7 Things a Great Knitting Pattern Will Have
Knitting & crochet patterns can often be overwhelming. They vary significantly from designer to designer, and it's hard to know which ones you can trust to include the information you need to get the desired result.
One of my biggest pet peeves is patterns that make you do extra math - ever read “increase 6 stitches evenly across the row?"
No thanks.
Your life is already too busy and too complex. Your knitting and crochet patterns should be straightforward, tech-edited, tested, and complete with helpful tips to help you create something you'll enjoy making and treasure wearing.
Here are 7 key components a great knitting or crochet pattern will have.
1| Skill Level
Often overlooked, understanding the skills needed to complete the project is key to enjoying the process. Don't be surprised by techniques you don't know, and make a conscious choice about whether or not this is the pattern where you want to learn them. If not, that's okay! Try a different pattern first, and then come back when you're ready.
2| Measurements & Schematic
Read these sections thoroughly and compare the measurements with your body's measurements. Understanding how the pattern is designed to fit before you start will empower you to make mods where needed or even forgo the pattern entirely if it doesn't suit your size and shape.
3| Yarn Information
Patterns should include yardage and fiber content information *at a minimum*. Better yet, they'll include notes for substitution to create a similar look with a different yarn. If you're making mods to the pattern, you'll need to adjust your yardage requirements. Some designers (like me) can help you calculate this.
4| Gauge
This one seems obvious, but you'd be surprised how many knitters and crocheters skip the gauge swatching process and just start with the recommended yarn and needle size. While you might get lucky and get gauge, you usually won't. Take the time to get gauge.
5| Needles
Rather than focusing on the suggested needle size, I focus on the *type* of needle that is being recommended. Straight, circular, and DPNs can all be used for different purposes throughout the project. Understand which kinds of needles you'll need and why.
6| Stitch Patterns
More pattern designers are including stitch pattern information before you purchase a pattern so that you can swatch and determine how to get the look you want.
7| Contact Information
This is another sneaky one, but I like to look where I can reach out for help if I run into an issue with the pattern. Speaking as a pattern designer, please try to do a Google search first for any terminology or techniques you're unfamiliar with. But if you've found an error, please send those our way! Despite hours of sample knitting, tech editing, and test knitting, you'd be surprised what can still sneak through!
See these instructions in action
Did you know that all KJD patterns include a free PDF download with all the necessary information before buying and casting on? This way, you’ll know that the pattern is right for you, your body, and your lifestyle.
Check out these patterns to see what I mean!
Design Information
Sencillo is the Spanish word for “simple,” and this pullover & tee set is delightfully simple with the right amount of thoughtful details to nail that effortless fit. The easy shape, classic v-neck, and scoop neck options, and casual drop shoulders combine to create a perfect three-season pullover or tee. Knit in a dk-weight cotton & linen blend, you’ll find yourself reaching for the pullover or tee when you just want to look and feel good.
Sencillo is worked flat in pieces from the bottom up with side slits trimmed in garter stitch. Worked in Stockinette stitch, Sencillo features two neck opening options - a classic v-neck that is the perfect depth for summer and a flirty yet functional scoop neck.
Armhole shaping keeps the drop shoulder seam location consistent across the size range. The drop shoulders are shaped with a sloped bind off, and instructions are provided for optional cup shaping with short rows.
Once the pieces are completed, blocked, and seamed, stitches are picked up around the neckline to work the stockinette stitch neckband. There are cleverly placed decreases in the neckband to keep it from rolling.
The summer-friendly samples are knit with Knit Picks CotLin, a 70% cotton, and 30% linen blend dk-weight yarn perfect for spring, summer, and fall wear. Wear the pullover under a denim jacket for cool spring evening walks, or wear the tee over your favorite pair of jeans or shorts for a summer luncheon.
The Pirouette (Purple) sample features short sleeves, cup one bust shaping, and the scoop neck option. The Swan (White) sample features long sleeves, cup one bust shaping, and the v-neck option.
The fall-friendly samples are knit with Purl Soho Knitting Yarn, a 100% merino wool dk-weight yarn that is soft, sturdy, and delightfully springy. You’ll want to wear this sweater on your way to get your favorite latte. Or any day, really.
The North Sea (Navy Blue) sample features short sleeves and the scoop neck option. The Acorn Brown (Brown) sample features long sleeves and the v-neck option.
The Sencillo Pullover & Tee set will be a must-bring wherever you're headed. Please share your progress on Instagram by tagging me @kirstenjoel_designs and using the hashtags #sencillopulloverkjd and #sencilloteekjd. I love to see all of your works in progress and finished projects!
Design Information
The Molsa Cardigan is an ultra-cozy, bottom-up, seamed v-neck cardigan featuring an all-over textured rib pattern worked up quickly in an aran weight yarn. The all-over textured stitch pattern is easy to memorize and adds a lot of depth to what would otherwise be a basic cardigan.
Molsa offers a lot of opportunities for customization - hip or thigh length, optional afterthought pockets, vertical or horizontal button band - so you’re guaranteed to knit a version that fits perfectly into your wardrobe.
The cardigan is worked flat, back & forth in rows from the hem to the shoulders with set-in sleeve shaping for the armholes. Comfortable sleeves allow for easy winter layering. Once the cardigan pieces are completed and blocked, stitches are picked up around the front opening to work either a horizontal or attached vertical buttonband.
The cream hip-length version as shown is knit with Knit Picks Simply Wool Aran and the attached vertical buttonband. The grey thigh-length version as shown is knit with Quince & Co Osprey with afterthought pockets and the horizontal button band.
Wear Molsa at home snuggled in front of the fire or wear it on a quick trip to the grocery store to pick up some hot cocoa mix for a fun afternoon treat with the kiddos. However you wear it, the Molsa Cardigan will be a delightful addition to your everyday handmade wardrobe.
Please share your progress on Instagram by tagging me @kirstenjoel_designs and using the hashtag #molsacardigankjd. I love to see all of your works in progress and finished projects!
Design Information
Your Slipover is a bottom-up, seamed vest featuring an allover mock cable pattern, split side seams, and classic 1x1 ribbing at the hem, armholes, and neckband. Your Slipover is worked flat, back and forth in rows from the hem to the shoulders. The classic armhole shaping leaves room for movement and the high crew neck is flattering while allowing for multiple layering options.
Once the slipover is completed and blocked, stitches are picked up around the neckline and armholes to work the 1x1 ribbing.
The sample is knit with Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Worsted, a 100% Peruvian wool yarn that is perfect for all your cold weather layering needs. You’ll find yourself pairing this with high waisted jeans, pencil skirts, and chic trousers for office wear over a delicate blouse.
With its classic stitch pattern and comfortable fit, Your Slipover will be a thoughtful addition to your everyday handmade wardrobe.
Please share your progress on Instagram by tagging me @kirstenjoel_designs and using the hashtag #yourslipover. I love to see all of your works in progress and finished projects!
