25 STEPS TO DESIGNING A KNITWEAR PATTERN
Opt-in here + signup to my newsletter to get a FREE printable PDF checklist!
PIN THIS TO READ LATER!
I always have to giggle when I hear people mentioning that pattern writing is easy and how it can quickly be done. I think even think as designers we forget half the stuff we do to make our patterns a success. So I thought it would be fun to put a list together of just a “few” thangs we designers do to not only create the perfect pattern, but make sure it’s a hit!
Ready for a start to finish checklist? Let’s go!
1) Come up with an idea
Find the yarn
Find the inspo for the piece
2) Make the idea out of yarn and needles
Choose needle/hook sizes + yarn
Gauge swatch, block that gauge swatch
Calculate cast on number
Cast on and actually knit
Trouble shoot as you go
Frog any mistakes until you cry, and restart again
3) Write the pattern
I personally use the notes in my phone as I go along, but I know some people love writing it into a notebook etc
APPS USED: Notes in my phone for writing down the pattern as I go and design, then I transfer it into PowerPoint.
4) Grade for multiple sizes or pay a grader
APPS USED: I go off of Craft Yarn Council standards, and then I either do the math by pen or paper, or by Microsoft Excel!
5) Take Photos
Find the perfect setting
Ensure you have ample light
Book that photographer or “Instagram husband”
Choose model or yourself
APPS Used: My DSLR camera or iPhone
6) Edit said photos
APPS USED: Lightroom with my favourite presets (I sadly don’t give out my preset info, as it’s so personalized). But photoshot, snap see, Color Story, VSCO are great apps
7) Put into a downloadable PDF format
Making sure to stay in brand, add title and small details
APPS USED: PowerPoint, save it as a PDF
8) Edit pattern
Grammar, punctuation, mathematical errors
Pay for a tech editor
9) Call for Pattern testers
Use a service like cognito forms (pay monthly)
Create spreadsheet for answers
Include policies
APPS USED: Cognito Forms (I pay $10 a month for more data here), or Google forms works as well!
10) Choose pattern testers
Read all emails
Select per body measurements, skill level and social media channels
Craft email with rules and regulations and stipulations
APPS USED: Gmail
11) Help Pattern testers
Could range between 1 week to multiple months
Give 24/7 help and assistance
APPS USED: Email + Instagram group threads
12) Market pattern release
Sneak peeks as you make
Posts showing whole item during pattern tester call
Sneak peeks of testers in weeks before launch
APPS USED: Instagram, newsletter list, Facebook etc
13) Take all pattern tester notes
Compile, check yardages, check grammar suggestions, input into actual downloadable PDF
14) Prep Pintrest pin
APPS USED: Lightroom for photos, and then Canva
15) Write blog post
Edit it
Place spots for listing links, affiliate links, Pinterest pins
APPS USED: Website
16) Make listings
Etsy, Ravelry, Love knitting, own website
APPS USED: Etsy, Ravelry, Love Knitting, website
17) Make a discount for newsletter
APPS USED: Etsy + Ravelry
18) BREATHE!
19) Add listing links to blog post
20) Make a newsletter
Include listing links, blog links and edited photos
APPS USED: FloDesk (Feel free to use the coupon code: KNITATUDE to get the monthly price from $39/MO. down to $19/MO. with no subscriber cap!)
21) Publish blog post
Quickly pin Pinterest pin by grabbing blog link and pinning
Add that pin link back into blog post
APPS USED: Tailwind, website, Pinterest
22) Schedule + publish newsletter
APPS USED: FloDesk
23) Launch pattern on all social media channels
APPS USED: Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest
24) Track income
APPS USED: Excel, Gmail
25) Continue to market pattern
Showcase pattern tester photos
Showcase and pump knitters creating pattern
Repost weeks after, reminding audience of pattern launch
APPS USED: Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, newsletter
Whoooeee that’s a lot! Now redo and repeat for your next pattern!
What steps do you add to your pattern launch? I would love to know!