Welcome to my A to Z of top tips for pattern writers, designers and tech editors. Over the course of the year I will be sharing my top tips to help elevate your pattern writing, widen your tech editing skills and grow your business in general.
These tips for blogging are designed to help you improve your business foundations and help you engage with, and grow your audience.
Making your knit/crochet patterns easy to visualise
Let's continue with the letter C.
C is for Construction
One of the biggest things that can put someone off from choosing a knit or crochet pattern is that they simply can't work out when it begins or ends, or how the individual pieces are joined up to become one. This issue can be easily avoided by following my tips below, to make sure that your pattern is clear and informative, so that your customers know exactly what they are doing. This will help you to build trust with your followers, so that they are more likely to become returning customers.
Tip #1: In order to give your customers the very best experience of your knitting and crochet patterns, you can very easily help them to visualise the method of construction. It only takes a short paragraph, yet it can elevate your pattern from being good, to being really great.
What do I include in the Construction section of a pattern?
Tip #2: You will need to include information such as where the piece begins, or the direction of work, or how pieces are joined together, so that your customers can visualise the process of making.
Tip #3: Add a bullet point or paragraph to explain where the project begins, for example:
These socks are knitted from the cuff down to the toe (often called cuff-down socks)
Or
These socks are knitted from the toe, up to the cuff (often called toe-up socks).
Or for a toy:
The pieces are made separately using the amigurumi method of crochet, by working in a spiral without joining each round. Individual pieces are sewn together at the end.
Tip #4: As well as explaining that pieces are sewn together, include the specific method of sewing. If it is essential to use a specific method, such as Mattress Stitch, make sure you highlight this so that your reader can practise if they need to.
Tip #5: As well as including a construction section at the beginning of your pattern, also add the details to the start of each piece so that it's more prominent. Lots of people do skip the intro sections of a pattern, so at least they will see it when they are following the pattern itself.
Tip #6: Include illustrations where possible, to show clearly the individual pieces (as if they are set out on a flat surface) then add arrows to show where they join.
For a shawl, or a garment worked sideways, it would also be helpful to use an arrow to show the direction of working.
Illustrations can also be hand drawn, using simple outlines, so you don't need to invest in expensive software. The main goal is to make your patterns easy to follow and visualise, and a hand drawn illustration is just as effective as using computer software, and can also add an element of individuality and warmth to your patterns too.
I hope you have found these tips useful for you pattern writing.
If you're a tech editor and you feel that patterns you are working on could benefit from these elements too, then add a polite suggestion to your client, when you provide your tech editing comments.
Two years of knit/crochet content
If you are stuck with ideas for blogging and/or newsletters, I have the perfect solution in my e-book called "Seven Steps To Content Creation' which provides:
Two year's worth of themes and ideas;
A step-by-step guide on how to implement your content for the week;
Helpful tips on how to create wining content around your chosen theme;
A printable tick list template to use week after week.
Click the image below to find out more. It's currently half price and a bargain at just £5.:
Join my private Facebook Group for Designers and Tech Editors
I have a growing Facebook group for knitting and crochet designers and tech editors where I share more tips and helpful advice for your knit/crochet business. You're welcome to join by clicking the button below and don't forget to answer the joining questions so that I can accept you.