The Knitting Pattern Writing Handbook
By Kristina McGrath and Sarah Walworth
Well written, concise, easy to follow, and very thorough information that will be useful for those who would like to write patterns for hand knit creations. I started knitting when I was nine and have now over sixty years of knitting experience. My knitting has included creating a sweater using the measurements a body builder gave me, making baby blankets and scarves and sweaters and more. I remember my first cable knit sweater and the fact that the adult in charge did not have us make gauges so the sweater ended up being doll sized instead of something I could wear. This book in the hands of someone designing and writing patterns would be a blessing.
The seven chapters are clearly labeled in bold type with subheadings underneath. Each chapter has a checklist and Q&A at the end.
* Foundations of a good knitting pattern includes information on being correct, clear, concise and consistent then goes on to mention establishing your style
* Components of a pattern starts with essential elements, moves on to formatting patterns, and ends with accessibility guidelines
* Gauge is essential and can make or break a knitting project. This chapter gives information on understanding what a gauge is, discusses the size of swatch to make for best results, and explains how to communicate gauge effectively to the person using the pattern you create
* Charts are something not always easy to use but then written directions that are not precise are also a problem. This chapter mentions knowing your knitters, make patterns accessible, make it clear, charts for round and flat knitting projects, stich count checks, number consistently, fit, and a few other things including that you ensure the chart is readable
* Sizing: good designs start with good sizing, ensure accurate measurements, practice size inclusivity – this section is interesting and mentions including patterns for all sizes of people
* Common sweater pitfalls hits things like necklines and shoulders, armhole depth, body and sleeve lengths and girths, upper arm measurements, cuffs that fit – thinking about the measurements I neede to make the body builder’s sweater…those biceps, the neck, and the chest to trim waist proved a bit of a challenge but I felt accomplished when I finished
* Working with a tech editor provided good reasons for using a tech editor, the relationship you should create with the person and the best way to find and hire one
* Glossary, further reading, resources and appendices, acknowledgements and an index are at the end of the book.
The illustrations were hand drawn and perfect. Checklists easy to read. Q&A interesting and informative. I found the information on blocking interesting, too. This is not the book I thought it would be but I did enjoy reading it and found the information helpful.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storey Publishing for the ARC – this is my honest review.
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.
