried them, found interesting and useful and I continue to use the in my daily knitting, designing and editing life. Some of them are free (like blog posts) and some of them require some financial investment (as books and courses).

Sizing charts and measurements

Pattern writing

Mittens

Socks

  • Custom Socks: Knit to Fit Your Feet - by Kate Atherley. Same like mittens, it is only resource I use now. I haven’t read it fully yet but it is definitely worth having in your library if you love knitting socks or planning to desing some.

Pullovers and other garments

  • Amy Herzog’s Ultimate Sweater Book: The Essential Guide for Adventurous Knitters - I have currently one sweater design and one cardigan design - both not yet released but for both of them I used Amy’s book for reference. Also, I use it all the time for technical edit!

  • I often also review the patterns from other designers that have similar construction or technical solution I would like to use. For instance, when I started to design round yoke pullover, I went through all round yoke patterns in my Ravelry library, paying special attention to my week points (as grading for bigger sizes), checking and rechecking the increase steps and division across the yoke.

  • also, Melissa from Knitting the Stash has a great review of her favorite sweater design books. Check it out.

Happy knitting,
Kate